OT - Maple Giant Grinder To Close In Hartford

[huskymedic]

An institution... Fond memories & many lbs.


>>Owner Rick Lavoie says he plans to move the restaurant out of Hartford and that he's looking at spaces in suburban areas, including Berlin and Rocky Hill. "In order to stay in business, we have to move," he said. "It's very expensive to do business in Hartford."<<

 

[Ant3411]

An institution... Fond memories & many lbs.


>>Owner Rick Lavoie says he plans to move the restaurant out of Hartford and that he's looking at spaces in suburban areas, including Berlin and Rocky Hill. "In order to stay in business, we have to move," he said. "It's very expensive to do business in Hartford."<<

Is Franklin Giant Grinder still there? That used to be my spot.

 

[Letsgohuskies11]

An institution... Fond memories & many lbs.


>>Owner Rick Lavoie says he plans to move the restaurant out of Hartford and that he's looking at spaces in suburban areas, including Berlin and Rocky Hill. "In order to stay in business, we have to move," he said. "It's very expensive to do business in Hartford."<<

that thing looks enormous, but is it good?

 

[cohenzone]

Is Franklin Giant Grinder still there? That used to be my spot.

Just googled. Still there. Hands down the best. Loaded and great taste. First time I went there (over 50 years ago)!i couldn't believe how much meat they piled one. Loved cappicola.

 

[huskymedic]

that thing looks enormous, but is it good?

Yup... I was always partial to Maple Giant Grinder over Franklin Giant Grinder (still in business) but both were good. Maple had beef cutlets which were tough to find outside old skool Italian places but I always leaned towards their pepper and eggs w/ provolone.

 

[scotty0330]

You can't go wrong with either place....another place going to the burbs...

 

[Danzz]

that thing looks enormous, but is it good?

Yes it is good and they had pretty good meals to go. The owner is the only Italian Red Sox fan from the South End I've ever known.

 

[Danzz]

Yup... I was always partial to Maple Giant Grinder over Franklin Giant Grinder (still in business) but both were good. Maple had beef cutlets which were tough to find outside old skool Italian places but I always leaned towards their pepper and eggs w/ provolone.

The beef cutlet grinders were my all time favorite.

 

[HooperScooper]

Maple Giant was always my go to spot. Franklin Giant is awesome also. Since we have relatives in Cromwell that we visit a lot I'm excited they're looking to move to the Rocky Hill/Berlin area. I think I just gained 5 pounds thinking about going there more!

 

[businesslawyer]

I preferred Franklin but spent plenty of time at both while at Trinity.

 

[EastConn'er]

As long as "Hartford Giant Grinder" in Niantic doesn't close, I'll be happy! Love them, near the family summer home... And yes, they are related to the Hartford family business. Yum!

 

[Hoophound]

Anyone tried The Corner Grinder Shop? A buddy tells me it is much better than Franklin. Sounds like Franklin is dirty and run down now.

 

[2Infinity]

When the Franklin family decided to branch out and opened up Poquonock Giant Grinder in Windsor, it was an instant hit. Line out the door every day at lunchtime..and the grinders were soo good. The meatball was taste bud overload!

 

[I Bleed Blue]

Anyone tried The Corner Grider Shop? A buddy tells me it is much better than Franklin. Sounds like Franklin is dirty and run down now.

I stopped in once over the winter to get a chicken parm on a friend's recommendation. Solid grinder overall but my favorite chicken park is still Wethersfield Pizzas.

Also, if this going to turn into a best grinder thread, we already have one of those.

 

[superjohn]

Is Franklin Giant Grinder still there? That used to be my spot.

When my buddies lived in Hartford, we would always go there hungover for chicken cutlet grinders. They were pretty damn good.

 

[Deepster]

Aside from who has the most delicious grinder, this is another long time iconic business now moving out of Hartford's south end. The decline of that part of town continues with the violent crimes up and the cornerstone businesses leaving town. Sad.

 

[firstnline]

Anyone ever go to the Italian Festa when 100,000 people showed up in the south end of Hartford. Wow what a site. When someone asked where is Giant Grinder all you had to do is point and good luck because you couldn't get near the place.

 

[cohenzone]

Yes it is good and they had pretty good meals to go. The owner is the only Italian Red Sox fan from the South End I've ever known.

A reason not to go. .

 

[Cheddie]

Anyone tried The Corner Grinder Shop? A buddy tells me it is much better than Franklin. Sounds like Franklin is dirty and run down now.

Always preferred Corner Grinder. Their homemade soups were great, and their sausage/spinach pizza was the best.

 

[cohenzone]

Anyone ever go to the Italian Festa when 100,000 people showed up in the south end of Hartford. Wow what a site. When someone asked where is Giant Grinder all you had to do is point and good luck because you couldn't get near the place.

Was there a few times great festival.

 

[uconnphil2016]

Is Franklin Giant Grinder still there? That used to be my spot.

I love Franklin Ave Giant Grinder, but the ladies behind the counter are downright terrifying

 

[Robertelamin]

I love Franklin Ave Giant Grinder, but the ladies behind the counter are downright terrifying

Couldn't agree more. I've been told its part of the charm but it isn't charming at all.

 

[Danzz]

Couldn't agree more. I've been told its part of the charm but it isn't charming at all.

I think it is part of the experience. You should have tried Manny's Famous Delicatessen on Blue Hills Ave in the North End for a real show. Manny was a great guy and offending everyone was part of the charm.

 

[minidarren]

I love Franklin Ave Giant Grinder, but the ladies behind the counter are downright terrifying

Ladies behind a deli counter terrified you? We are doomed.

 

[AreBee1969]

I love Franklin Ave Giant Grinder, but the ladies behind the counter are downright terrifying

I always thought that too, until I ordered four whole grinders for a tailgate ($84.00). I thought the ladies were going to carry me out of the place on their shoulders!