‘The Place 2 Be’ Eateries Lose Key Licenses To Operate

CONNECTICUT — The state has suspended the sales tax licenses of two ‘The Place 2 Be’ restaurants, including one in West Hartford and one in Hartford.

Tiffany V. Thiele, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services, said Thursday the West Hartford location and the one at 5 Constitution Plaza in Hartford do not have a valid sales tax license.

Thiele declined to disclose additional information.

In general, the state can revoke or suspend a permit due to noncompliance with sales tax rules and regulations.

Signs at the restaurants dated Aug. 5 indicate their sales and use tax permits have been suspended, and no sales can be transacted.

It is unclear when and if the restaurants’ issues with the state will be resolved so they can open.

Restaurant owner Gina Luari could not be reached for comment.

The chain’s website still lists two locations in Hartford, plus one in West Hartford, New Haven and Springfield, Mass., though the latter two are listed online as being permanently closed.

Its menu features selections like brunch nachos, breakfast tacos, quesadillas, waffles and pancakes, mimosas and sangria, according to the website.

Court filings show the business has had financial struggles. The business has been the subject of litigation in recent years, including eviction proceedings and civil actions claiming nonpayment of rent.

A complaint was filed in Superior Court in December about the West Hartford property in Blue Back Square, seeking eviction due to rent nonpayment, for example. Court documents show there is an agreement to vacate the premises in West Hartford by March 31, 2026. The landlord for the 5 Constitution Plaza location in Hartford also filed a complaint in 2023 claiming nonpayment of rent.