Popular Restaurant Closing In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — A popular restaurant that introduced the Hartford area to the food of Senegal and Gambia is closing at the end of the month after five years in business, according to the Hartford Courant.

The owners of Stella’s African Eatery at 461 Capitol Ave. recently announced the restaurant will close its doors on April 30.

“On April 12, 2016, Stella’s Eatery and Mazie’s Catering opened with a 5-year plan to introduce Hartford to Senegambian culture and cuisine,” reads a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “In order to accomplish this, we felt it necessary to offer a fusion of Afro-diaspora cuisine.

“Mission accomplished!

“Those who have entrusted us to feed and teach you of this flavorful and rich cuisine now know what domoda, chou, thieboudienne, yassa and fufu are. You know that Jollof rice is a fight between Ghana and Nigeria only, because it was created by the Wolof peoples of Senegambia.

“On Friday, April 30, 2021, Stella’s African Eatery will close. There are so many dreams and goals on our lists of things to do, so, with bittersweet emotion, we’ll bid you farewell. We hope you’ll stop in to see us, for an elbow-bump, or for a quick bite; we’d love to see you!

“Thank you for allowing us into your hearts and souls.”

Owner Stella Brown told the Hartford Courant that the restaurant is not closing because of the coronavirus pandemic and that she always planned on leaving after five years. Brown also told the Courant she will travel to Senegal and Gambia for the summer and hopes to make a docuseries about Senegambian food and write a cookbook.

Fans of the restaurant were saddened by the news that it was closing.

“Thank you for your hospitality and generosity,” one person wrote in the comments on Facebook. “In 2017, you hosted the Cadette Girl Scouts of Hartford Troop 10003 at the restaurant and helped them earn their ‘New Cuisine’ badge. The Cadettes learned about the Chef’s personal journey, the history of food & culture and how to make authentic African meals. The girls and their Leader truly enjoyed this special day. We’re sad to hear about the restaurant closing and wanted to wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”

Another person wrote, “Nooo!!!! I’m visiting from Ohio beginning April 28 and will be certain to come for lunch and to see you! You have weathered state closings and covid and have been a refreshing and strong presence. You have introduced me to some of my new African faves, and make one mean lasagna bolognese. Wishing you all the best and continued success...Brava...Buona fortuna.”

Read more at the Hartford Courant here.

For more information about Stella’s African Eatery, visit its website here and on Facebook here.