By Kevin Ferrisi –
Despite the current political and cultural challenges, support for the LGBTQ+ community continues to grow. More and more businesses are adopting queer-friendly practices, creating spaces where people from different backgrounds can come together. These spaces give individuals who might not normally cross paths a chance to connect, share perspectives, and build understanding. The Spicy Green Bean in Glastonbury is one of these welcoming places. Owner Kasha Denisiewicz and bar manager Clarissa Lonero emphasize their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment, especially for drag performers, where everyone can feel respected and valued.
The Spicy Green Bean in Glastonbury is more than a restaurant, it’s a family business in every sense. Owner and executive chef Kasha Denisiewicz has involved her family in everything from menu creation to the design and construction of the space, making the restaurant a true reflection of their shared vision. But the sense of family extends beyond the staff. Locals, travelers, and first-time visitors alike are welcomed as part of the community the restaurant has built. Kasha and her lead chef, Julie Shumway, along with their team, approach each day with a clear mission: to create an experience that leaves people feeling seen, valued, and cared for. Every dish, every detail, and every interaction is infused with the belief that food and hospitality can make a difference.
Kasha Denisiewicz, the owner of The Spicy Green Bean, traces the restaurant’s origins back to a mix of curiosity, experience, and a little serendipity. She had been working in the restaurant industry for years, mostly in the dining room, and had avoided the kitchen, thinking it wasn’t for her. But over time, she found herself drawn into cooking and learning from the chefs around her. The idea for The Spicy Green Bean came during a trip to Provincetown. Hungover and wandering into a local bar, she tried the advertised Bloody Mary garnished with a pickled spicy green bean, something she had never seen before. Captivated by the quirky addition, she jotted down the name “The Spicy Green Bean” on a cocktail napkin and kept it for years. That small, tipsy moment eventually grew into a dream she had the courage to pursue, and she opened the establishment on January 8, 1998.
The Spicy Green Bean has moved a few times before settling into its current home on New London Turnpike in Glastonbury. Kasha Denisiewicz opened the first location in Old Wethersfield as a small sandwich shop, and after about a dozen years, she moved to a slightly larger spot on Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury. That location eventually became too busy, and when the opportunity arose to lease the current space, she jumped at it. Kasha’s niece Jenna Rosella and Jenna’s husband helped remodel the former Mexican restaurant into what is now The Spicy Green Bean. The restaurant has been in this location for nearly eight years, and Kasha hopes it will be the last stop, a place where she can finally slow down while letting the next generation take the lead.
The decor at The Spicy Green Bean reflected a deeply personal touch from Kasha Denisiewicz and her family. Her niece Jenna and Jenna’s husband were heavily involved, building custom tables from old barrels and helping design the space with a mix of industrial and refined elements. Brickwork, wrought iron, and stenciled tables gave the restaurant an edgy yet inviting feel. Kasha also incorporated artwork from her brother, whose paintings add bursts of color throughout the space, alongside pieces from other local artists. The result was a space that felt both carefully curated and lively, where every detail, from the furniture to the art on the walls, showed thought, personality, and a sense of family.
The Spicy Green Bean began hosting drag performances nearly two years ago, after owner Kasha Denisiewicz and bar manager Clarissa Lonero started talking about creating a queer-focused event. That conversation led to the idea of a monthly tea dance, held on the first Saturday of every month. The first tea dance featured Natalia Fierce and Angel Rivers, who Kasha and Clarissa had met when they rented the space out for a previous private event. Marita Bonita joined in the second month, and she already had a history with Clarissa from a past job they had worked together. These performers became the core of The Spicy Green Bean’s drag nights, with other queens filling in as needed. The show is run in the early evening, making them fun and approachable while creating a welcoming space.
Clarissa Lonero, the bar manager at The Spicy Green Bean, has been part of the team for about three years, returning after a brief break. She played a key role in bringing drag performances to the restaurant, transforming the space for the shows by moving tables and creating an open area for dancing and standing. She makes sure the setup works for everyone, including older patrons who may need a seat, while keeping the energy lively for performers and the crowd. Clarissa describes the process as both practical and fun, allowing the restaurant to host events that feel inclusive and vibrant, turning the space into more than just a dining room.
Drag performances at The Spicy Green Bean quickly became more than just entertainment, they transformed the restaurant into a community hub. Kasha described the overwhelming support they received from both regulars and new visitors. Patrons formed lasting friendships, and the events even became a safe space for families, like one mother who brought her teenage son to experience an environment where he could feel accepted. The energy of the shows, combined with talented performers, DJs, and bartenders, created an atmosphere that guests immediately recognized as special. For Kasha, the value of drag went far beyond business, it fostered connection, acceptance, and a sense of belonging that continues to define the restaurant.
Some of the moments Kasha Denisiewicz feels most proud of at The Spicy Green Bean come from seeing how the drag events have brought the community together. Family members, including her niece’s husband, as well as old friends and new friends attend and are amazed by the energy and inclusivity of the nights. Even older patrons, some straight, come with their partners and are welcomed, finding seats and joining in the fun. For Kasha, the events aren’t just entertainment, they open eyes, create connections, and highlight the importance of representation. The sense of joy and acceptance that fills the restaurant every week became a defining part of what she has built.
The business has always been rooted in family and hard work, creating a space where creativity and authenticity are encouraged. Kasha and her team built the restaurant on the idea that dreams can come true when people are given room to be themselves. Patrons often remarked on the warm, inviting energy in the restaurant, noting how it started with the staff and radiated throughout the space. The atmosphere encouraged fun, connection, and openness, making every guest feel welcomed and appreciated. For Kasha, seeing that sense of possibility and joy in action was a daily reminder of why she created the space in the first place.
The Spicy Green Bean has become widely recognized as a queer-friendly space, even if owner Kasha Denisiewicz doesn’t feel the need to promote it that way. She proudly displays gay flags and openly embraces LGBTQ+ culture, and visitors often notice the welcoming energy immediately. Many first-time guests arrive curious or uncertain, but quickly become regulars, drawn in by the warmth of the staff and the inclusive environment. While the restaurant welcomes everyone, Kasha makes it clear that it is gay-owned and operated, creating a space where queer culture is celebrated and everyone feels supported. Be sure to check out the Tea Dance on the first Saturday of every month.
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