After 54 years in business, gem of CT restaurant to close. It was, ‘absolute best,’ customer says

The restaurant and bar will close July 3.

That is what J Restaurant Bar in Hartford announced over the weekend: their “day to day operations” will stop July 3.

“We will have a final full dinner service on June 29th. July 1, 2, 3rd will be modified hours and menus – call or check back here for updates,” the restaurant’s Facebook post states.

The post doesn’t give a reason for the closure, but thanks customers “from the bottom of our hearts,” for their “continued support during this process.” Part of the post references that J Bar has been in business for 54 years.

The announcement comes amid a long string of restaurant openings and closings since January 1 in Connecticut.

In openings, restaurateur James Chen is adding a sixth restaurant to his dining empire and this one will have rooftop dining to enjoy the open sky.

@The Rooftop, opening softly May 27 in Canton, has two levels, seats 450 people, has three bars, self-pour beer and wine on tap, a contemporary sushi bar and a menu of “new American cuisine with a global twists.”

In closings, for example, Tisane Euro-Asian Café, a Hartford West End tea house and cocktail bar, closed its doors for good last month after 24 years, Locals 8 Hospitality Group confirmed in a statement.

For Tisane, overall the closure was a result of the pandemic because more people are working from home, hence fewer people are coming to Hartford.

“We’ve had some amazing times here. It’s sad to see Tisane close its doors, but many things have changed since the pandemic,” said founder and CEO Allie J. Gamble said at the time.

In April, a Facebook post said another Connecticut restaurant has announced “with great sadness” that it plans to close soon.

In this instance, the closing of the Meriden American Steakhouse location, also was announced on Facebook, as have been a number of such business closings in recent years.

“We have cherished the years of serving our loyal customers in this wonderful community, and we thank you for your support,” the American Steakhouse post said. “We will miss all of you as you have been a part of our family since we opened our doors in 1971.”

Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta, which is popular on Martha’s Vineyard and puts a unique spin on pasta by mixing it with fresh ingredients and serving it in a frying pan, opened in Avon last year and said this month on Facebook that it is closing.

The owner of J Restaurant Bar could not be reached for comment.

“It is our hope to have a few pop up events throughout the summer, which we will post on social media,” the post states.

Customers sent messages of support and disappointment over the J Restaurant closing.

“Jordan, Kris, & team – you have provided many delicious meals, catering and hospitality for so many. Your presence will be sorely missed,” one fan wrote on the Facebook post.

Another wrote, “Saddest post ever!”

The customer went on to thank owners “for your wonderful food, your wonderful service and your friendship over the years.”

Another poster kept it simple.

“The absolute best,” they wrote.

The bar/restaurant at 297 Washington St. thanked their employees now and through the years “for making for an amazing 54 years, we could not have done it without you all.”

The post also states that anyone looking for catering, can reach out and “we will see what we can do until the kitchen is dismantled.”

The owners also put up a Facebook post requesting photos or memories from visits to J Restaurant Bar to be emailed to jbarphotoalbum@gmail.com.

The materials may be included in a slideshow/video viewable to the public, the post states.

Anyone who does want their photos, videos or memories shared can just say so in the email, the post states.