Connecticut
Beloved CT restaurant closes abruptly, a ‘very difficult decision’ leaving them ‘heartbroken’
One Fifty Central restaurant and bar in Bristol is the latest victim of Connecticut staff shortages and soaring costs, announcing their permanent closure through Facebook.
In the parting Facebook post, the restaurant’s owners thank loyal customers and employees who became “like a big extension of our Santorso family,” and they wished there was time to stay open to say proper goodbyes.
The owners could not be reached for comment.
The post says summer is the hardest season for the restaurant business and “it’s normal for finances to be tight, but it usually all works out in the fall and winter.
But the post also says there are persistent staff shortages in the kitchen
“Knowing that the kitchen would be unable to function without a full staff, and having been unable to find any competent employees through this nationwide employee shortage, we knew that we would be unable to open for the foreseeable future without jeopardizing the quality and service our customers deserve,” the social media post states.
That is combined with the overall difficulty in their restaurant business post-COVID, such as food, utility and payroll costs, contributed the closure, the Facebook post states.
“All these things combined have led us to this very difficult decision,” the post states, adding they are “heartbroken” that this is how it ended.
Employers are running into hiring troubles across many industries in Connecticut, with nearly 100,000 openings going unfilled as of last month. Other restaurants in Connecticut have opened this year amid the hiring issues.
5 new CT restaurants to try this summer. Think taste, location, ambiance.
The One Fifty Central restaurant restaurant, described on its website as an American bistro, has been in business for about 10 years.
Customers reacted on Facebook with sadness and fond memories.
One woman wrote in the comments section, “We love your family and will miss seeing everyone tremendously. Thank you for being such a huge part of our family’s celebrations and making us feel so welcome and loved for so many years.”
Another customer wrote, with a sad face emoji,: “It has been so many great years…”
Another customer who thanked the owners for a “wonderful dining experience,” wrote: “You always treated your customers like family. You have a lot to be proud of. Wishing you all the best. You will definitely be missed.”
Another commenter acknowledged the tough times for business, writing, “This makes us so sad. It is so difficult to keep a business moving these days and you all did everything you could to keep it going.”
Connecticut’s COVID-19 emergency ended in May, according to Gov. Ned Lamont. He said at the time that the economy bounced back and economic conditions are improving, though rebounding from the personal impact of the pandemic may take a little longer.
Connecticut
CT’s attorney general vows to fight for immigrant families, reproductive rights as Trump is inaugurated
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Connecticut’s attorney general sought to assure people in Connecticut that he would fight to enforce the state’s laws and policies.
Attorney General William Tong planned a news conference on Monday at 4 p.m. to discuss the state’s response to President-elect Donald Trump’s anticipated executive orders.
Trump was set to be inaugurated as president at noon on Monday.
Tong said it is the state’s policy to respect, honor and protect immigrants and immigrant families. He also said it is the policy to respect, honor and protect women, patients, doctors, and nurses, and the reproductive rights of all people.
Tong said the state also protects LGBTQ+ families and the right of people to form a union.
“Today, we inaugurate a new president,” Tong said. “ While the vast majority in Connecticut wanted a different direction, this is the path our nation chose. Many tell me they have never been more worried for the future of our country. I have never been more resolute and determined to fight for it.
The attorney general said the state was prepared for the fight ahead because it had done so before.
“When Trump 1.0 tried to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, we stopped him. When Trump 1.0 tried to defund Connecticut police, we blocked him. When Trump 1.0 tried to dismantle the U.S. Postal Service for political gain, we sued and we stopped him. When Trump 1.0 tried to roll back federal climate and clean air regulations, we sued and we won. That firewall never came down,” Tong said. “I do not know how these fights will go, and I cannot promise we will win every battle. But I know this — when my parents fell and failed they barely took a breath before they were on their feet again. Attorneys general across the country are on our feet today, and we have never been more coordinated, determined and ready for this fight.”
Copyright 2025 WFSB. All rights reserved.
Connecticut
STORM WATCH: Heavy snow followed by deep freeze in Connecticut
Here’s what you need to know:
- Snow will become heavy at times between 5-9 p.m.
- Peak snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are possible
- Snow showers will linger through 1-3 a.m.
- Wetter snowfall closer to the coast, fluffy in Litchfield County
- Arctic cold moves in for snow cleanup Monday morning
- Bright but very cold with 20s for highs and teens for lows
Tonight: Moderate to heavy snow. Colder. Breezy. Lows near 17.
Monday: AM slick spots, sunny. Cold. Highs near 24. Lows near 6.
Tuesday: Partly sunny. Arctic cold. Highs near 18. Lows near 8.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny. Very cold. Highs near 20. Lows near 10.
Thursday: Partly cloudy. Highs near 25. Lows near 21.
Friday: Mostly sunny. Not as cold. Highs near 30. Lows near 24.
Connecticut
PHOTOS: Winter storm hits Connecticut
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A winter storm is hitting Connecticut Sunday afternoon, bringing the first significant snow of the season. The majority of the state will likely see 4-8 inches, while the higher terrain of northwest and northeast parts of the state may see 8+ inches.
Connecticut Weather Radar
The winter storm is expected to continue impacting the state into early Monday morning. Get the latest forecast information here.
Updated list of closings and delays
Share your weather photos and videos with News 8. We may feature them in newscasts! Mobile app users, click here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
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