HARTFORD, Conn. — During the pandemic, many restaurants were hit hard and forced to shut their doors permanently.
One of them was Carbone's Ristorante on Franklin Avenue in Hartford.
However, the owner, Vinnie Carbone recently announced he will reopen on Front Street, where the former movie theater used to be.
"Carbone’s coming back to Hartford is a big, big deal," said Scott Dolch, president of the CT Restaurant Association.
Carbone's marked its territory on Franklin Avenue in Hartford in 1938 and brought authentic Italian flavor and hospitality to Hartford for decades. It was when the pandemic hit in 2020 and were forced to close.
Mayor Luke Bronin welcomed these new beginnings.
"On the one hand, it is just sad to see a place with so much history, like theirs on Franklin Avenue close. On the other hand, we have to look at everything as an opportunity to write new history," said Mayor Bronin.
Dolch called the pandemic a time he has tried to forget.
"I know that outside area in Franklin didn’t have a patio, they didn’t have outdoor dining so they were even more delayed there, so they made a business decision probably through that time," added Dolch.
Mayor Bronin suggested it would generate more revenue and attract more tourists to Hartford.
"I think they’re going to add to the momentum and the energy that’s been building on Front Street," added Mayor Bronin.
Carbone's already has two other locations - Carbone's Prime in Rocky Hill and Carbone's Kitchen in Bloomfield, both of which reopened once pandemic restrictions were lifted.
Carbone said his food may have left Hartford but his love for the city never did.
"That’s the history of his family, the lineage of that restaurant," added Dolch.
If everything runs smoothly, Carbone said he plans to reopen his restaurant by sometime next year.
Carmen Chau is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at cchau@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook and X.
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