For the team behind Candlewood Market, Fairfield is more than just a location—it's a meaningful part of their story. The owners, long-time Connecticut residents, had a strong connection to the area well before opening their flagship store. "My wife and I both grew up in Western CT," owner Tony Inzero shares. "About eight years ago, we were approached about opening a coffee house here, and after careful planning, we decided the Fairfield Sportsplex would be the perfect spot."
Candlewood's journey started in 2006 when the family was living in Colorado. They learned the art of coffee roasting and began creating their signature roasts there. Upon returning to Connecticut, they brought their newfound craft with them and launched Candlewood Coffee in 2009, named after Candlewood Lake Road, where they lived at the time.
"We started Candlewood Coffee because our friends loved our fresh roasted coffee, and from there, we began selling it in stores across Connecticut. As a family-run business, we always dreamed of having a flagship store—a place that showcased our coffee and local products." In 2016, Tony and his daughter Marie turned that vision into what is now Candlewood Market.
Today, Candlewood continues to roast and deliver coffee throughout Connecticut. Still, the market has become a focal point—a community hub highlighting local goods while offering exceptional food and drinks. It is also a family affair where you'll meet Marie's siblings daily, including Sara and Ryan - who has become a bit of a Fairfield landmark himself, spinning his signs along Mill Plain Rd.
Candlewood Market is far more than your average coffee house. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for solo juice bar runs, a bite with friends, or even casual business meetings. "We have a family-friendly environment, but it's also a great spot for professionals looking to impress a client," Tony explains. The space offers plenty of room to spread out, whether you're working on a project, grabbing lunch, or catching up over coffee. With friendly service, a thoughtfully curated menu, and a diverse selection of local products, Candlewood has it all.
What sets Candlewood apart is its commitment to family, quality, and community. "We've always been a family-driven business focused on delivering the highest quality coffee and food at reasonable prices. Integrity is at the heart of everything they do. A key part of Candlewood's mission is supporting Connecticut-based small businesses. From the beginning of our roasting company, we realized that many people in CT loved and even went out of their way to support the local 'little guy.' By showcasing local products, we're helping create jobs and strengthening communities across the state."
Each day at Candlewood begins before sunrise. Fresh bakery deliveries start arriving at 4 AM from the Bronx and Brooklyn, and by 6 AM on weekdays (7 AM on weekends), the doors open to a loyal community of customers. The morning rush flows into a lively lunchtime, followed by afternoons bustling with families coming from after-school activities. Students, professionals, and friends fill the space throughout the day, enjoying smoothies, sandwiches, or a much-needed coffee break.
For Tony, the biggest reward of running Candlewood Market has been watching his children take on responsibilities within the business and witnessing the results of hard work and determination. "It's not always easy, but we've learned to stick together, work hard, and have faith. The benefits of that are immeasurable."
While the family behind Candlewood Market is often approached about opening additional locations, their focus remains on maintaining the high standards they've set for their flagship store. "We're always on the lookout for new, innovative, or local products to add to the market. We're focused on doing what we do best—providing great coffee, amazing food, and a welcoming space for our customers."
Whether you're stopping by for a cup of coffee, meeting friends, or exploring local products, Candlewood Market offers an experience like no other. With the family's focus on quality, community, and family values, it's clear why Candlewood has become a local treasure in Fairfield.
Candlewood Market
85 Mill Plain Rd Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 292-8559
candlewoodmarket.com