‍Joylark Plant Kitchen & Bar Prepares to Open in Fairfield, CT
New Restaurant, Gathering Place, and Juice Bar
Finds Joy in Food that is Honest, Flavorful, and Comforting

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November 5, 2025, Fairfield, CT: Joylark Plant Kitchen & Bar recently introduced its bold and beautifulrestaurant to food enthusiasts in the charming town of Fairfield, CT.

 

Executive Chef Jenna McPartland is the heart and mind behind Joylark, an all-day dining destination blending modern plant-based ingredients with welcoming old-school hospitality. Her love of cooking is matched only by her love of people, and reflects her belief that communities are built around food.  

 

Prior to her leap into the culinary world, Chef McPartland attended The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and performed as a mezzo soprano.  But life took a turn when her first husband perished in the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001, eventually leading her through life as a young mother to her calling as a chef. Her culinary career began as an earnest home cook and was solidified upon graduating from The Natural Gourmet Institute in New York in 2015.  Chef McPartland operated The Stand in Westport from 2019 to 2023 and is now excited to share her passion for elegant, approachable cuisine, beautiful décor, and warm hospitality through Joylark Kitchen. 

 

Formerly Craft 260, the space has been transformed into a stunning work of art designed by local firm Thiel Architecture + Design, which has taken maximalism to a new level. The 2,500-square-foot restaurant is divided between the dining room (50 seats), bar, and casual café, with additional seating on the outdoor patio (30 seats). Inspired by the promise of adventurous dining, the Joylark environment is rich in patterns, textures, colors, and unexpected touches: soothing sage green walls and Art Deco-inspired bistro flooring set off moments filled with color. A bright blue banquette is anchored by a wall replete with peacocks. Cozy date nooks are wrapped in glimmering golden walls. “The Birdcage” offers intimate plum colored seating in an aviary lit by a spectacular dandelion chandelier. The bar is a moody eggplant-drenched oasis.

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Joylark is an all-day dining concept. Chef McPartland teases full-bodied flavor from approachable ingredients while matching the tastes of Connecticut’s Gold Coast.  The deep, comforting flavor of the Roasted Beets and Apples starter, tossed with sherry vinaigrette, is accented with a bright touch of fermented crema and the crunch of pistachios, while the Truffle and Whey Bucatini is an indulgent play on a traditional Cacio e Pepe - best enjoyed with a “Rusty Sidecar” or glass of Gruet Brut from the art-deco inspired bar. But the joy doesn’t stop at dinner.  Arrive early for Sunday Brunch for the Marzipan French Toast, drenched in amaretto crème anglaise and caramelized apples, or the Temple Omelet with golden oyster and cremini mushrooms, baby spinach, and sambal brownbutter sauce.  Or stop by during the day for a Banh Mi (really, the perfect sandwich), a Banana Noir smoothie, and take a few muffins and cookies on your way back home. 

 

The beverage program shines with a vibrant selection of bold and creative cocktails, mocktails, “Elixirs, Fizzes,& Blends.” Sustainably crafted premium spirits are featured, as seen in the Bronson Mule, shaken with Dutch Barn Orchardvodka, lemon, ginger syrup, carrot, pineapple syrup, and topped with soda. Joylark will be making its mark on the local food scene with a selection of Hard Smoothies, a spirited riff on a juice bar favorite. “In The Garden” blends cucumber, avocado, kale, apple, pink salt, and lemon with a glug of Calendamezcal. Lemon ginger agua fresca and hibiscus iced tea offer zero-proof refreshment, along with freshly made juices (add supplements, seeds, nut butters, protein powders, etc.), herbal teas, and popular coffee bar beverages, plus healthy options such as the North Woods Latte, made with a superfood mushroom blend.

 

At Joylark, the guest experience is central to everything, whether you’re dining in or just grabbing a cappuccino.  From the playful décor to anticipating guests' needs, Joylark aims to elevate every guest's day.  You’ll never see a server flash a screen at your table or leave you wondering what’s next. Warm hospitality reigns supreme throughout your stay – even if you’re only staying long enough to pick up an order to go.  Joylark is inspired by fine dining, but with a modern sensibility of genuine connection and a splash of fun. 

 

“Equally enjoyable for everyday dining and special occasions, Joylark wants to show you a good time,” beams ChefMcPartland.

 

Joylark Kitchen is excited to offer its Happy Body-Mind Juice Cleanse, a carefully curated program designed to detoxify, nourish, and rejuvenate your body from the inside out. Juices (16 oz)are 100% organic, all made in-house, and prepared fresh each morning. 1,3, and 5-day juice cleanses are available.

 

“Juicing isn’t just for vegans. Even the most disciplined among us need a little reset now and then,” says ChefMcPartland, “We’re here to make your juice cleanse reset experience a convenient, satisfying, and revitalizing one.”

 

260 Post Road Fairfield, CT 06820
www.joylarkkitchen.com

Hours:
Monday –Thursday: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 7:00AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00AM – 8:00 PM

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