After six unforgettable years, it is with a heavy heart that I share that The Charles has permanently closed its doors.

When we opened in 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic, we knew we weren't taking the easy road. From day one, we faced challenges few restaurants could have anticipated. But we were never afraid to roll up our sleeves, work hard, and find a way forward. That determination became part of who we were.

My dream was to create something special in the heart of Old Wethersfield. A place where friends and neighbors could gather, families could celebrate, and great food and hospitality could bring people together.

What we built became so much more than a restaurant.

Operating a full-service restaurant in a historic building came with significant limitations, particularly when it came to kitchen capacity, accessibility, and the ability to grow and adapt our operations. These were challenges we worked hard to navigate throughout our six years, but they remained very real obstacles to building a sustainable business.

Beyond the building itself, we faced additional challenges. In 2024, I opened and ultimately closed BAKE Market, a setback from which we never fully recovered. On a personal level, this past year has also been one of the hardest of my life. Over the past 12 months, I lost both of my parents following their battles with dementia. Navigating those losses while running The Charles has been incredibly difficult, but I wouldn't trade a single moment of the time I had with them.

If this year has taught me anything, it's that family, relationships, and the people we love will always matter more than any business ever could.

This is not the ending I envisioned, and it's a difficult reality to accept. I've poured my heart into this restaurant, but I refuse to let the circumstances of its closing define what we accomplished.

To our employees, past and present, thank you for bringing this place to life every day. To our guests, thank you for celebrating your milestones with us, gathering around our tables, and making The Charles part of your lives. And to my amazing wife and daughter, thank you for believing in this dream and supporting me through it all.

While The Charles may have closed its doors, my passion for food, hospitality, and creating places that bring people together is far from over. There is still much to look forward to, and I hope you'll continue to be part of that journey.

The Charles was more than a restaurant. It was a dream brought to life, and one I'll always be proud to have shared with you.

From my family to yours, thank you for six incredible years.

With gratitude,

Bryce D. Hardy