One Fifty Central Restaurant & Bar In Bristol Abruptly Closes

BRISTOL, CT — One Fifty Central Restaurant & Bar has permanently closed, as confirmed by its social media post on Monday, July 10.

One Fifty Central shared on its social media account, that a few weeks ago they were forced to close unexpectedly as a result of a shortage of kitchen staff. Adding that an employee had given them an ultimatum they couldn’t accommodate.

“Knowing that the kitchen would be unable to function without a full staff and having been unable to find any competent employees through this nationwide shortage, we knew that we would be unable to open for the foreseeable future without jeopardizing the quality and service our customers deserve,” One Fifty Central wrote on its social media post.

According to the social media post, the shortage of kitchen staff combined with the restaurant's business difficulties post covid, the rising cost of food and utilities and payroll expenses is what forced them to permanently close.

“We are so heartbroken that this is how Gary’s story has ended as we were so proud to carry on his dream for the last two years,” One Fifty Central said via the social media post. “We want to thank all our loyal employees and customers, who always supported 150 Central.”

The social media post of One Fifty Central has received over 170 comments from people sharing memories of going to the popular eatery and others thanking them for their business over the years.

One of the comments from a customer said she is completely saddened to read the news and stated they had the best chicken piccata with extra sauce anywhere.

Another customer commented that the restaurant closure is “a big loss for Bristol.”

According to its website, which is still operational, "One Fifty Central provides an American bistro style experience with casual dining and a pub area."

The eatery opened in 2013 by Gary Santorso, a Bristol native with 40 years’ experience as manager of The Silo Restaurant.

The restaurant served both lunch and dinner and the menu included "sandwiches, hamburgers, soups and salads as well as steaks, seafood and pasta," according to its website.