Owners Of CT Restaurant Announce 'Bittersweet' Decision To Close After More Than A Decade

HARTLAND, CT — The owners of a popular East Hartland restaurant announced this week plans to permanently close their doors next month after more than a decade in business.

In a message posted to Facebook, The Coach Stop owners Bobby and Maria Vakalis said Monday the restaurant will close for good July 12 as they plan to retire. They have spent 45 years involved in the culinary world, the announcement states.

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"This decision, though bittersweet," the message reads, "is made with a heart full of gratitude for the experiences and friendships we have cultivated together."

Fox 61 reports the building that houses the restaurant, located at 6 Hartland Boulevard, was built in 1765 as a stagecoach stop and survived a Thanksgiving night fire several years ago.

According to the message, The Coach Stop opened in 2015 and has been a "gathering place for celebration, a quiet space for negotiations" and part of the Hartland community ever since.

"None of this has been possible without your loyal patronage and incredible dedication to our staff, whom we consider family. Thank you," the message reads.

The owners said the restaurant will host a "farewell month" spanning from June until the closing date in July, during which customers are invited to enjoy one last dining experience at The Coach Stop.

Gift certificates will remain valid until the restaurant closes, and customers are encouraged to use any outstanding vouchers, according to the message.

A recent menu posted to the restaurant's Facebook page features a wide variety of items, including appetizers such as chicken wings, shrimp cocktail, fried calamari, meatballs and potato skins, as well as entrees such as steak, braised beef short ribs, penne ala vodka, shrimp scampi and beer battered fish and chips among other items.

The menu also features a selection of soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and gourmet pizzas, as well as a "kiddie menu" and desserts.