About nine years ago Craig and Jenn Lawlor were expecting a baby – at the same time they were “giving birth” to a brand-new restaurant. They christened their little girl Phinley and liked the name well enough to apply it to their new business. Since 2010, Phinley’s has become a familiar name in the restaurant sector, not only in Stratford, but right across the Island.
“Certainly, a lot of that name recognition is a result of the big Burger Love win in 2013,” says Craig. “The Smokin’ Fox really put us on the map and drew customers from all over.”
While the 2019 entry into the big burger competition is still a deep dark secret, Craig could tell us that it might have a hint of New Orleans flair to it!
Phinley’s changes up the menu each year or so, but the offerings are designed to appeal to their regular customers, made up of Stratford families, workers in the area and seniors. The site is very accessible with excellent parking and the 91-seat restaurant is all on one level. Not surprisingly the restaurant is also very popular with sports teams. With eight variations on burgers everyone can find one they like; but soups, salads, pasta and breakfast items round out the selection, meaning the restaurant is quite busy from opening at 9 am right up to close at 8 pm. About 34 people are employed in peak summer season, including some students working their very first job at Phinley’s on-site dairy bar. Craig does see an ongoing need for staff, especially trained kitchen staff.
Craig Lawlor was born and raised in Stratford and feels strongly about the great opportunities in the town and has invested accordingly.
Think! Stratford and read about other local businesses in your community, here.
