Popular Downtown Hartford Deli To Close Permanently: Report

HARTFORD, CT — After 21 years in business, downtown Hartford deli Max Bibo's has closed permanently, according to The Hartford Business Journal. The Trumbull Street restaurant hasn't opened since April 9 and officially closed Sept. 30.

Max Bibo's at one time had four locations in Hartford alone. The owner said the closure is related to a lack of foot traffic and activity in downtown, according to The Hartford Business Journal.

The final nail in the coffin came when the University of Connecticut said that it won't hold any events at Hartford's XL Center until next fall.

The Max Bibo's Wethersfield location remains open and includes updates on daily specials on their Facebook page.

The restaurant specialized in deli classics serving a variety of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

One reviewer on Yelp said: "This is a great deli with great quality meats and generous servings! ... My absolute fave is the namesake sandwich, the Max Bibo's. This sandwich has imported aged prosciutto, roasted red peppers, lettuce, mustard (Like, GOOD mustard. Not that gross yellow stuff) and provolone. "

Another reviewer said: "This place has been around forever and is a solid deli in the heart of Hartford. Good quality meats and decent portions."

The pandemic has hit downtown Hartford hard in particular with hotels and restaurants announcing layoffs and closures.

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