Citing changes caused by the pandemic, high inflation and rising labor costs, The Corner Pug, a self-described “quirky” pub in West Hartford, will close next month.
On the pub’s Facebook page, owner Ted Vetter on Thursday posted a “farewell” to the Elmwood section of town; the pub is located at 1046 New Britain Ave., at the corner of New Park Avenue.
The letter, posted as a “news release” and dated Tuesday, states that “The Corner Pug will be serving its last drinks and meals (on) Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, after 25 years.”
“There are several reasons we are not renewing our lease, liquor and food permits,” the statement continues. “Since the pandemic our business plan has changed. Prices have skyrocketed, from chicken wings to insurance coverage, and dramatic labor costs.”
Vetter added that he is 75 years old “and I think it’s time to bow out.”
The closing announcement was first reported by NBC Connecticut.
The one-story, 5,900-square-foot building in which the pub is located was built in 1925 and has been owned by Sarjac Partners LLC of Farmington since April of 2007, according to town property records. The building is appraised at $1.16 million.
The Corner Pug’s Facebook page includes an introduction that states, “Our quirkiness along with our honest food and hearty portions have made us the ultimate destination.” Its logo features a forlorn pug with the words “our founder” on a banner beneath it.
According to the American Kennel Club, which has recognized it as an official breed since 1885, the pug has the motto “a lot in a little.” That also could be the motto of The Corner Pug.
The pub offered a full menu for lunch and dinner as well as Happy Hour, served in an old-fashioned pub atmosphere featuring bright yellow walls with dark-wood wainscoting beneath a decorative tin ceiling, and booths and tables with deep leather bench seating and wooden chairs. The quirkiness comes from the decorations, which include various pugs on the walls and shelves throughout the pub.
Vetter thanked his staff, calling them “top notch!”, and added that “it’s been a pleasure watching them make our customers their first priority.”
The Facebook post had 117 comments and was shared 86 times as of Friday morning. All of the comments were positive, with one woman stating she has been a customer since the pub opened and adding she will miss its “roasted chicken and specials for St. Patrick’s Day.”
Another said it was the “first place I was taken to when I moved to West Hartford 20 years ago and loved it (ever) since.” He cited the pub’s mac & cheese, Irish nachos, and fish and chips as his favorite dishes.
An third commenter, who described himself as a “pug owner who lives right around the corner,” said he’s going “to cry on the inside each time I pass by,” and added, “I’ve fully enjoyed each time I’ve gone in for a delicious meal, the warm atmosphere, and those awesome pug photos! Best of luck!”
