Carbone’s Ristorante, a renowned Hartford family-owned Italian restaurant that operated on Franklin Avenue for nearly nine decades, is making its official return to the city on Sept. 1 with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at 39 Front St., according to announcements from the business and local news reports. The 11,000-square-foot establishment occupies the former space of Apple Cinemas, which closed in 2023, bringing fourth-generation family traditions back to the capital city.
A Multi-Generational Legacy Returns to Downtown Hartford
Founded in 1938 by brothers Charlie and Tony Carbone in Hartford’s South End, the original restaurant initially launched as a casual eatery named Southern Plantation, serving items like fried chicken, grinders, and spaghetti and meatballs, according to CT Insider reporting. In the early 1960s, Charlie’s son Guy and his brother Carl took over operations, transforming the venue into a high-end destination known for Italian-American history and modern culinary techniques. The historic Franklin Avenue location closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, though sister locations Carbone’s Kitchen in Bloomfield and Carbone’s Prime in Rocky Hill remained open.
According to CT Insider, the new Front Street location accommodates 275 diners and features a dedicated lounge, banquet space, and private dining areas. Owner Vinnie Carbone told CT Insider in 2023 that the move aims to continue the family’s long-standing role in the city’s fabric. “Especially where things are evolving post-pandemic, now seems to be the time to be teeing things up, with a few years of uncertainty there,” Carbone said at the time.
Financing and Renovation Details
The downtown space underwent a $3.7 million renovation to prepare for the September opening. According to CT Insider’s reporting on the project’s financing, the funding structure included a $1.7 million loan from the Capital Region Development Authority, a $500,000 loan from the Connecticut Boost small business assistance program, and the remainder covered through cash equity from the restaurant owners.
FOX61 reported that the ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sept. 1, drawing participation from the Carbone family, local leaders, community members, and business representatives. Returning diners can expect the restoration of classic menu offerings, including flamboyant tableside Caesar salad preparations, Italian cuisine staples, and flambéed desserts, as noted by CT Insider. Patrons seeking reservations and updates can monitor the official Carbone’s Ristorante website.
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