Wethersfield Diner Owners Announce Closing Date, Auction

WETHERSFIELD, CT — The Wethersfield Diner will serve its final meal by Jan. 22, as owners announced the imminent closure of the beloved, long-time eatery.

An auction will be held later this month, and they must be out of the building by Jan. 31.

The owners said in a social media post that they are "sad" by the chain of events that have led to the upcoming closure.

In 2024, the Wethersfield Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted in favor of a special permit allowing the owner of the Wethersfield Diner site to knock it down and build a four-story, mixed-use building there. The project will include 18 apartments with office and retail space below.

The diner is located at 718 Sileas Deane Highway and the owner of the property is separate from the operator of the diner. The diner dates back to 1952.

See related: Owner of Beloved Wethersfield Diner Blindsided By Demolition Plans

In a lengthy Facebook post, the Pribyson/Rivera family, who operate the diner, wrote: "What do they say… all good things come to an end?

Here is the diner operators full statement, which was posted on social media:

"When I stumbled upon a closed and dilapidated diner in 2015 it was a visceral reaction, we need to reopen the diner! I had worked there in high school, and was longing to get back to cooking; it seemed the perfect fit. We embarked on a journey to rebuild and reopen the diner which has been a fixture of Wethersfield for 65 years (75 now).

"I felt honored to bring it back to life, and we poured our hearts, souls, sweat, tears and lots of money into rebuilding. Money, lots of money, in the form of loans, which still need to be paid off. I secured a long term lease to match the work that was done, however, that proved to be not enough.

"Never in a million years did I think that the zoning use would be changed and the town would approve its demolition. A town with such pride in its historical significance, surely would see the value of a town diner. Alas, here we are.

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a new location. Although we were promised assistance from town hall and the mayor, we received none and never even spoke with the mayor. Our landlords kept us in the dark throughout the process, despite promises of no surprises or changes. Many things could have been done differently. But no need to dwell or beat a dead horse.

"So it proves, all good things do end. We will be serving up a full menu until Friday January 17th. We will open Monday 20th - Wednesday 22nd or until we run out of food. We will be having an auction the last week of January and vacate the building as of January 31st as mandated.

"I want to extend the sincerest thank you to all the people who have supported and cheered us on over the years. Yes, we are sad to lose our business, but we are even sadder that the town is losing such a valuable asset. People traveled from near and far to visit. We’ve signed many books and magazines documenting travelers' visits.

"We’ve filmed TV commercials, student films and even movie scenes. We created a warm safe space for many, we have been told many times of the appreciation for the welcome and acceptance that the diner gives. So we mourn alongside you and are thankful that we succeeded in creating such a wonderful space," the owners said in their statement.

One person responded to the news by writing, "so many beautiful memories at this diner, and more importantly, lots of pierogi in my belly Wethersfield is going to miss you guys so much!"

Another person wrote: "This breaks my heart I will always be there to support whatever you guys do I love you both so much boo to the town for not fighting for y'all."