About Us
Why the Benjamin?
The restaurant is named after America’s most famous founding father, Benjamin Franklin. While he was pinnacle in America’s birth, he also became the first ambassador to France and traveled all throughout Europe to promote the new nation. While on his trips abroad, he would wine and dine with the best of them and when he returned, he would bring back the culture, food and wine, and share it with our new nation. The Benjamin reflects that bridged gap between America and other worldly cultures.
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Behind The Scenes with our Team
Local restaurateurs Rob Moss, Dave Studwell and BJ Lawless who own and operate Washington Prime and BJ Ryan’s Restaurant Group in Norwalk. The trio has won several restaurant and hospitality awards over their past 20+ years in the industry.
The Design & Feel
The Benjamin boasts a stylish and inviting interior, decorated in a calming gray and seafoam blueish-green palette with natural woods and stone to give it dimension. Colorful accents from beautiful floral blooms adorn the banquets connecting the interior to the beautiful gardens outside on the property. The artwork features colorful Warhol-type Franklins, which pop in contrast to the faux oil paintings depicting scenes from the Revolutionary War. The space plays to the colonial heritage that is historic in Ridgefield, while bringing the interiors into the modern and chic era. The restaurant and bar seats 180 guests in the 6,000 square feet building.
The main level features a large open bar with fireplace, two dining areas and high-top seats. The upstairs has a large dining area, a small bar, an outdoor deck that seats 24 people overlooking the majestic gardens, and a temperature-controlled wine room. Whether it’s dinner for 6 or a wedding for 200 guests, The Benjamin is equipped to handle all types of events.
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Recent Awards
- Best New Restaurant 'Experts Pick ' for 2024 for CT Magazine
- Best Dessert 'Experts Pick' for 2024 for CT Magazine
- Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2024