Well-Known Hartford Fusion Restaurant Closes After 24 Years

HARTFORD, CT — Chalk up the pandemic and the changing way folks go to work for another iconic restaurant's closure in Hartford on Monday.

The Locals 8 restaurant group announced Monday that its "Tisane Euro-Asian Café" in the capital city's West End neighborhood is shuttered after 24 years.

Located at 537 Farmington Ave., Hartford, Tisane was a popular tea house and cocktail bar that also served gourmet food, all with a Euro-Asion fusion theme.

But, according to Locals 8 founder and chief executive officer Allie J. Gamble, the post-pandemic, work-at-home world didn't translate to good business at the once-popular haunt.

"People would have meetings over coffee that rolled into lunch, lunch meetings that rolled into happy hour, or dinner that rolled into cocktails and music. Its central location on Farmington Avenue served as the perfect meeting space for many," Gamble said in a statement Monday.

"Unfortunately, with more people working remotely and fewer coming into Hartford, it has impacted the business we had before the pandemic.

"Tisane has been a very special place close to my heart for many, many years,” said Gamble. “We’ve had some amazing times here. It’s sad to see Tisane close its doors, but many things have changed since the pandemic."

According to Locals 8, Tisane staffers are being relocated as best as possible to other restaurants in the group.

Meanwhile, Tisane gift cards will be honored at other Locals 8 eateries in the greater Hartford area. Tickets purchased for future events at Tisane will be refunded in full.

Meanwhile, Gamble reflected on Tisane and thanked both his customers and staff.

“Tisane means infusion (as in dried herbs), and that was the vision when I built it twenty-four years ago,” he said. “I wanted to create a spot with an infusion of people, products, and ideas all in one place.”

Locals 8 said Tisane was also a cultural destination for many races, nationalities, and orientations.

"Tisane was very timely and needed in Hartford for many years, and we’re proud of the community we created here. We thank our many patrons for their loyalty over the last 24 years and the dedicated staff who fostered and inspired such a unique spirit at Tisane," wrote Locals 8 in a release.

For the full Locals 8 announcement, click on this link.

For more information on other Locals 8 restaurants, brands, and locations, click on this link.