11/02/2026
After six unforgettable years, it is with a heavy heart that I share that The Charles has permanently closed its doors.
We opened in 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic. From day one, we faced extraordinary challenges, but we never shied away from hard work and finding a way forward.
My dream was to create a place in Old Wethersfield where friends gathered, families celebrated, and great food and hospitality brought people together. Thanks to our team and community, we built something special.
Operating a full-service restaurant in a historic building brought significant limitations, particularly with kitchen capacity, accessibility, and our ability to grow. We worked tirelessly to navigate those challenges, but ultimately couldn’t find a sustainable path forward.
The challenges went beyond the building. In 2024, we opened and ultimately closed BAKE Market, a setback from which we never fully recovered. And over the past 12 months, I lost both of my parents following their battles with dementia. Navigating those losses while running The Charles has been incredibly difficult, but I wouldn’t trade a moment of the time I had with them. Family and relationships will always matter more than any business.
This isn’t the ending I imagined, but I won’t let it define what we accomplished.
To our employees, past and present: thank you for your dedication and heart. To our guests: thank you for making The Charles part of your lives. And to my amazing wife and daughter: thank you for believing in this dream and standing beside me.
While The Charles may have closed its doors, my passion for food, hospitality, and bringing people together is far from over. There is still much to look forward to, and I hope you’ll continue to be part of that journey.
The Charles was a dream brought to life, and I’ll always be proud to have shared it with you.
Additional information is available at TheCharlesCT.com.
With gratitude,
Bryce
