Thirty5 Bar & Grille, formerly known as Reuben’s Deli, is reportedly closed, less than a year after receiving $47,500 in taxpayer money.
The Small Business Express Program, run by the Department of Economic and Community Development, awards grants and loans to companies with fewer than 100 employees.
West Hartford Deli, Inc., owner of the deli, invested $180,000 in order to receive the state money as part of a changing into a “a full-service, mid-priced, bar and restaurant,” according to the announcement of the award.
“I’ve eaten at Reuben’s Deli, and I know they’ve wanted to expand for some time,” Sen. Beth Bye, D-West Hartford, said at the time. “To see the state support the purchase of new equipment and training, and to help Reuben’s double their staff size – it’s very satisfying. This EXP program proposed by the Governor and approved by the legislature has proven itself time and again to be a real local jobs-creator.”