Popular Café Closes In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — A once-popular cafe that served office workers in and around the state's capitol shuttered for good late last week, a byproduct — according to its owners — of changing workplace dynamics.

The owners of "Berkins on Oak," located on Oak Street, said the eatery's last day was Friday, March 22.

Berkins on Oak was one of three operations owned by Berkins Family LLC and, like the others, it specialized in coffee, breakfast food, and lunch staples like wraps, salads, and sandwiches.

Berkins' owners said closing this location will allow them to focus on their latest enterprise at the Hartford Public Library at 500 Main St.

Last January, Berkins Family LLC co-owners Doug Barber and Andréa Hawkins launched the opening of "Berkins on Main" at the library.

With the closing of Berkins on Oak in Hartford, that location is joined by the Berkins Blend Café in Glastonbury.

In a statement sent out Tuesday by Berkins Family LLC, Hawkins said the closing of the Oak Street site is due to "the new normal" following the Covid-19 pandemic four years ago.

“We were thriving before the pandemic and were fortunate to sustain our businesses during that time,” said Hawkins.

“That said, we recognized that the new normal means that many of our customers will not be returning to the office. So, we made the decision to close Berkins on Oak and focus on building out our catering services and new event venue.”

Many culinary operations shuttered after the pandemic, both due to impacts caused by the immediate shutdown, as well as supply chain/inflation issues from the pandemic recovery.

In opening the library location earlier this year, Berkins was relocating the prior café operation out of the Wadsworth Atheneum museum.

Berkins officials said they're committed to Hartford and have implemented several new menu items courtesy of new head chef Justin Barber.

Meanwhile, Hawkins said the library site is proving to be a good location for smaller events.

Hawkins uses a stronger word to describe Berkins on Main when it comes to hosting such occasions — "perfect."

“Whether it’s a micro-wedding or a baby shower, which we have already hosted, we’re excited to help our customers make lasting memories,” said Hawkins.

From Jan. 29: 'New Cafe Opens At Hartford Library Site'