Popular Guilford Restaurant & Wine Bar Closes After 15 Years In Business

GUILFORD, CT — Guilford's Ballou's Restaurant & Wine Bar suddenly announced in a social media post over the weekend that it is closing effective immediately after 15 years in business.

The Whitfield Street restaurant offered Mediterranean-inspired dishes, from entrees to small plates and tapas, and featured a large selection of wines and cocktails.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of Ballou’s Restaurant effective immediately," the business said Sunday on Facebook. "We truly appreciate everyone’s support over the past 15 years. We would like to thank our crew past and present for their hard work."

Owners Steve Kaye and Debbie Ballou opened the restaurant in 2009. The couple, who had owned a restaurant together in the 1980s, was inspired to get back into the industry in 2008 following a trip to Europe where they fell in love with the cafés and pubs of France and England, according to the restaurant's website.

The lunch and dinner menu featured Mediterranean tapas, charcuterie boards, fondue, large plates, salads, flatbread pizzas, paninis and desserts to go along with over 60 wines from around the world.

Ballou's garnered several awards over the years, including being named Connecticut's best wine bar in 2016 by CT Magazine.

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Residents commented on the restaurant's Facebook post, expressing sadness at the closing.

"Sorry to hear this. Just had dinner there within the past 2 weeks. Ballou’s has been an attraction and added to the character and charm to Guilford," one commenter said.

"Great memories for me at Ballou’s! Sorry to see you closing the doors. Thank you for the fun times and best of luck on your next adventure," said another.

It was not immediately clear why the restaurant closed.

Patch has reached out to the owners for comment.