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March 28, 2024

Berkins Family LLC closes one of its 2 locations in Hartford

Contributed Berkins on Main owners Andrea Hawkins and her husband, Doug Barber, with Gov. Ned Lamont at the grand opening of the newly relocated cafe.
By Andrew Larson

Berkins Family LLC has closed one of its cafes in Hartford to focus on its newly opened restaurant and event space at the Hartford Public Library.

Husband-and-wife team Doug Barber and Andréa Hawkins, who own the LLC, announced that they closed Berkins on Oak, located at 21 Oak St., on March 22.

The “strategic pivot” away from their Oak Street location leaves two Berkins Family cafes: Berkins on Main, which moved from the Wadsworth Atheneum to the Hartford Public Library in December 2023, and Berkins Blend Cafe at 1003 Hebron Ave. in Glastonbury.

“We were thriving before the pandemic and were fortunate to sustain our businesses during that time,” Hawkins said. “That said, we recognized that the new normal means that many of our customers will not be returning to the office. So, we made the decision to close Berkins on Oak and focus on building out our catering services and new event venue.”

They also brought in a new head chef, Justin Barber, whose specialties include oxtail cheesesteak.

Located within the Hartford Public Library at 500 Main St., Berkins on Main also hosts small events such as micro-weddings and baby showers.

Established in 2016, Berkins offers breakfast, lunch and catering options. 

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