Iconic Candlewood Lake Restaurant Sold, New Owners Plan Reopening

BROOKFIELD, CT — One of Candlewood Lake's best-known waterfront restaurants has officially changed hands, with its new owners planning to reopen the longtime Brookfield destination.

Down The Hatch and its real estate have been sold to what the broker described as an "experienced local restaurant group," Tower Realty Corp. announced.

The sale includes the restaurant property at 292 Candlewood Lake Road and an additional property at 5 Kellogg St., according to Tower Realty.

The waterfront restaurant had previously been listed for sale for $6.75 million. Down The Hatch has operated along Candlewood Lake for decades and is known for its seasonal waterfront dining and boat access.

For the Parente family, which owned the restaurant, finding a buyer who would continue the Down The Hatch tradition was a priority, according to the brokerage.

"The Parente family wanted to ensure that Down The Hatch's longstanding tradition would continue and that its loyal customers could enjoy the restaurant for years to come," Tower Realty said.

The brokerage did not identify the new owners by name in its announcement, describing them only as an experienced local restaurant group.

However, the announcement indicates that Down The Hatch will remain a restaurant and reopen under its new ownership.

"We know how many people have been patiently waiting for this announcement — and we're sure everyone is looking forward to seeing Down The Hatch reopen its doors!" Tower Realty said.