On Monday, May 14, 2012, Carmen A. Vacalebre, owner of the Carmen Anthony Restaurant Group, signed and accepted an “offer to purchase” for the Carmen Anthony Fishhouse of Avon from Anthony Giraulo of The Grist Mill of Farmington.  The closing of the sale is scheduled for Tuesday, May 29, 2012.  After 13 years of operation, The Carmen Anthony Fishhouse of Avon will close its doors on Saturday, May 26th.The restaurant will be serving lunch and dinner for the final time from noon until 10pm.
On the sale, Vacalebre stated, “This was not an easy decision. I have been challenged in this location for the past couple of years due to the prolonged economic recession and the severe weather last year.  This recession has affected us as it has every other business and, unfortunately, in this down economy, this location just couldn’t keep pace with our other locations.”
This decision will allow The Carmen Anthony Restaurant Group the opportunity to strengthen operations in their four other locations, The Carmen Anthony Steakhouse of Waterbury, The Carmen Anthony Fishhouse of Woodbury, The Carmen Anthony Fishhouse of Wethersfield and The Carmen Anthony Steakhouse of New Haven, continuing the group’s reputation for excellence and 100% guest satisfaction. Vacalebre has offered all of the staff at the Avon location positions in his other restaurants.
Vacalebre offered a personal message to patrons of the restaurant group: “I want to thank our loyal Avon guests and friends personally for their patronage. My decision to downsize was an emotional struggle; however, it was the most prudent business decision for the betterment of my overall company. I look forward to seeing you all in my other restaurants.”
Any outstanding Carmen Anthony Gift Certificates will be honored at any of the other four locations. To express his gratitude to all of his guests, Vacalebre will be giving a $25 restricted gift certificate, valid at all his Carmen Anthony locations, to every guest that visits The Carmen Anthony Fishhouse of Avon on their final day, Saturday, May 26, 2012.