West Hartford's Prospect Cafe To Close

After 48 years in business, West Hartford restaurant Prospect Cafe is closing, according to its owner.

Nick Faenza, who has worked at the restaurant for 35 years, including the last 10 as the owner, said in a telephone interview that "a lack of business" is the reason for the closing.

The restaurant's last day will be Aug 11.

Town officials said that it was a sad day in West Hartford with the prospective closing of the institution.

Mayor Scott Slifka said that the closing was personal to him, as his daughter's baptism was catered by the Prospect Cafe. In addition, Slifka said that he hosted his first-ever political fundraiser at the restaurant as well as a number of victory parties.

"I am deeply saddened by it," Slifka said. "I know Nick well and have been a patron (of the Prospect Cafe) for many years."

Town Manager Ron Van Winkle echoed Slifka's sentiments.

"The Prospect Cafe has been a part of the fabric of the community we've grown up with," Van Winkle said in a telephone interview.

Van Winkle said that West Hartford has an extremely competitive restaurant market.

"We've seen a lot of restaurants come and go through the years," Van Winkle said. "There are only so many lunches bought in West Hartford every single day."

That makes the Prospect Cafe's 48 years all the more impressive, said Van Winkle, who called the business "a stalwart."

"It's sad," said Van Winkle, noting that Angelo Faenza, the prior owner, hosted the Park Road Association's monthly meetings at the restaurant. "Angelo was very much a part of the community."

Which is why the restaurant's closing is such a big loss to the community, Slifka said.

Yes, West Hartford has a robust restaurant business where one can get a great meal, Slifka said.

"But there aren't many places where you can get a great meal and almost feel like you are home," Slifka said.