It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society in New Hartford, CT gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in New Hartford, CT is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company,”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
“Bessie has been an exceptional Health Care Provider. She takes such pride in her work and truly cares about the people she is in contact with. She is dedicated, diligent, and is devoted to her job assignment. She not only takes care of my Mom, but she goes above and beyond her call of duty. Bessie has a unique ability to connect with every person she meets. No day goes by that my Mom is not pampered. Bessie make sure she's always comfortable. She makes exceptional meals for her 3 times a day, cleans her clothes, gives her showers, washes her hair and makes her look amazing every single day. Bessie is so beneficial to our family we can't imagine our family without her. I myself and my family members could never do what she does for our Mom. She has been with my mom and our family for almost 1 year and we don't know what we would do without her, she truly is a gift from God. She not only takes care of my Mom daily, nightly and weekly, she also takes care of her personal life and whatever life throws at her. She is a devoted caretaker and should be recognized with the utmost respect. Her dedication to improving the health and well-being of my Mom is commendable. You can't find anyone as special as she. Her life commitment has touched our lives through her delivery of exceptional care in a compassionate, respectful, and safe manner on a daily basis. She has become a member of our family and she has shown us the meaning of adaptability. Her strong faith in God, Forgiveness, and Believing in each other makes her the great person that she is. On behalf of our family, we would like to thank you for the extraordinary care and services your company has provided to us. Thank you for all you do”
“We used Always Best Care for my mother. They provided basically anything we needed a few hours a week, they were very thorough in asking about my mother's condition, and what were the needs that were required. It's more like bathing, medication, and companionship. We used them for about a week.”
“Thank you again to you, Susan and the rest of the care-givers and staff of Always Best Care for the outstanding service you have provided for our parents. ABC provided professional, first-class support that allowed our parents to remain in their home while relieving of us of concern for their care and is something we will never forget. You can be sure we will happily refer any family member or friend that is seeking care at home to Always Best Care.”
“Dear Rick, Over the past three plus years, my father Joseph Ceuch has lived at home assisted by the caregivers from your company Always Best Care of Greater Bristol. This letter is a personal thank you from my father and the entire Ceuch family on how your caregivers treated and attended to my father during this time. The caregivers became part of our extended family who shared in countless family events resulting in beautiful lasting memories. Caregivers Frances Boateng, Jeremy Turner, and Yanice Hernandez were awesome in their care of my father. I want to especially acknowledge Francis as a person who went above and beyond his responsibility and became part of the Ceuch inner circle. It was not uncommon for Francis on his off days to stop by during a family picnic to say hello...he is truly loved by my father. Again, I want to thank you for the loving care your caregivers provided my father. I would highly recommend your company to anyone interested in having a caregiver attend to a loved one. Thanks again”
“Heather, I just wanted to thank Always Best Care in helping to provide care for my step father, Daryl. It's unbelievable how the progression of his illness happened so quickly, however, Always Best Care was always ready to provide the level of care he needed as it increased. Most importantly, I'd like to thank his aide, Sue Malasics. She was wonderful to Daryl and took great care of his needs. I knew I did not have to worry with Sue there with him. She was always cooking wonderful homemade meals and desserts and I was happy to see how happy she made Daryl. I think she is a wonderful asset to Always Best Care. Should I know of anyone needing help in the future, I would recommend Always Best Care and Sue Malasics.”
“My mother was bedbound for months and had serious health related issues including kidney failure. My mother was also very demanding about her care and who she would allow into her home. After several attempts with various in-home care agencies my mother really responded well to Always Best Care Senior Services of Greater Bristol and we cant thank them enough for the high level of compassionate care they were able to provide during my moms final months.”
“I am a past client of this provider My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“Our sister, Barbara has early-onset dementia , and was in sudden need of a personal care assistant until placement in a quality skilled nursing facility became available. We reached out to home health care agencies in her local area but, by this point, had already worked with several agencies for med reminders for Barbara (and 24/7 care for our Mom in another area of CT) and were a bit skeptical that that we’d find one that could provide consistent quality of care.When I spoke with Rick Downey of Always Best Care Senior Services in Bristol, he conveyed both confidence in his knowledge of health care and empathy in understanding the frustrations that families experience when seeking quality care for their loved ones. We were next contacted by their care coordinator,Heather Kozikowski, who came to our sister’s home to conduct an assessment and further explain the services offered by Always Best Care.A further testament to the exceptional quality of Always Best Care is the service and care we’ve received after Barbara is no longer a client; our thanks to Always Best Care for the excellent care of our sister, and the peace-of-mind it afforded our family knowing that she was in such kind and competent hands!”
