Following news that Hartford's City Steam Brewery will soon be closing, NBC Connecticut checked in on the status of downtown businesses Friday.
As you walk through downtown, you'll see many vacant storefronts and famous restaurants and bars gone, but some new businesses are opening and thriving.
Urban Lodge Brewing Company expanded from its Manchester location to downtown Hartford in October, opening a store on Pratt Street.
General manager Kylie Caffrey said the success there has exceeded expectations.
“It was everything we expected and more,” Caffrey said. “Pratt Street is cool. It's here to stay, so that's great.”
But they were shocked to hear that fellow Main Street brewery City Steam Brewery would close at the end of the month after decades of operation. The burst pipe and $500,000 in renovation costs were irreversible, according to the owners.
“We were disappointed because we were the first brewery to open in Hartford, but we were excited that more breweries might open in Hartford with that tradition,” Caffrey added. “It was a shock to all of us, especially since it happened so suddenly.”
Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said he was saddened to hear the news.
“It’s a sad day when something like that happens. For many, it’s a reality check to know that this industry remains a very difficult one and that we are still not out of COVID in terms of recovery.” I think it will,” Dolch said.
Consumers we spoke with Friday said they prefer shopping and dining in downtown Hartford over other communities.
“I actually like Pratt Street a little bit more than West Hartford Center because there are a lot of small businesses here,” said Ciara Germaine, a Hartford resident. I really like supporting people.”
Dolch said the downtown economy is still recovering from COVID-19 and many workers are still working remotely or hybrid hours, spending only a few days a week in the city.
“It's really the independent restaurants that are suffering the most. That's what makes up the state of Connecticut, that's what makes Hartford,” Dolch said. “everyone is [struggling] Inflation keeps me at home. Understand that it's even more exasperating for restaurants because of the cost of ingredients and labor. The last thing they want to do is raise menu prices for their customers, but they have to juggle that now to stay in business. ”
He said he continues to meet with city and state leaders about ways to boost downtown business, including increasing events at the XL Center and convention center and giving tax breaks to business owners. He said more foot traffic is needed than anything else.
“There are a lot of really good stories happening and I hope people will listen and come out to support these businesses, because they are making huge investments and need foot traffic. , because we need people who want to come out and support them.'' “
