09/13/2026
After a lot of thought, a lot of long days, and a whole lot of heart, I've made the decision to temporarily close the doors of Old Central Tavern. I am looking to reopen Oct 17th.
This isn't a goodbye.
October 4th will mark two years since I opened OCT and took a chance on myself, my dream, and downtown Middletown. These two years have brought some incredible people into my life, some unforgettable memories, some really hard lessons, and more challenges than I ever imagined.
But they've also reminded me why I started this in the first place.
I wanted OCT to be more than just a bar. I wanted it to be a little place where people knew they belonged. A place where we could laugh, play games, watch movies, share a meal, have Sunday potlucks for the games, celebrate holidays together, and eventually feel more like family than a customer 🤗
I haven't given up on that dream.
I'm taking this month to step back, regroup, rebuild, and put some better systems and procedures in place so that when OCT comes back, it can come back stronger and healthier 💪
At the same time, I'm putting a lot of my energy into something else I'm incredibly excited about— The Slice Pie Middletown 's Arcade.
I truly believe downtown Middletown needs places where people can simply come have FUN. Families, couples, friends, kids, grown-ups who still like to play, people looking for a date night, or somebody who just wants to grab a pizza and disappear into a game for a while.
That's what I'm trying to build.
I know there is a lot of negativity surrounding downtown. I hear it. I've heard it for two years.
But I've also been down here for two years and have lived around the corner for almost 5yrs.
And I know there are good people here.
There are people working hard. There are people trying to make things better. There are businesses trying new things. There are families who love this community. There are people who believe downtown can be something special again❣️❣️
And I am one of those people.
So this isn't me walking away.
This is me taking a breath, getting my house in order, and putting my energy where I believe it can make the biggest difference right now.
OCT will return❤️
The Arcade is coming.
And I'm still here.
Still stubborn. ...😂
Still dreaming...
Still working... and
Still believing in downtown.
Because I really do believe this:
Downtown Middletown can be great.
Downtown Middletown WILL be great.
And somebody has to believe in it long enough to help make it happen.
Thank you to everyone who has walked through the doors of OCT over these last two years. Whether you came in once, became a regular, played a game, shared a drink, ate Thanksgiving dinner, laughed until your stomach hurt, or simply stopped by to say hello—you have been part of this story.
I'll see you on the other side. ❤️
— Jamie
