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Thank you!
Charlie’s Place would like to shout out and the biggest “THANK YOU” to all of you! Because of your votes we were voted #1 for Best Wings, #1 Best Happy Hour and our very own Lori Miller #2 Best Bartender in The Days Best of the Best readers choice awards! We are honored that out of all of the contestants, you chose us! We are proud of this crew and all of the hard work put in to bringing you all great food, drinks and service.
Catering
About the Owner
Meet Roderick Cornish
Rod Cornish is a native of New London Connecticut on May 21, 1965. He is a father to his son Roen Hendrix, and for the last 15 years has owned and operated a local favorite restaurant Hot Rod Cafe, known for its award winning chicken wings and fun atmosphere.
Prior to owning a restaurant, Rod's background was almost the complete opposite. Rod earned his Master of Business Administration and went on to work in Finance and Human Resources at several well-known firms in Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York including General Foods, GE capital, and Merrill Lynch.
In 2001 after the tragic events of 9/11, Rod decided to take a year off and left the corporate world to travel and learn. He returned from New York City to his hometown of New London, CT, and then traveled for around three months in Europe, mainly Sevilla, Spain. While abroad, the decision was. made to not return to the corporate life and to pursue opening a bar and restaurant.
He enrolled in a local adult education program in Culinary Arts at Grasso Tech, where he learned cooking skills and was taken under the wing of Chef Mario Longo who believed in his dream to open his own place. After finishing the program, Rod delved into the business of learning the industry by working for others for several years bartending, working in kitchens, and waitering
Finally, in December of 2005, Rod opened Hot Rod Cafe, which quickly became known for having great wings, beer and atmosphere. About a year later, Chef Carlos Paucer joined the team and brought the menu up to a new level, winning many awards for Hot Rod Cafe including a trophy in the National Buffalo Wing Competition!
Rod's legacy continues in Niantic Connecticut at Charlies Place Restaurant.
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