ConnCon 25.2: Connecticut Teams Up with University of New Haven Students to Launch New Culinary Trail and Explores Next-Gen Travel Trends
[HARTFORD, CT, May 12, 2025]— Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism is bringing its forward-thinking ConnCon 2025series to Bridgeport on Tuesday, May 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Foolproof Brewery (800 Union Ave., Bridgeport). This quarterly event brings together the state’s tourism partners to exchange ideas, unpack trends, and examine the cultural forces shaping the next generation of visitors.
ConnCon 25.2 will spotlight the launch of a brand-new culinary tourism trail, Connecticut Taste-Train: Cultural Eats Along Connecticut’s Rail Line, a student-created initiative featuring diverse, independently owned restaurants within easy reach of the state’s rail system. Featuring nearly 50 restaurants within walking distance of 17 train stations—from Stamford to Hartford—the trail invites visitors to explore Connecticut’s cultural neighborhoods stop by stop.
Restaurants were thoughtfully selected for their cultural significance, unique cuisine, neighborhood representation, and proximity to train stations—ensuring an authentic, diverse culinary journey. Standout destinations include Cinnamon Grille in New London—the only Sri Lankan restaurant in New England, Kung Fu Kitchen in New Haven, and Super Taqueria Las Salsas in Bridgeport, each offering a delicious entry point into the state’s global food scene.
The trail was created by University of New Haven Hospitality & Tourism Management students through a competitive capstone challenge led by Dr. Jan Jones. The winning team—Risako Umekuni, Anthony Zambri-Moran, and Mansi Patel—will see their idea come to life, when it debuts on CTvisit.com with interactive maps.
“This is exactly what happens when you hand the mic to fresh thinkers,” said Rachel Lenda, Director of Tourism. “These students didn’t just create a trail—they tapped into what’s resonating with the next generation of travelers. It’s smart, it’s relevant, and it shows just how powerful partnerships with our state’s campuses and communities can be when we’re open to bold ideas.”
The event will also recognize the runner-up trail concept, Espresso and Explore: Fuel Up Before Your Next Adventure, created by students Krista Luongo, Lucy Sanelli, and Isabella Zukowski, which will also be featured on CTvisit.com as a seasonal highlight.
“Experiential learning is at the heart of our academic mission,” said Dr. Jan Jones, Senior Professor and Program Coordinator of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the University of New Haven. “Our students weren’t just doing a class project—they were solving a real challenge with real-world impact. Watching their ideas take shape beyond the classroom and become part of the state’s tourism strategy is incredibly rewarding—not just for them, but for all of us who believe in the power of collaboration and creativity.”
ConnCon 25.2 is presented in partnership with the City of Bridgeport, University of New Haven, and Foolproof Brewery.
The event will conclude with a lively panel discussion moderated by Connecticut Statewide Marking & Tourism Creative Director Morgan Nyerick, exploring the behaviors, motivations, and digital influences shaping how Gen Z and Gen Alpha travel. Confirmed panelists include:
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Anthony Zambri-Moran, Hospitality & Tourism Student, University of New Haven
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Natalie Calletano, Tourism Influencer, Nataliex Travels
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Christopher Solla Jr. Sales & Marketing Coordinator, The Heritage Hotel
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Amelia Antonucci, Project Engineer, Bigelow Tea.
Links to Trails and Maps
Connecticut Taste-Train: Cultural Eats Along Connecticut’s Rail Line
Espresso and Explore: Fuel Up Before Your Next Adventure
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