Beloved East Hartford Coffee Shop/Bakery To Shutter Friday

EAST HARTFORD, CT — A popular East Hartford bakery and coffee shop is closing Friday, but the owners of Rosa's Café and Bakery are telling customers a new business will rise offering similar products.

The announcement was made earlier this week via social media, with Rosa's — located at 649 Burnside Ave., East Hartford — breaking the news to the greater Hartford/East Hartford community Monday.

"It is with great sadness that we share some important news. After serving this beautiful community over the last few years, our business will be closing its doors this Friday, September 1 at 2 p.m.," wrote Rosa's owner, Edna Cruz.

She opened the café in 2020, right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic, and named it in honor of her mother, Rosa Cruz, who came to the U.S. mainland in 1965 from Puerto Rico.

According to the café's online history, Rosa Cruz loved coffee, cooking, baking and the East Hartford community. Rosa Cruz died in 2021 after a long battle with Alzeimer's disease.

Portions of the café's proceeds went to the Alzheimer's Association, according to the online history.

The Covid-19 pandemic and rising costs in the restaurant industry have wreaked havoc on such operations throughout the country.

"While this decision was not easy, we want to assure you that we are passing the torch to new owners who will be continuing to offer products that are similar to what you have enjoyed from us."

Rosa's ownership said the new business will have a different name, but Rosa's said it expects the new operation to fit in as nicely as Rosa's.

"We believe that you will be in great hands with them," wrote Rosa's.

Prior to Friday's closing, Rosa's thanked the customer base.

"It has been an honor to serve you and we are grateful for the memories we have created together," wrote Rosa's.

Rosa's management said the new operation, when it opens, will honor Rosa's gift cards.

Anyone with questions about the transition can e-mail Rosa's at contactus@rosascafeandbakery.com.

For more information on Rosa's Café and Bakery, click on this link.