Hartford Flavor Co. has closed its Pratt Street restaurant and cocktail bar and is looking for a new operator to take over the downtown Hartford space.
“While our event days and peak times were incredible, slow days, off-season summer months, bad weather and parking limitations made consistent foot traffic difficult,” the company said in an emailed response to questions Tuesday.
That’s a familiar challenge downtown, where restaurants have struggled to draw steady crowds since the pandemic left many office workers remote or hybrid.
Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour, at 54 Pratt St., served its last customers Sept. 13. The closure affected 25 employees, whom the company said it is supporting through the unemployment process and helping find new jobs.
The parlour opened in July 2024 and was more than a tasting room for the distillery’s products. It served health-conscious and gluten-free meals alongside cocktails made with Hartford Flavor spirits.
“We poured our hearts into building our brand,” the company said. “We don’t regret opening the Parlour and are deeply grateful for our team, loyal patrons, and new guests who supported us.”
Although the restaurant’s business and events were improving, the company said, industry contraction, rising food and product costs, and high staff turnover made long-term operations difficult to sustain.
The company credited the Pratt Street Merchants Association and the city with working to make the street “a premier destination.”
Hartford Flavor is open to selling either the full Cocktail Parlour brand and concept, or just the lease and space, depending on “the right fit and the right offer.” It did not disclose an asking price or timeline, but said it has received “significant interest” and is working through those discussions.
“Our time with the concept reached its natural end, and we are looking to pass the torch to a vibrant industry operator who can take what we built and turn it into a lasting legacy,” the company said.
Lelaneia and Tom Dubay founded Hartford Flavor in 2014. The company makes Wild Moon liqueurs and organic vodkas at its distillery at 30 Arbor St., which it called “the core foundation” of the business. The closure doesn’t affect the distillery, where parlour gift cards will be honored and scheduled events are being moved or refunded.
Businesses interested in hiring former parlour staff, or in the space itself, can contact info@hartfordflavor.com.
