Moja Cafe In Westport Closes Its Doors After 8 Months

WESTPORT, Conn. — Moja Cafe, a South American-Asian fusion restaurant that opened at 12 Wilton Road in Westport, has closed its doors for good after only eight months, its owner said.

Moja Cafe, which was located at 12 Wilton Road in Westport, has closed. Owner Tom Linell said ongoing construction next to the restaurant hurt business.
Photo Credit: *Liana Sonenclar*

by Vanessa Inzitari

08/15/2013 2:30 p.m.

"Moja is closed forever," owner Tom Linell said Thursday. The restaurant closed this week.

The restaurant, which opened in December, is located in the National Hall complex overlooking the Saugatuck River. The complex is anchored by the former Inn at National Hall, which is currently undergoing construction and renovations.

Linell said the prolonged construction, happening right next to the restaurant, is why Moja had to close.

“Construction and upkeep of the [National Hall] building destroyed business. I should have waited until it all was done" before opening, Linell said. “[Construction] has been delayed over a year now from what I was originally told.”

Moja specialized in South American and Asian fusion cuisine, including Colombian-style arepas and kones — temaki sushi-inspired wraps filled with meat or seafood. The restaurant, which featured an outdoor eating area, also served a wide variety of sake.

Moja was the first restaurant to open in the National Hall complex as part of its approved revitalization. In 2010, Greenfield Partners, a Norwalk-based commercial real estate firm, purchased the National Hall building and several other buildings in the complex, including 6, 12 and 20 Wilton Road. The firm is in the process of transforming the National Hall building to house retail and restaurant space, along with its corporate headquarters.

In June, bartaco, a beach-themed taqueria, opened next to Moja at 20 Wilton Road.

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