Hartford Farm-To-Table Restaurant Firebox Is Closing

HARTFORD, CT – Firebox, Hartford's innovative farm-to-table restaurant in Frog Hollow, has announced that it will be closing.

In a message posted to the restaurant's website, Melville Charitable Trust President Susan K. Thomas said that, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the restaurant is unable to sustain its current business model.

"Small businesses, and particularly restaurants, operate on very slim margins and the pandemic economy has effectively eliminated those margins, with no real end in sight," Thomas said.

The Melville Charitable Trust open the Firebox in 2007 to serve extraordinary food and to create jobs, investment and opportunities in the local community.

"It is no exaggeration to say that Firebox succeed far beyond our expectations," Thomas said. "Firebox has always been a convivial gathering spot, with a lively bar, innovative food, unforgettable cocktails and loyal customers."

The restaurant will help the staff who will be affected by the closure find new jobs, Thomas said.

Firebox's neighborhood partner and culinary nonprofit, Forge City Works, will resume operations this summer. The Trust will be exploring ways to use the Firebox space to create new opportunities for community use.

"Thank you for 13 years of your support of Firebox," Thomas said. "We built a special community of owners, staff, customers, and supporters that was joyfully inspiring."