SOUTHINGTON, Conn. — The 75 Center bar and grill in Southington made an announcement via social media on Sunday that it would be closing for good on Wednesday, July 3.
“It's very unfortunate,” said Ace Nonna, owner of Nonna Pizza right down the street.
Adam Nizich, a frequent patron said, “It’s a shame.”
Owners did not specify what led to the closing, only citing “unfortunate circumstances” as the reason. News of the shutdown has left some upset.
“When the doors close, I don't ever want to imagine that day, you know? I remember I used to stay open until like 3 o'clock in the morning to do slices after their bar crowd would get out and their whole staff would come down yeah it's very sad," said Nonna.
"It's a unique, one-of-a-kind place that people are going to miss,” said Nizich. “The memories made here are going to last a lifetime."
While neighbors and patrons reminisced on the good times spent at the restaurant, the establishment saw its fair share of violent incidents. It was just outside the front of the bar in March where two bouncers were stabbed after a fight broke out. That brawl, which was caught on camera, resulted in three arrests, and led to 75 Center getting its liquor license revoked by the state's Department of Consumer Protection.
Police had responded to nearly a dozen other incidents there over a two year period, ranging from overdoses to guns being pulled out. Despite the recent uptick in crime, the Southington community remains fond of both Center Street and 75 Center.
“I don't think it's the area that we're in, I think it's the crowds that come in from different towns and ruin great things like this,” said Nonna. "It's a hole in Southington that's going to be filled, but I don't know if anyone can live up to 75's reputation,” said Nizich.
A midnight toast is scheduled to take place as a “proper send-off” on the last night of operation.
75 Center staff declined to provide a comment from the owner on the closure.
Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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