“I am a retired registered nurse, and for several years, I have been the primary caregiver for my husbamd/ My husband suffers from dementia and is aphasic. On a Saturday morning in October of 2015, a sudden change in my health required an emergent hospitilization, which late resulted in an extensive rehabilitation stay. Upon my hospitalization, my son reached out to Always Best Care Senior Services of greater Bristol. The Always Best Care team assessed my husband, his needs, and had his care staffed within hours of my son's call. The care provided to my husband has been exceptional. The caregivers as well as the office staff have been attentive to our needs and have met all of our expectations. I would highly recommend Always Best Care to you and anyone who is in need of care for their loved one.”
“I had a very good experience ! I really appreciate the service that your company, Always Best Care, offered our family and especially the caring, loving attitude that Amber and Natalie displayed to Carol at all times. They were outstanding and you should be proud to place them in any situation with the full expectation they will represent your firm in a most professional manner. Thanks again for all your help.”
“My journey with Always Best Care began with a visit from the owner and office manager. Soon after, I was introduced to the caregiver who would provide care for me. All 3 persons seemed very knowledgeable, experienced anf caring. I was certainly provided with quality service and much respect and compassion.”
“Dave and staff, thank you or consistently caring and comforting my Mom. Your quality of care will be recommended to others. You went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have a very good providers from this Company”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Brodie Park in New Hartford, CT with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Division West Bistro and Bar or visit Connecticut's Old State House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in New Hartford, CT, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in New Hartford, CT understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in New Hartford, CT 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
East Hartford, CT – The Town of East Hartford's new brand promise, "Elevate Here," reflects a commitment to fostering opportunity, growth, and innovation throughout the community. Mayor Connor S. Martin intends to uphold that promise through a continued focus on business attraction, retention, and economic development.Following the recent departure of Eileen Buckheit, who served as East Hartford's Director of Community Development for 13 years, Deputy Director Steve Hnatuk assumed the role of Interim D...
East Hartford, CT – The Town of East Hartford's new brand promise, "Elevate Here," reflects a commitment to fostering opportunity, growth, and innovation throughout the community. Mayor Connor S. Martin intends to uphold that promise through a continued focus on business attraction, retention, and economic development.
Following the recent departure of Eileen Buckheit, who served as East Hartford's Director of Community Development for 13 years, Deputy Director Steve Hnatuk assumed the role of Interim Director for a 90-day period. Effective July 1, 2026, Hnatuk will officially serve as the Town of East Hartford's Director of Community Development.
Hnatuk's demonstrated commitment to both the position and the East Hartford community, coupled with his experience managing the department's day-to-day operations, distinguished him throughout the selection process. His professional background in planning and zoning provides a valuable perspective on economic development, with a focus on creating a business-friendly environment and removing barriers that can impede growth and investment. His philosophy centers on establishing the conditions necessary for businesses of all sizes to succeed in East Hartford.
Hnatuk will be responsible for the administration and management of the Community Development Department, which includes the Economic Development, Planning, Building, Zoning, Property Maintenance, and Grants divisions. He will continue to lead the Town's economic development and redevelopment efforts by guiding policy and regulatory initiatives that facilitate growth and investment, supporting business retention and attraction, and advancing redevelopment opportunities throughout the community.
Prior to his appointment as Director, Hnatuk served as East Hartford's Deputy Development Director, where he led the Town's 10-year Plan of Conservation and Development, the Founders Plaza District Master Plan, the Affordable Housing Plan, and the comprehensive modernization of East Hartford's zoning regulations. He continues to support the redevelopment of the Church Corners Inn and Founders Plaza, Main Street revitalization efforts, and the Town's brownfield assessment and remediation initiatives. He also focused department efforts on updating land use administration and enforcement policies, expanding online permitting and development services, and improving development review processes.
Before joining the Town of East Hartford, Hnatuk worked for Tyche Planning & Policy Group, where he served as Town Planner and led planning efforts for several Connecticut municipalities. His work included Plans of Conservation and Development, municipal Housing Planning, and land use policy initiatives. He also worked for the Town of Newtown, where he supported planning and zoning, inland wetlands, and land use administration.
He holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Natural Resources and Applied Economics from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Science degree in Geography from Central Connecticut State University.
Under the East Hartford Town Charter, the Mayor has the authority to appoint and remove department directors.
