Community Comes To The Rescue Of S. Glastonbury Restaurant

SOUTH GLASTONBURY, CT — A South Glastonbury restaurant almost closed due to the pandemic but donations kept the business afloat, according to FOX 61. Community members and a grant helped to save Cotton Hollow Kitchen.

The restaurant, which serves American comfort food, had only been open for about five months when the pandemic shut down business.

Owner Mark Conley told The Hartford Courant that once they reopened they needed "to start all over again." They initially only offered to-go meals with a pared down staff.

Once permitted, they reopened the dining room with social distancing restrictions, but business was slow with only 50 percent capacity allowed. On top of that, the restaurant spent $4,500 on implementing COVID protocols such as barriers, plastic shields, and UV lighting, according to The Hartford Courant.

That was when the owners put the call out on Facebook for help in January—and the community responded. One generous donor purchased $15,000 in gift cards, according to FOX 61.

Conley said that the way the community responded was a a "real true showing of human kindness."

The restaurant is now seeking the town's approval to add an outdoor patio, according to the restaurant's Facebook page.

The restaurant has a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor. One reviewer wrote: "Very happy to find the quality of food continuing at Mark's new venture Cotton Hollow kitchen. From the delicious beet salad to the cassoulet, to the pumpkin cheesecake The flavors, presentation, freshness made dinner here exceptional."