CT restaurant group closing a location. It comes despite ‘support, loyalty, and heart' of customers
Perhaps it is the most positively spun of restaurant closings.
B Restaurants has announced the closing of Plan b Restaurant in Southington, which opened in February 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic shut restaurants down, says a message on their website.
'We never quite got the start we envisioned,' said founder and CEO Allie J. Gamble. 'Opening 30 days before COVID hit meant we operated more of a takeout business than the dine-in, fun bar model we built. It's a large space that we never got to fill as we had hoped.'
The restaurant, known for its burgers, announced that Sunday, May 18, will be the last day of service following dinner.
'In a final gesture of gratitude to the community,' Gamble said, Plan b Southington will donate 100 percent of profits from Sunday's closing day to Bread for Life, a local nonprofit dedicated to feeding those in need.
Plan b first partnered with the Bread for Life organization opening weekend in 2020.
'Giving back to this town is how we started and how we want to say goodbye,' Gamble said. 'This isn't just about closing a restaurant. It's about honoring the people, stories, and community moments that made Plan b Southington what it was.'
The closing is among many announced across Connecticut in the past year, as residents' habits evolve. These closings also have been attributed by experts to the cost of rent and food, utilities and finding and keeping staff.
Other Plan b locations in West Hartford, Hartford, and Glastonbury will remain open.
'The proximity to our other restaurants was a factor in this decision,' Gamble said. Employees will receive severance pay and management will work to place team members at the company's other restaurants.
'Our people are the heart of every Plan b,' Gamble said. 'While we're closing one door, we're opening others and doing what we can to help each team member take their next step.'
Gift cards will be accepted at all other Plan b locations. 'We're incredibly grateful to the team who kept this location going through some of the most challenging years in our industry,' Gamble said.
She also thanked the Southington community, for their 'support, loyalty, and heart over the last five years.'
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