Historic Hartford Restaurant Could Reopen With Federal Help

HARTFORD, CT — Carbone's Ristorante in Hartford could reopen in the spring if Congress passes the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, according to FOX 61. The bill aims to save 18,000 jobs in the state via direct aid to restaurants.

Carbone's Ristorante on Franklin Avenue, which has served diners gourmet fare since 1938, shut its doors due to the pandemic and hasn't been open in nearly two years. At its website, Carbone's customers are redirected for indoor dining, takeout, and delivery at Carbone's Kitchen in Bloomfield and Carbone's Prime in Rocky Hill.

For some restaurants, the federal relief money would be the second lifeline after the American Rescue Plan's PPP loan. However, two-thirds of Connecticut restaurants that applied for PPP money were left out, according to FOX 61.

The Restaurant Revitalization fund would also help related businesses like caterers, breweries, wineries, food trucks, and others.

When Carbone's closed its doors in March 2020, it was the first time in the restaurant's history. Owner Vinny Carbone asked his grandfather what they did in World War II, and his grandfather said they never had to close, according to WTNH News-8.

Fifty-one percent of restaurants are concerned about not making it through this winter, Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, told WTNH-News 8.

The industry organization said that the first infusion of federal cash saved more than 900,000 jobs nationwide, and a second installment would save more than 1.6 million.

Many downtown Hartford businesses that relied on traffic from office workers have been hit hard since the beginning of the pandemic. In April, restaurant Stella's African Eatery announced it would close. In November, Bin 228 Wine Bar announced it would close as well.

See related: Historic Hartford Restaurant Currently Closed