Josh LaBella
Voice Reporter
Down the street from the University of New Haven, on Campbell Avenue., Blue Horse hosted its official grand opening last Friday.
While the bar officially opened April 19, the grand opening included a ribbon-cutting by Mayor Nancy Rossi. The owner of Blue Horse, Tara Severino, said she wanted to open the bar for two reasons.
“The Chargers from the University of New Haven did not have any good place [bars in walking distance] to go,” said Severino. “We also thought this [the building] was a great space and it was large enough.”
Severino said she wanted college students and residents to be able to come to a unique and family place to enjoy their time. She added they are looking to have fun and “controlled chaos.”
The bars large menu, written on a chalk board on the wall, had a section called “broke college kids” with cheap food priced from $2 to $5 in addition to the usual food that can be found at a bar.
Severino said business has been good so far and she wants to keep it going. She said they have different bands every Saturday night and different themed events on other days.
The owner said she would like to hear any type of feedback – positive or negative to see what people like.
According to Severino, who coached sports in West Haven for 15 years, she wants to give back to the community. She said in 2011 she was in a gas explosion and the people of the city rallied around her and hosted a fundraiser.
“Even when I had my second accident, I had a cardiac arrest five years later, the community was so supportive and they really welcomed us into West Haven when we moved in,” said Severino. “So I want to return the favor.”