Early Bird Café Closes Permanently After Fire, Ending 35-Year Run In Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Early Bird Café has permanently closed, ending a 35-year run as a breakfast and lunch staple in Ridgefield, according to an announcement posted by the owners this week.

The decision follows a fire earlier this winter that forced the restaurant to close temporarily. The blaze caused damage to the building and disrupted operations, prompting uncertainty about the café's future while repairs and inspections were underway.

In a message shared with customers on social media, the owners said the restaurant will not reopen, thanking the community for decades of support and loyalty. They expressed gratitude to employees past and present, noting the commitment of staff members who worked weekends and long hours to make the café a welcoming place.

The owners also reflected on the relationships built over more than three decades, saying it had been a privilege to serve multiple generations of Ridgefield families and to form lasting friendships with customers.

"We’ve been blessed with incredibly hard-working staff throughout the years. We want to thank everyone who sacrificed weekends and put in the time and effort to make this place feel like home."

The Early Bird Café had been a familiar gathering spot for residents, known for its breakfast and lunch offerings and its role in the town’s daily routine. Its closure marks the loss of one of Ridgefield’s longest-running independent eateries.