Historic Drive-In Eatery Closed Due To Social-Distancing Issues

COLCHESTER, CT — A popular and historic drive-in eatery, Harry's Place, recently celebrated its 100th year but it was forced to close at least temporarily due to social-distancing violations, according to First Selectman Mary Bylone.

On Tuesday night, First Selectman Mary Bylone ordered the landmark drive-in eatery on Broadway to close due to 50 cars in the lot and trucks full of people. Some of the issues were employees not wearing masks and a lack of social-distancing between employees and patrons when orders were being taken. Additionally, there was not sufficient space for employees to work safely in.

She said the owner met her on site and was very cooperate and but told her that "I can’t control the people" and she responded by saying that is exactly why she had to close them down for now.

The owner's will meet with town officials on Wednesday to develop a plan that could allow Harry's to reopen, Bylone said.

"We love Harry’s, it's an icon in the community, we did everything we could to keep them open," Bylone said.

She said if Harry's reopens they will be held accountable and the town will follow up to ensure compliance.

"We want Harry’s to be there when we get to the other side," Bylone said, while urging patrons to report violations to the town.

Bylone told Patch on Wednesday that it's her hope that an action plan can be agreed upon soon and that Harry's could reopen on Thursday but she said that still needs to be decided. She said town officials want to work with them and assist them in reopening but it has be done adhering to the law.

"We can't keep sending the police there. They have other work to do," Bylone said.

Part of the action plan will enforce employees wearing masks and could include cones to separate spaces for cars to help with social-distancing efforts, Bylone said.

On Monday, Harry's announced that they would be providing "our customers with car service only." And Bylone said on Monday that "Harry's will be offering Drive in service only beginning today, April 6th. No one should be getting out of their cars. Thank you to Harry's for stepping forward and putting a system in place that puts everyone's safety in the forefront." Things changed quickly and on Tuesday night Harry's was closed temporarily.

“We’ve been worried about Harry’s for a while as the weather got nicer it would be tougher for people to be compliant. It’s one of those places that draws people. People come from all over to go to Harry’s and we were concerned as the weather got nicer that the stress of trying to keep it in compliance would get greater.”

She said it’s against the law to violate Lamont’s executive order. “You cannot break an executive order. It’s an edict."

Harry's is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and serves hamburger, hot dogs, seafood and ice cream, according to WTNH News 8.

The drive-in eatery typically opens in the spring and closes in October. "Harry's Place is a hamburger drive-in located in Colchester CT. Harry's Place is a seasonal open air restaurant open March-Oct Cash Only, ATM on site."