The owner of the Corner Pug, an iconic restaurant in the Elmwood section of West Hartford, announced Thursday that the business will be closing as of Aug. 17, 2024.
By Ronni Newton
Ted Vetter took over ownership of a neighborhood bar that at the corner of New Britain and New Park avenues in 2000 after the owner retired, and after increasing the square footage and doing some renovation, turned what was the “Corner Pub” into the “Corner Pug.” Now, Vetter himself is retiring, he announced Thursday that the Corner Pug will serve its last drinks and meals on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024.
“I’m 75 years old now and I think it’s time to bow out,” Vetter said in a statement.
There were numerous factors that went into the decision, and the timing – his liquor license is up for renewal in August and the lease is up in November – just seemed right.
“Since the pandemic our business plan has changed. Prices have skyrocketed, from chicken wings to insurance coverage, and dramatic labor costs,” Vetter said.
The staff, over the years, has been “top notch,” however, and he said it’s been a pleasure watching them make customers the first priority.
The restaurant’s name was a nod to Mac, the pug that Vetter had at the time and whose likeness has always graced the sign. The menu has remained true to its mission of “upscale pub” food, with burgers, pot pie, and French onion soup among the staples.
Chicken pot pie from Corner Pug. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
When Vetter saw the opportunity that the Corner Pug presented, he already knew the neighborhood very well because he also owned Tapas, which he opened in 1986 at 1150 New Britain Avenue. For several decades, the two restaurants bookended the main strip of New Britain Avenue in Elmwood.
French onion soup and clam chowder from Corner Pug. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
When Tapas opened its doors on New Britain Avenue in 1986, many people had never even heard the word “tapas.” The restaurant soon became known for its fresh food, for having a great selection of vegetarian dishes before that was common on menus, and the Greek salad. The salad dressing became so popular that it was sold by the bottle.
An early version of the Tapas website noted: “Trying to sell falafel on New Britain Avenue in 1986 was near impossible. People predicted we’d be gone within a year.” Instead it lasted 32 years.
Feature in “Living in West Hartford” magazine, Summer 2002
Vetter made the decision to close Tapas in 2018. Vetter said at the time he was thinking about retiring, and indeed in 2022 he put the restaurant up for sale. It didn’t sell, and he didn’t retire – until now.
As a final hurrah, the Corner Pug will hold a “Cheers & Beers” celebration on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 11:30 a.m. until closing. There will be good food, cold beer, and 25 years of memories to share.
Courtesy image
The New Britain Avenue space will not be vacant for very long. Plans for a new restaurant to open in that location are already in place, and details will be available shortly.
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