Popular Southington Eatery Closes, But Will Reopen With New Owner

SOUTHINGTON, CT — In a year that has already seen Southington have multiple restaurants close in a tough the post-Covid business environment, another bar/restaurant has closed ... though it appears to only be temporary.

Friends Café, located at 15 N. Liberty St., temporarily shut down Sunday as owner Alex Ricciardone is retiring from owning the facility.

The facility markets itself as an "exclusive place to hang out with your friends."

Sunday was Ricciardone's last day as the owner of "Friends," though he said via social media it will ropen "soon" with a new owner.

He described Sunday as an "emotional day."

"I hope to still see everyone at Friends when it will reopen soon," Ricciardone said via social media.

While this closure appears to be temporary, how long it will be closed has not been disclosed.

This latest change marks another chapter in a year of fluctuation in Southington's restaurant scene.

In February, Fireside on Main on 42 W. Main St. and the Zingarella Ristorante & Pizzeria both closed for good, citing post-Covid staff, inflation and supply chain issues fueling economic challenges.

Then, in April, Que Whiskey Kitchen closed at 461 Queen St., which was owned by the Wood-n-Tap chain of restaurants.

For more information on 'Friends Café,' click on this link.

From April 24: 'Another Prominent Southington Restaurant Shuts Down'