Longtime Ice Cream Business Shutters In Bristol

BRISTOL, CT — The local Carvel ice cream shop on Farmington Avenue has closed.

The eatery occupied about half the restaurant space at 650 Farmington Ave., while Fresh Craft Grille is on the other side.

On Thursday, a sign on the door indicated the Carvel is closed. Inside, all of the former Carvel section was empty.

Fresh Craft Grille remains open and fully operational.

An employee for Fresh Craft said Thursday that Carvel left about two weeks ago. Fresh Craft Grille plans to remain in its space, the employee said.

Customers frequently would get food at both establishments, first getting a meal at Fresh Craft, followed by dessert from Carvel. The latter is known for its ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes and ice cream cakes.

Carvel did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday on the reason for the closure.

As of Thursday, the Carvel website listed 18 locations in Connecticut, and it still included the Bristol site among them. The closest Carvel to the Bristol area is in Newington.

The Bristol property at 650 Farmington Ave. is listed as being owned by CNC Real Estate Holdings LLC, city records show. The property is currently on the market for $1.9 million.