WETHERSFIELD, CT — A prominently located Old Wethersfield restaurant that opened during the COVID-19 pandemic has permanently closed after six years, with its owner citing financial setbacks, limitations of its historic building, and personal hardships.
The Charles, located at 161 Main St., permanently closed following dinner service Monday, Nov. 2, according to owner Bryce D. Hardy via a Facebook post that same day.
In a lengthy message to customers, Hardy reflected on the challenges of operating the restaurant and thanked the community for its support.
"After six unforgettable years, it is with a heavy heart that I share that The Charles has permanently closed its doors," Hardy wrote.
The restaurant opened in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and became a dining destination in the heart of Old Wethersfield.
Known for its contemporary American cuisine and elevated comfort food, The Charles offered dishes such as steak frites, Berkshire pork chops, seafood and house-made pasta.
Its menu also featured appetizers such as deviled eggs, tuna tartare, and charcuterie boards.
Hardy said his original vision was to create a gathering place where neighbors could enjoy meals and families could celebrate special occasions.
"My dream was to create something special in the heart of Old Wethersfield. A place where friends and neighbors could gather, families could celebrate, and great food and hospitality could bring people together," he wrote.
"What we built became so much more than a restaurant."
Historic Building Presented Challenges
Hardy said operating a full-service restaurant in a historic building created obstacles that became increasingly difficult to overcome.
Among the challenges were limited kitchen capacity, accessibility concerns, and restrictions on expanding or adapting operations.
"These were challenges we worked hard to navigate throughout our six years, but they remained very real obstacles to building a sustainable business," Hardy wrote.
The restaurant also experienced a financial setback involving BAKE Market, another business venture Hardy opened in 2024 in Glastonbury.
He said the market, a French-style bakery, eventually closed, creating difficulties from which The Charles never fully recovered.
"Beyond the building itself, we faced additional challenges. In 2024, I opened and ultimately closed BAKE Market, a setback from which we never fully recovered," Hardy wrote.
Owner Reflects On Personal Losses
Hardy also described the emotional toll of losing both of his parents during the past year.
He said both died following battles with dementia, making the responsibilities of operating the restaurant especially difficult.
"On a personal level, this past year has also been one of the hardest of my life," Hardy wrote.
"Over the past 12 months, I lost both of my parents following their battles with dementia. Navigating those losses while running The Charles has been incredibly difficult, but I wouldn't trade a single moment of the time I had with them."
Hardy said the experience reinforced the importance of family and personal relationships.
"If this year has taught me anything, it's that family, relationships, and the people we love will always matter more than any business ever could," he wrote.
Despite the closure, Hardy said he remains proud of what the restaurant accomplished.
"This is not the ending I envisioned, and it's a difficult reality to accept. I've poured my heart into this restaurant, but I refuse to let the circumstances of its closing define what we accomplished," he wrote.
What Customers Need To Know
The restaurant also released information for customers with upcoming reservations, unused gift cards, or scheduled private events.
The restaurant said it would provide additional information about outstanding gift cards as it becomes available.
In a separate contact section, the business listed hello@thecharles.com for general questions.
A Farewell To Old Wethersfield
Hardy thanked the restaurant's employees, customers, and his family for supporting the business throughout its six-year run.
"To our employees, past and present, thank you for bringing this place to life every day. To our guests, thank you for celebrating your milestones with us, gathering around our tables, and making The Charles part of your lives," he wrote.
He also expressed gratitude to his wife and daughter for supporting his dream.
Although the restaurant has closed, Hardy suggested he may pursue other opportunities in the hospitality industry.
"While The Charles may have closed its doors, my passion for food, hospitality, and creating places that bring people together is far from over," he wrote.
"There is still much to look forward to, and I hope you'll continue to be part of that journey."
The Hardy family concluded its farewell message by thanking Old Wethersfield residents for making the restaurant part of their lives.
"For six years, you welcomed us into your celebrations, your traditions, and your lives," the family wrote.
"From first dates and anniversaries to family dinners and spontaneous nights out, it was an honor to be part of so many memories."
For more information on The Charles, click on the eatery's Facebook page.
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