Carbone’s, the iconic Hartford restaurant that closed during the pandemic after more than 80 years in the city, is planning a comeback at a new downtown location in the former Apple Cinemas at 39 Front St.
The restaurant, which closed its location at 588 Franklin St. in 2020, is renovating the roughly 11,000-square-foot space in the Front Street Entertainment District.
Carbone’s Hartford at Front Street is targeting March for the full restaurant opening.
The public will get an early look at the restaurant’s new incarnation, as it hosts The Big Mo’ fundraiser on Oct. 18. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a 5 p.m. pre-event for “Momentum” ticket holders.
“Be among the first to experience our new location while it’s still under construction,” the restaurant announced on its website.
The event will feature menu previews from Carbone’s upcoming Hartford location alongside favorites from the company’s other restaurants, including Carbone’s Kitchen, Carbone’s Prime, Paul & Vinnie’s and selections from their catering team.
The Big Mo’ is Riverfront Recapture’s annual fundraising event, which is held in a different location each year.
The restaurant’s return represents a significant investment in downtown Hartford. The Capital Region Development Authority approved a $1.7 million loan toward the anticipated $3.75 million renovation of the space, using $1.4 million in CRDA funds and $300,000 in city redevelopment money.
Carbone’s original Franklin Avenue location is now planned for redevelopment into a mixed-use project with 21 apartments and commercial space.
