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02/05/2020 07:17 AMColt Taylor, owner of The Essex Restaurant and Los Churros Cantina Restaurants, has been named the new president of the Essex Board of Trade (EBOT), taking over the leadership spot from former longserving president Amy D’Alessio.
“Colt is really amazing,” said D’Alessio. “We are so lucky to have him. We are always grateful to have someone step up for this position, because it is a lot of work.”
She added, “It’s been a while since we have had a restaurateur in this position so it’s great to have Colt. He has a lot of new ideas and great energy.”
After honing his craft outside the area, Colt moved back to his home town of Essex 2 ½ years ago to help his family, after his mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He then decided to open his own place here—his restaurants are located at 30 Main Street in Centerbrook, The Essex in the front and Los Charros through the back entrance—and has found success with his constantly evolving, locally sourced food.
“It’s all about energy and letting people in the community and beyond know about what we have here, and what we offer,” Taylor said. “We are pushing the envelope of what our town brings to the table.”
One of Taylor’s main objectives as EBOT president is to market Essex as a united town, versus three individual villages.
“We are one town, 6,000 people strong, and we need support local and continue to make this whole town a wonderful place for people to come and visit,” said Taylor. “I have seen a wave of growth in Essex since I’ve been here and I am looking to keep that going and encourage our wonderful local community to continue to invest in the constant growth of Essex’s small businesses, while at the same time working to preserve the history and beauty that makes this town so special.”
Taylor’s professional reputation extends past the Essex business community. He was recently highlighted in Connecticut Magazine as one the top 40 under 40 in the state.
EBOT, founded in 1999, includes approximately 130 members, who work together to maintain Essex, care for its storefronts, and create events including the Essex Ed Ground Hog Day Parade and the Trees in Rigging holiday event.
More information about EBOT is available at essexct.com/board-of-trade.