Well-Known Hartford Restaurant To Close

HARTFORD, CT — The owner of a popular Hartford restaurant on Washington Street announced Monday he is selling the site to a parking company for the construction of a parking garage.

As a result of that deal, which has yet to be finalized, the owner said the well-known J Restaurant/Bar will eventually close at 297 Washington St., Hartford.

The business decision also impacts two other food operations, Pizza Plus and J Catering, according to the announcement, which was made public Monday via social media.

According to the restaurant, the property will be sold to LAZ Parking, which plans to build a parking garage at the site.

While the restaurant's future at the site is certain, the long-term status of the restaurant's operation is not.

"J Restaurant/Bar still has a one-year lease on the property and our closure date has yet to be determined," wrote owner/restaurant president Jordan Dikegros.

"We have numerous options to consider and are still in the planning stages of what will make the most sense for the future of Pizza Plus, J Restaurant/Bar and J Catering."

The restaurant reminded customers that J Restaurant/Bar is still operating and urged the community to "make the best of the time that we have."

"As soon as things transpire, we will be sure and make another announcement," wrote Dikegros.

The eatery is close to the Connecticut Children's Medical Center children's hospital, which is undergoing a major expansion, with the parking garage part of that.

It offered upscale dining options, with a leaning toward traditional gourmet cuisine such as steaks, fish, and artisan pizzas.

In his message to customers, Dikegros touched on how the restaurant survived the Covid pandemic back in 2020 when parking lot takeout was the means of food delivery.

He then channeled his inner Joni Mitchell and her iconic 1960s folk tune.

"Reflect back on when we set up for COVID and our logo was 'Paved Parking Lot, Put Up A Paradise' and now it has come full circle, 'Paved Paradise, Put Up A Parking Garage.'"

For more information on J Restaurant/Bar, click on this link.