After 39 years in business, Partner’s Cafe said goodbye to the Norwalk community. Located on the corner of First St. and Cove Ave., the Italian restaurant and bar had its last call on Dec. 22. The owners of B.J. Ryan’s will open a new restaurant called B.J. Ryan’s East in in February.
“It’s bittersweet. I have a rollercoaster of emotions,” said Debbie Spinola, owner of Partner’s Cafe.
Partner’s Cafe was opened in 1983 by Tommy Spinola and a family member. In the early 1990s, he assumed sole ownership of the restaurant and his wife Debbie became his new partner. After Tommy lost his battle with cancer in 2013, Debbie and their children took over the management of the restaurant. On the side of the restaurant, passersby have likely noticed a large sign that reads “We love you, Tommy.”
Partner’s Cafe, located in Norwalk, on Dec. 17, 2021. After 39 years in business, the family-owned Italian restaurant and bar announced it would be closing its doors on Dec. 22.
Adriana Morga/ Hearst Connecticut Media
“[I saw] many generations come here, which is a beautiful thing… but I’m ready to pass it on to another younger group of people,” said Spinola.
However, in order to retire, Spinola said she wanted to make sure that the next restaurant in the location was a family-owned local business.
“We’re just excited to be able to continue it as a local neighborhood bar as we’re very grateful that we got the opportunity,” said BJ Lawless, owner of B.J. Ryan’s.
And while saying goodbye to the business has been hard, Spinola said she looks forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and thanks the Norwalk community for the memories.
“I like to tell them the quote ‘Don’t be sad because it’s over, smile because it happened’,” said Spinola, referencing the Dr. Seuss quote. With a lifetime of memories, Spinola is hoping to write a book about her experience in the cafe.