Fireside

eateries in the coming months which are staples of the downtown area and support local events such as Halloween and Christmas in the Village.

“Times are tough. I really feel for private business owners, especially the smaller businesses that are strug- gling just they keep their head above water,” said Town Councilor Mike DelSanto, chairman of the town’s Economic Strike Committee. “I know there are staffing issues, and I know that inflation has been so bad, the rising costs of product, and it’s just too much to bear. They’ve got to turn those high prices over to the customer and a customer can only take so much. Boy, I’ll tell you, that’s bad news. That’s another big hit for downtown Plantsville. I’m hoping they can land on their feet.”

DelSanto said in light of the same economic pressures, the town can do little to offer financial support for struggling small businesses. He hoped the central location in the heart of Plantsville village means the two restaurants won’t be vacant for long.

“It’s just bad news. Seems like once or twice a week there’s another business that’s closing their doors. It’s disheartening to say the least,” DelSanto said.

Robert Hammersley, chair- man of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said the addition of a new municipal parking lot and overall infrastructure improvements should make Plantsville attractive to local residents and prospective business owners.

“It’s unfortunate that they’re closing. I’m hopeful that another business comes in and is able to put themselves there. I think that there’s an overall effort to improve the infrastructure in downtown Plantsville. I fully support that,” Hammersley said. He added he thinks Southington remains attractive to businesses, but that a unique set of circumstances has hit the food industry the hardest.

“But with regards to the overall business climate of the town, I think it’s pretty strong,” said Hammersley.

“Take a ride down Main Street and Queen Street, you see a couple of structures going up actively right now. And I think that’s a reflection on us, or our efforts on planning and zoning.” cmetzger@record-journal.com

Local residents expressed sadness over the latest restaurant closure posting over a hundred comments on the Facebook announcement.

“We truly appreciate the opportunity that was given to us, the new people we have met, all of our vendors, but with the economic climate it’s best this way for now. Thank you,” Mingolello said in the post.

The restaurant plans to continue honoring gift certificates until it closes Feb. 28, according to the post.

To our valued existing and soon-to-be patients: Your health is very important to us. Your loyalty to us is reflected in our loyalty to you. We know your names and your needs because we are the community pharmacy.

We wouldn't be doing our job to the best of our ability if we were only available part of the time. We have two full time pharmacists on duty.

When you need a prescription filled or have a question, we're here for you. Always.