Popular Restaurant Chain Closing Southington Site

SOUTHINGTON, CT — An award-winning regional restaurant/bar chain is closing its Soutington eatery this weekend.

Plan B, whose mantra emphasizes "burgers, beer, and bourbon," said Tuesday evening that Sunday, May 18, would be the last day for the Southington location at 20 Spring St.

Based in Hartford, Plan B also operates restaurants in Glastonbury, Hartford, Milford, Simsbury, West Hartford, and Springfield, Mass.

Southington's closure will become official once dinner is served on Sunday.

Allie J. Gamble, Plan B's founder and chief executive officer, cited two key reasons for the closure: difficulties after the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the relative proximity of other Plan B sites.

Southington's Plan B opened in February 2020, about a month before the global pandemic's impact slammed the country and prompted business shutdowns, ravaging the restaurant industry.

"We never quite got the start we envisioned," said Gamble in a statement. "Opening 30 days before Covid hit meant we operated more of a takeout business than the dine-in, fun bar model we built. It's a large space that we never got to fill as we had hoped."

Meanwhile, Gamble said Plan B restaurants already established in towns closer to Southington lead to what she called "guest overlap traffic."

"The proximity to our other restaurants was a factor in this decision," she said. "Fans of the brand still have great options close by to enjoy their Plan B favorites."

Gamble said Plan B is offering severance packages to Southington staffers, and management is looking to find positions at other Plan B sites for workers impacted.

"Our people are the heart of every Plan B," said Gamble. "While we're closing one door, we're opening others and doing what we can to help each team member take their next step."

Gamble said proceeds from Sunday's last day sales at Plan B will go to a good cause, with 100 percent of the day's take going to Southington-based "Bread For Life," a nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity in the community.

She said this mirrors what Plan B did in 2020 on its opening weekend, when it donated significantly to "Bread For Life."

"Giving back to this town is how we started and how we want to say goodbye," Gamble said. "This isn't just about closing a restaurant. It's about honoring the people, stories, and community moments that made Plan B Southington what it was."

Gift cards to Southington's Plan B will be accepted at the other sites, so folks won't have to travel too far.

Meanwhile, Gamble said, Plan B is just grateful to Southington Plan B's staff for their efforts.

"We're incredibly grateful to the team who kept this location going through some of the most challenging years in our industry," she said.

"And to the Southington community, thank you for your support, loyalty, and heart over the last five years."

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News of Plan B's arrival in Southington was first broken in 2019, when it was announced that it would be located in the old Bertucci's restaurant site, an eatery that closed in 2018.

From April 17, 2018: 'Bertucci's Closing in Southington'

From Oct. 22, 2018: 'Plan B Burger Expanding With Restaurant In Southington'