Fire by Forge
[Hartford, CT] CTInsider.com announces that an iconic Hartford restaurant space has reopened in the city’s Frog Hollow neighborhood, but with a new concept.
Fire by Forge has taken over “the former Firebox on Broad Street, which closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 after 13 years in the capital city.”
Forge City Works is a Hartford-based nonprofit that provides culinary job training and food access. The nonprofit manages new restaurant.
CTInsider.com continues, “‘We’re really excited. It’s Pan-American inspired food, so the menu will be a little bit different and really focused on the ethnic groups that live here in Frog Hollow, but also that make up our trainees,’ [Forge City Works executive director Ben] Dubow said. ‘We’re letting that food and those stories inspire our menu.’
“Where Firebox was more of a fine dining restaurant, Dubow said Fire by Forge is aiming for more of an upscale-casual experience, hoping it will become more accessible to a wider audience.”
The restaurant’s dinner menu includes items like cedar plank fire-roasted salmon, pan-seared duck breast with mole sauce, and ancho chili and coffee-rubbed steak and fries. Fire by Forge is also open for breakfast and lunch.
“As a social enterprise of Forge City Works, we’re fully integrated with FCW’s culinary and customer service job training program,” the restaurant’s website states.
“This means that when you dine with us or use our catering service, you’re supporting transitional employment opportunities, internships, and apprenticeships for people over the age of 18 who have barriers to employment, such as poverty, incarceration, homelessness, addiction/recovery, or similar challenges.”
As such, Fire by Forge adds what it calls an 18% “Benefits & Equity Service Charge” to every guest check.
“The charge is entirely dedicated to employee compensation and benefits, allowing us to maintain a sustainable business model while providing above-standard compensation. This system also helps balance wages between customer-facing and kitchen staff.”
For a worthy cause and dining experience, Fire by Forge opened May 16, 2023, near the Connecticut State Capitol and The Bushnell Theater.
FIRE BY FORGE LINKS