Iconic Italian Market Closing In Middletown

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Middletown’s popular Public Market grocery store is closing next week after more than 100 years in business, the Middletown Press first reported.

Joshua Morris, the current owner of the 106-year-old Italian market and deli, told the Press he made the difficult decision to close after the business was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

Morris recently addressed rumors of the store’s closing after word began circulating last week on Facebook.

“Right now it is unclear and we are exploring all options BUT we will remain committed to serving the people of Middletown until we have a final decision,” Morris wrote in a post on Facebook on Feb. 3. “Thank you for your continued support and respect of a delicate situation.”

However, the Press reports Morris was ultimately forced to close after saying he exhausted every effort to find a buyer.

Public Market, located at 480 Main St., was known for its Italian foods and catering service.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the very best foods and recipes from our store to your kitchen,” reads a post on its website. “We have a wide selection of Italian specialties including fresh baked breads, desserts, cheeses, a full deli selection, authentic prepared Italian foods and much more.”

Morris announced Friday morning that Public Market will be permanently closing on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

In a post on Facebook, Morris said the market’s catering service was the “strongest pillar in our business.”

“Due to a drastic decline in social gatherings, celebrations, corporate events, and parties, our catering business severely suffered,” Morris wrote in the post. “With the help of the community and the continued outpour of support, we were able to withstand what seemed to be the most difficult part of the pandemic. Although the hardest part is over, there is no way to tell when requests for catering would return to normal.

“As the owner, I would like to thank all those who have supported Public Market over the last two years. I want to thank my family - my brothers Tom, Matt, and Adam as well as my father Vic. I ESPECIALLY want to thank my mother, Donna, for sacrificing so much to allow me to chase my dream. Her cooking will be missed by so many.

“I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Middletown for all the support and guidance. Lastly, I want to thank all my customers who have enjoyed everything Public Market had to offer.

“Our last day will be this Wednesday (February 17th). We will be closing at 5pm. We welcome you to stop by and add one more memory while making some final purchases from Public Market.

“It has been an honor serving the people of Middletown and being a part of a 106-year-old history. Thank you.”

Read more at the Middletown Press here.