An iconic Connecticut diner has closed its doors for good after nearly eight decades serving the local town and beyond.
The Sycamore Drive-In announced recently on social media that the Bethel restaurant’s lease was not renewed, and the diner closed for good on Dec. 24.
“We are proud to have been a part of Bethel’s history and the longest owners of the famous Sycamore for the past 28,” Sycamore owners Chris, Patrick and Kathleen Austin posted on Facebook. “We are grateful to all our loyal customers and many friends we have made along the way.
“Your continued support, especially during COVID, is deeply appreciated. It has been a pleasure meeting so many wonderful people, young and old alike. We have shared milestones with generations of families, watched children grow up, leave the area, and then come back with families of their own,” the post continued.
The Sycamore Drive-In owners added that the restaurant was a destination for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, engagements and even weddings. Posting such news on social media is a common way for businesses to let customers know what is occurring and often drives dozens or even hundreds of reactions.
The Austins also thanked their many employees over the years, including several that have been in the fold for more than 20 years. They also acknowledged the many servers over the years that joined while in high school and stayed through college and beyond.
The diner also hosted Elvis nights, birthday bashes and Christmas sing-alongs as well as hosting Saturday night car shows every week from April to November. The owner added that celebrities have also visited the diner over the years
“The Sycamore has been unique with its special burgers, homemade root beer, shakes, 50’s decor, car hop services and famous Cruise Nights,” the Austins said. “It’s been copied but never duplicated and was one of the last remaining original drive-ins in the country.”
“It’s been a very special place for our family, and we have so many memories of all the great people we have met over the last 28 years. So many interesting and sometimes unusual things have happened here, and we had that special saying, ‘Only at the Sycamore.’ An era has come to an end. Thank you for being our customers,” the owners concluded in the post.
There has been a massive outpouring of support from the post; more than 600 people have commented.
“Please know how much me and my late mother loved you. I was having boy trouble? I was feeling down? The Sycamore it was, and she’d go soup to nuts, right down to my root beer float. God bless, you guys. You will always be an integral part of Bethel,” one post said.
“The Sycamore IS Bethel. It’s the most iconic thing in the entire town. My thanks to the Austins for keeping it going and keeping it authentic, a living memory through my entire life, from enjoying curbside milkshakes as a toddler to an old man still enjoying milkshakes when i would be passing through town,” another post said.
“I’m shocked and deeply saddened. The Sycamore has been a staple in my life since I was a little kid. It’s where I had my very first job, working for the Melvins. A place where I met many lifelong friends. A place where there was always a friendly smile and a familiar hello when you walked through the door,” another post said. “My heart is truly aching right now. To some, it was a place to get a fantastic burger. To me, it’s a part of my childhood, my children’s childhood, and a place we went often for an easy, comforting meal. Everything about it will be missed beyond measure.”
In a separate post, Danbury mayor Roberto Alves commented about the diner closing.
“After more than 75 years of serving the Greater Danbury community, the beloved Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant has closed its doors. Though located in Bethel, the Sycamore has always been a true Greater Danbury institution, woven into the lives and traditions of families across our region,” Alves said.
“The Austin family poured their hearts into this iconic diner, beginning with the late Gene Austin, the proud patriarch who helped build its lasting legacy, along with Kathleen, Chris, and Patrick Austin, who continued the tradition of warm hospitality, great food, genuine community spirit, and the best root beer around.”