Creditors Sued Owner Of Wethersfield Restaurant Prior To Abrupt Closure

WETHERSFIELD, CT — Multiple creditors have sued the owner of a local restaurant that abruptly closed this week.

The Charles, at 161 Main St., closed permanently after dinner service on Monday, Nov. 2.

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Owner Bryce D. Hardy cited multiple factors in the decision, ranging from financial challenges to personal matters, including the recent loss of both of his parents following battles with dementia.

Court documents show the restaurateur and his businesses have faced litigation recently.

Hardy had another business venture, BAKE Market in Glastonbury, which opened in 2024, but has since shuttered.

In announcing the decision to close The Charles, Hardy called the BAKE Market situation a "setback from which we never fully recovered."

Jerome Properties 63 LLC filed litigation against BAKE Market in 2025, claiming it was owed $53,558 for unpaid rent for property in Glastonbury. A judgment of $58,602, which includes costs and fees, was entered on behalf of the plaintiff in September, court documents show.

New Valley Bank & Trust also filed a lawsuit against Hardy and his business entities earlier this year, asserting it is owed money after issuing a $200,000 line of credit and $250,000 term loan.

Gordon Food Services Inc., claims in a 2025 lawsuit against Hardy and Charles Drake Enterprises LLC (doing business as The Charles) that it is owed $35,032 for goods and food.

Gulf Shrimp Co. LLC of Plantsville filed a lawsuit this year against Charles Drake Enterprises, claiming it is owed about $20,836 for seafood and other food products provided to the restaurant.

The business is also facing ongoing litigation filed earlier this year by a Kensington resident. The lawsuit says the Kensington resident was visiting The Charles as a patron when she fell on the property and fractured bones in her foot and lower leg. That case is slated to go to trial in 2027.

Hardy did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The business' announcement refers media inquiries to Ryan Marketing, which also did not respond.

The business has posted information on its website for customers who have unused gift cards or who have paid deposits for special events. Customers are being urged to contact the business at hello@thecharlesct.com.

"We recognize that guests may have outstanding gift cards and understand the importance of addressing these balances," the website says.

For people with deposits for events, it says, "We understand that many of these reservations represent important celebrations and milestones. We are reviewing existing event commitments individually."

Customers react

The announcement of The Charles closing has garnered hundreds of reactions from the community.

Commenter Lilly Fellows wrote, "Bryce, true success isn't just measured by accolades, it's measured by connections, community, friends, and above all, family. I've had many wonderful experiences at your restaurant, and it will always remain in my top 5. You and your team created memories that will last a lifetime. I hope you take this time to lean into family, enjoy some side quests, and recharge as you forge your next path!"

Jill Tallberg wrote on Facebook, "So sad to hear this news - The Charles was a spectacular restaurant for more than just food, it was family owned and run like you were part of it. So many meals and memories - you will be missed. Hopefully there is something on the horizon to surprise us."

Read more:

Old Wethersfield Restaurant Abruptly Closes After 6 Years