Brasserie Will Take Over Vacated Thirty5 Bar & Grille Space

Treva owner Dorjan Puka has wanted to open a second restaurant in West Hartford Center, and is taking advantage of space that just became vacant when Thirty5 Bar & Grille suddenly closed for business on April 11.

"I've been looking for a year to open my second dream – a French bistro," Puka said Thursday.

He and his wife already own and operate the highly-successful Treva Restaurant & Bar right up the street on Farmington Ave., but were looking to branch out. Puka was quick to snag the prime 35 LaSalle Rd. space.

He hopes to open the bistro within three months, and said that while some remodeling of the space will be done, there is no need for a full renovation. "It will have a really French look," Puka said, including subway tiles on the walls.

The menu will also be "really like a French brasserie," he said.

Puka is not ready to announce the bistro's name quite yet, and said they are still working out the details.

Patrons became aware of the unexpected closing of Thirty5 Bar & Grille when the windows were papered over on Friday, April 12 and callers heard the message, "We are now closed for business. Thank you and good luck," on an answering machine recording. 

Thirty5 Bar & Grille owner Brian Hersh, who has not spoken publicly about the business closing, was the recent recipient of a $47,500 grant from Connecticut's Small Business Express (EXP) program that was used to convert Reuben's Deli to Thirty5 Bar & Grille last summer and fall. 

The Hartford Courant reported Thursday that the state Department of Economic and Consumer Development is "currently reviewing the matter internally and will be pursuing any available remedies," regarding repayment of the $47,500 grant.