NORWICH – After the closing of the Denny's bar and restaurant, the owners of Fred's Inn and Park Place, Chic and David Cirello, were approached by Howard Johnson's in Norwich about renovating the bar within the hotel.

There was a hotel and community need for a quiet, relaxing lounge to go for drinks, appetizers and conversation.

Thus the VIP Lounge was born. The space was renovated, and now features low music and lighting, as well as a corner fireplace, providing a glow for a comfortable ambiance. “It's just a nice place to go downtown, it's a little quieter,” said co-owner David Cirello.