"This appointment reflects the bold direction I know our economic development efforts can achieve," said Mayor Martin. "Under Steve's leadership, we have an opportunity to build on our momentum with fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a continued commitment to excellence. His focus will be on strengthening the department's capacity and reinforcing East Hartford's reputation as a business-friendly community. The message is clear: East Hartford is open for business. Whether you're opening your first storefront, expanding your footprint, or locating your next headquarters, this is a place where businesses can grow, succeed, and Elevate Here."
As Director, Hnatuk's immediate priorities will include filling the department's two current vacancies: the Economic Development Coordinator position, which became vacant earlier this year following the departure of Mike Daniels, who now serves as the Director of Economic Development in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and the Deputy Director of Community Development position previously held by Hnatuk.
Carbone’s Ristorante, whose roots in Hartford stretch back to 1938, will officially open Sept. 1 in a newly renovated, roughly 11,000-square-foot space in downtown Hartford, bringing back a family business that for generations was a fixture of the city’s dining, business and political scenes.The new restaurant in the former Apple Cinemas location at 39 Front St. will be larger and more ambitious than its former South End location, with seating for about 275, a lounge, expanded banquet facilities and an eventual workforce t...
Carbone’s Ristorante, whose roots in Hartford stretch back to 1938, will officially open Sept. 1 in a newly renovated, roughly 11,000-square-foot space in downtown Hartford, bringing back a family business that for generations was a fixture of the city’s dining, business and political scenes.
The new restaurant in the former Apple Cinemas location at 39 Front St. will be larger and more ambitious than its former South End location, with seating for about 275, a lounge, expanded banquet facilities and an eventual workforce that could reach 65 to 70 people.
For third-generation owner Vincent “Vinny” Carbone, 65, the opening represents both an effort to carry forward an 88-year family legacy and a bet on Hartford’s resurgence.
“I feel like the city was in an identity crisis for years, but I think it’s finally getting comfortable in its own skin,” Carbone said. “And there’s been a tremendous amount of private investment as well as public with Hartford HealthCare, Lexington Partners, Alan Lazowski, to name just a few. And we saw the efforts being put in and we wanted to be part of it.”
Thousands of new apartments have been added to the downtown in recent years, with more under construction and in planning. The University of Connecticut is opening a new downtown dorm, and the state has helped fund a $145 million renovation of the downtown PeoplesBank Arena.
Carbone’s operated out of a 6,120-square-foot, 1950-vintage brick building at 588 Franklin Ave. before closing in March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated many restaurants. The Carbone family ultimately decided not to reopen the restaurant there.
Carbone said the pandemic accelerated a decision that had been building as the surrounding neighborhood and restaurant industry changed.
“The business climate changed and we were fortunate to maintain being the first restaurant on Franklin Avenue and then one of the last ones of the Italian cuisine,” Carbone said. “So I think it just kind of fast-forwarded things for us. And that’s why we decided to kind of relocate after the pandemic.”
But the family never lost its connection to Hartford.
Carbone said former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin approached him as the city emerged from the initial phase of the pandemic and asked whether he would consider relocating downtown.
The family eventually settled on the former Spotlight Theatres (later Apple Cinemas) space along Front Street, close to the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford Marriott Downtown and Interstate 91.
“The key for us was where to go to in Hartford,” Carbone said. “And we felt one of the best spots that was available was the former Spotlight Theater location.”
Carbone said his larger footprint allows the restaurant to pursue several concepts under one roof.
There will be a traditional dining room focused on the old-school Italian dining experience for which Carbone’s is known, a more casual lounge with its own menu, and flexible banquet and event space.
The restaurant will have capacity for about 275 people, compared with roughly 200 at the former location. Its banquet space can accommodate about 125 people for a seated dinner or 180 to 200 for a standing event.
The event space at the Franklin Avenue location had capacity for events of roughly 50 people, Carbone said.
He sees the expanded event space filling a niche between a typical restaurant private room and Hartford’s much larger convention venues.
The main dining experience, meanwhile, will deliberately reach back to the restaurant’s Franklin Avenue roots. Carbone plans to revive tableside Caesar salad preparations, along with some desserts and entrees prepared tableside. Homemade pasta and multi-course meals designed for sharing will also be part of the experience in the main dining room.
“We want to make that special,” Carbone said. “And that’ll be our thread to Franklin Avenue.”
A bet on downtown Hartford
The roughly $3.75 million effort to redevelop 39 Front St. and reopen Carbone’s is funded in part with a $1.7 million low-interest loan through the Capital Region Development Authority, a $500,000 loan from the Connecticut Small Business Boost Fund and $1.55 million in private equity.
City officials believe Carbone’s return will provide an important boost to their wide-reaching downtown revitalization efforts.
