Hartford, CT bids farewell to a beloved culinary and community landmark as Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe has announced its closure after 24 years of operation. The news has sent ripples of disappointment through the city, particularly among loyal patrons and the LGBTQ+ community who considered Tisane a cherished safe haven. Owner Al Gamble cited the lingering economic fallout from the pandemic as the primary reason for the closure, stating that despite efforts to revitalize the restaurant, business never fully recovered.
Pandemic and Rising Costs Blamed for Closure
According to Gamble, the decision to close Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe was not taken lightly and followed months of internal discussions. Speaking about the difficult circumstances, Gamble explained, “We spent a lot of money about a year ago, remodeling, updating equipment fixing a lot of the problems the building had, retooling the menu and the business never really came back.” This investment, intended to breathe new life into the establishment, unfortunately proved insufficient to overcome the financial headwinds brought on by the pandemic’s impact on the restaurant industry. The struggle to regain pre-pandemic business levels ultimately led to the heartbreaking decision to close permanently.
Community Mourns the Loss of a Local Favorite
The announcement of Tisane’s closure has been met with shock and sadness by the Hartford community. Longtime customers, many of whom visited the cafe regularly, expressed their dismay. Brittany Fair, a loyal patron, shared her surprise, “I was just here last week and when I saw it was being closed today I’m just like what happened.” This sentiment of sudden loss was echoed by many who had come to rely on Tisane not just as a restaurant, but as a consistent part of Hartford’s social fabric. The abruptness of the closure was particularly upsetting for those who had frequented Tisane for years, creating memories and traditions within its walls.
A Safe Haven for Hartford’s LGBTQ+ Community
For many, especially within Hartford’s LGBTQ+ community, Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe was more than just a place to dine; it was a vital safe entertainment space. Maria Bonita, a member of the community, highlighted Tisane’s significant role as a venue for drag performances. “For Maria Bonita and much of the LGBTQ+ community, the restaurant was a safe entertainment place for drag performers, as Tisane had hosted many drag shows over the years.” Tisane’s welcoming atmosphere made it a central gathering point, particularly for drag performers and their audiences. The timing of the closure, just weeks before the start of Pride Month, adds another layer of disappointment, as Bonita noted, “That’s kind of when they go out in June, they don’t go out in the year, so it’s unfortunate we can’t do that this year.” The cancellation of planned drag shows, including one scheduled for Tuesday, underscores the immediate impact of Tisane’s absence on the community’s event calendar and social scene.
Owner Expresses Gratitude After 24 Years
Despite the difficult circumstances, owner Al Gamble expressed gratitude for the support Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe received over the past 24 years. Addressing customers, Gamble stated, “To the customers I want to say thank you, it’s been 24 amazing years.” This message of appreciation acknowledges the long-standing relationship between Tisane and its clientele, emphasizing the positive memories and experiences shared over two decades. While the closure marks the end of an era for Tisane and Hartford, Gamble’s words serve as a reminder of the cafe’s significant contribution to the city’s culinary and cultural landscape.
The closure of Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe represents a significant loss for Hartford. It was not only a restaurant but a community hub, a safe space, and a venue that contributed uniquely to the city’s nightlife and cultural diversity. As Hartford reflects on the legacy of Tisane, the hope remains that new businesses will emerge to fill the void it leaves behind, carrying forward the spirit of community and inclusivity that Tisane so admirably embodied.
