Brookfield Candlewood Lake Restaurant May Not Reopen For Season

BROOKFIELD, CT — A popular waterfront restaurant on Candlewood Lake may not reopen for the 2026 season as the property has been listed for sale.

Down The Hatch, a longtime seasonal restaurant located on Candlewood Lake Road in Brookfield, closed for the season on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, according to its website, and has not announced a reopening date.

The uncertainty comes just weeks before the restaurant would typically reopen for the season, as it operates during the warmer months beginning in May.

The family that operated the restaurant for 49 years has retired, according to an Instagram post.

The property and business are being marketed as part of a redevelopment opportunity, raising questions about whether the restaurant will return for the upcoming season.

The listing, handled by brokers with Tower Realty Corporation, includes the restaurant property at 292 Candlewood Lake Road along with additional parcels on Kellogg Street.

The property is listed for $6,750,000 and includes the restaurant, four rental cottages, a workshop space and parking areas, according to the listing.

Down The Hatch has long been a popular summer destination, known for its casual waterfront dining and lake views.

The listing describes it as the only full-service restaurant located directly on Candlewood Lake, with features including boat docks and outdoor deck dining.

The site spans roughly 2.5 acres with more than 8,000 square feet of building space, along with additional indoor and outdoor dining areas.

It was not immediately clear if a buyer has been secured or what specific plans may be in place for the property.