Old Wethersfield – The beloved neighborhood eatery The Charles announced on Monday that it will permanently close its doors after six years of operation. The restaurant, located in the historic 1790 E.G. Robbins House on Main Street, shared the news on its website and social‑media channels, drawing an outpouring of comments from local patrons.
Owner reflects on the journey
Owner Bryce D. Hardy wrote, “After six unforgettable years, it is with a heavy heart that I share that The Charles has permanently closed its doors.” He recalled opening the restaurant in 2020, amid the COVID‑19 pandemic, with a clear mission: to create a gathering place for friends, families and neighbors.
Hardy noted that the early months were marked by challenges few new restaurants could have anticipated, but the team “rolled up our sleeves, worked hard, and found a way forward.” That determination, he said, became part of the restaurant’s identity.
Practical hurdles and market shifts
The historic building that houses The Charles presented several operational limitations, including a modest kitchen capacity, accessibility constraints and limited room for expansion. Hardy also pointed to the opening and subsequent closure of the nearby BAKE Market in 2024 as a market setback that the business never fully recovered from.
Personal loss amid business pressures
Compounding the business challenges, Hardy disclosed that he lost both of his parents this year after long battles with dementia. “Navigating those losses while running The Charles has been incredibly difficult, but I wouldn’t trade a moment of the time I had with them,” he wrote. “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.”
Gratitude to staff and community
Hardy thanked the restaurant’s employees, customers and his own family for their support. “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. And to my amazing wife and daughter, thank you for believing in this dream and supporting me through it all.”
Looking ahead
While The Charles will close its doors, the owner expressed hope that the historic Robbins House will continue to serve as a venue for community events and gatherings. The closure underscores the broader challenges small, independent restaurants face in historic settings, especially when unexpected personal hardships arise.
Local residents who wish to share memories or thank the staff are encouraged to leave comments on the restaurant’s social‑media pages.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
