Goodbye Hot Tomato's

The famed Hot Tomato’s downtown Hartford restaurant at Union Station (1 Union Place) has closed for the time being. There have been rumors circulating all over the city because Hot Tomato’s is a Hartford institution that has been here for more then two decades. One of the rumors is that it has been closed temporarily for renovations and repairs after a pipe broke. This rumor has been confirmed by owner Melissa Altman. Two weeks ago I was scheduled to attend two functions there one night after another. One function was cancelled, one was moved to Salute. Both messages from the function’s organizers stated that a pipe had broken at the restaurant.

The other rumor that is looking like it will become more of a reality is that Hot Tomato’s is gone for good because its owner has run it into the ground. Hot Tomato’s Hartford was part of an empire of outstanding restaurants that were owned by Melissa’s late husband Tom Altmann. The other restaurants included Hot Tomato’s New Haven, Bambeleo in Glastonbury and Braza in Hartford. Right now Braza is still owned by Melissa Altmann.
Rumors have been circulating that Hot Tomato’s Hartford was not doing well after General Manager Jimmy Cosgrove left to open Salute at Trumbull on the Park. Prices had risen and service had gone down at the popular restaurant. Additionally, much of the staff had left to work at other places including Salute.

As of right now the restaurant is closed. The restaurant is in an outstanding location in an amazing building. Diners have views of Bushnell Park and the inside mixes old and new very well. I still remember in 2006 having my high school graduation party there thanks to the help of Jimmy Cosgrove. I am deeply saddened by the potential permanent loss of Hot Tomato’s. If the restaurant does close for good I truly hope the buildings management and leasing team step up immediately to draw in a new restaurant. I do not feel this space should be turned over for fast food type businesses to cater to Union Station visitors or late night eaters for when the bars let out. There is a vacant retail space on Union Place that was formerly occupied by Pocket Wireless that could house a fast food joint – preferably a locally owned and operated one. I also must note there is no reason this space needs to be occupied by a restaurant. I would love to see a small clothing or bookstore/café open up in this spot.

My recommendation for this space in terms of a restaurant is a trendy – funky medium priced establishment. We are still in difficult economic times and people do not have the money to eat at places like Dish and Max Downtown every night. A restaurant that is a step below price wise but not quality wise is needed. It also can’t be a bland boring restaurant. I think of Tisane when I talk about trendy and funky and I hope something with all those elements can be brought to this space soon.