Carbone’s was a vital piece of Hartford’s heydays, remembered as a spot where mayors and governors mingled with regular patrons, Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam recalled. He expects the new location to be a key contributor to the city’s progress.
“I think what Vinnie Carbone sees, as I do as well, is a city that is on the rise, a city that continues to build its vibrancy,” Arulampalam said. “So, we are excited to have Carbone’s back. It is a signal about how members of the business community are viewing the resurgence of our city.”
Carbone’s will launch with a “soft opening” next Friday (Aug. 28), Saturday and Sunday, for about 100 invitation-only guests each day, including longtime customers, supporters and family members, along with prominent politicians and members of the business community.
Carbone said he plans to ramp up service gradually to give staff time to acclimate and provide a consistent, high level of service.
The restaurant will initially operate seven days a week from happy hour through dinner. Carbone plans to eventually add lunch service in the lounge and expects to begin booking banquets after the restaurant has been operating for about a month. A Sept. 1 ribbon cutting will mark the first day the restaurant is fully open for reservations.
“We’re just trying to do things in stages so we can execute correctly with our team,” Carbone said.
Carbone expects to launch with roughly 50 employees and increase staffing as lunch and banquet operations are added, ramping up to as many as 70 by December. The former Franklin Avenue restaurant employed about 35 to 40 people, he said.
The Carbone family history in Hartford stretches further than the restaurant.
Carbone’s grandfather, Carl “Charlie” Carbone, immigrated to America from Italy as a child. Charlie’s father worked as a tailor at Hartford’s Bond Hotel, while Charlie and his brother, Anthony “Tony” Carbone, worked there as bellhops.
After high school, the brothers operated an Atlantic gas station on Franklin Avenue near Bulkeley Stadium.
The brothers saw an opportunity in the crowds that left the stadium after baseball games and stock-car races, acquiring a neighboring property with an unfinished foundation and building a restaurant to serve grinders, simple pasta dishes and other fare. They left the service station to concentrate on the restaurant in 1938.
Over the following decades, Carbone’s evolved as successive generations took the helm.
Charlie’s son Gaetano “Guy” Carbone joined the family business after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in 1958, while his brother, Carl, joined after earning a degree in restaurant management from the State University of New York at Delhi. This generation pushed the restaurant toward a more sophisticated experience, introducing Hartford-area customers to traditional Italian dishes and dining experiences that were uncommon at the time.
“They were one of the first ones in the area serving calamari, serving mussels, doing different courses just to showcase their culinary expertise,” Carbone said.
By the 1970s, Carbone’s had become a destination for corporate lunches and dinners, drawing generations of Hartford business executives, politicians and civic leaders.
It was also very much a family operation.
Carbone said his grandmother and great-aunt handled baking and pastry making, while his grandfather’s sister served as bookkeeper.
“There was always a strong family presence in the building as a little kid going in there,” Carbone said. “It was pretty cool looking back on it now. You took it for granted, but there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears put in before us.”
The family later expanded into other concepts. It currently operates Carbone’s Prime, an Italian steakhouse in Rocky Hill, and Carbone’s Kitchen, a more casual Italian concept in Bloomfield.
Gaetano Carbone visits the restaurant just about daily to provide feedback.
“He’s a critic,” Carbone joked. “He’ll come in and tell me everything that he liked and tell me what he thinks needs work on. You know, he tries to keep the brand intact.”
Vincent’s brother, John Carbone, is partnering with him on the Hartford project.
A fourth Carbone generation is also deeply involved.
Vincent Carbone’s 37-year-old daughter, Nicole, is operations manager. His daughter, Kathryn, handles social media from Denver, while his son — who works for American Express in Manhattan — serves as an advisor.
Vincent’s wife, Olivia, and John’s wife, Shelly, contributed to the new restaurant’s design, as well as with procurement.
The restaurant’s management team includes several longtime Carbone employees. Paul Rafala, a former chef, is general manager of the new Hartford location. Mary Beth Corraccio, who began working for the family in high school, is general manager of Carbone’s prime and oversees events and sales for the family’s three restaurants.
Carbone is working with Propark to offer valet parking to his customers free of charge. This amenity, he said, is critical to success.
While parking was seen as a challenge to overcome, the location also carries tremendous advantages, with easy access to Interstates 84 and 91 and all of downtown’s amenities, Carbone noted.
Carbone said he wants the restaurant to give suburban residents a reason to choose Hartford rather than other dining and entertainment centers.
“I want to compete with West Hartford Center or Evergreen Walk or whatever,” Carbone said. “I want to give them a reason to come in here.”
860-261-4405
