On The Water, a popular New London restaurant on 250 Pequot Ave, temporarily closed its doors without warning on Friday.
The unexpected closure being attributed to “a structural weakness on their sea wall” according to a sign posted on the restaurant doors.
In a Facebook post the restaurant said “It is with extremely heavy hearts and much internal sadness that we have to announce the temporary closure of On The Waterfront. Recent tides have caused damage to the structural integrity of the building, and we have to think first and foremost about the safety of all of you, the most loyal and compassionate patrons."
Over the phone, owner Stash Schiavone said that just days ago he was hoping to expand, planning to add more outdoor seating and a bar. An engineer brought in to help on the project noticed the structural damage and the decision was made to shut down. A large crack can be seen in the building's back wall.
The news sparked an outpour of supportive comments on Facebook from locals.
Don Macrino lives across the street and said he is good friends with Schiavone.
"He’s distraught, mostly because of his staff and the impact it will have on them and their families and certainly the customers he’s grown to love over the years," Macrino said.
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It is unclear when the establishment will reopen at this time.
