Hungry Tiger History

114 Charter Oak Street The building was erected prior to 1900 and was originally part of the property of 114 Charter Oak Street. It was owned by Frank and Theresa Farr and in 1929 became 120 Charter Oak. The Farr's created a soda and ice cream shop on the main floor and during the thirties and forties, a forge downstairs, where Mr. Farr made wrought iron fencing, horse shoes and other iron work. The top floor was rented out to tenants who were allowed to grow their gardens outside in the back next to Mr. Farr's extensive grape arbor and chicken coop.

In 1933, prohibition was abolished and beer was once again legalized. 120 Charter Oak Street became a tavern shortly thereafter. Bolton area farmers used the Charter Oak lots for a farmer's market where buyers from retail stores came from near and far to attend the strawberry and vegetable auctions. Afterward all would stop in the tavern for drink and some good Italian food. In 1947 the tavern became a restaurant.

In 1966, following the death of Frank Farr, the property was passed to the present owners, James and Richard Farr. It was maintained as a restaurant and was a very popular local stop. When the Charter Oak Park was built in 1968, the restaurant was a favorite place of athletes after a hard played game. In 1971 the Charter Oak Restaurant became The Charter Oak Grill - known for its light lunches and good food until its closing in 1975. The Brass Hammer opened later that year as a showcase for local guitarists and singing talent. When that venture failed, "The Hammer" remained open to house many exotic dancers that lit the stage until the doors finally closed in June 1981.

By November 1981, the ideas were concrete and the papers signed for 120 Charter Oak Street to be ripped down to the bare shell to begin another life as The Hungry Tiger Cafe. Don Denley, Jr. and Don Denley, Sr. seemed the ideal team to combine fortes to create a truly unique eating and drinking establishment. Both lifetime Manchester residents, Don Sr. has had many years of food service experience being the owner of the Brass Key Restaurant on Main Street and Don Jr. has several years bartending in such places as the Russian Lady Cafe and Brown Thompson Restaurant in Hartford. It is only natural that between the combined talents of father and son that the 120 Charter Oak Street and the Hungry Tiger should become a success that it is today.

In 1998, Don Denley, Sr. retired after fifty years in the restaurant business at The Ferndale, The Kopper Kettle, The Brass Key and The Hungry Tiger Cafe. His daily presence is missed, but his wealth of knowledge, determination and spirit are carried on by Don Denley, Jr.

The Hungry Tiger has won numerous awards from 1995-2000 in the Hartford Advocate readers Poll - "Best Blues Club", "Best Place to See Live Music" and "Best Blues Jam/Open Mic".

Renown musicians have lit up the room including: Susan Tedeschi, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Kim Wilson, James Montgomery, Deborah Coleman, Jeff Healey, Coco Montoya, Jeff Pevar, Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers, Commander Cody & The Lost Planet Airman, Steve Fobert, James Harman, Dan Hicks, Sleepy Labeef, Jon Pousette-Dart, Duke Robillard, Kim Simmonds & Savoy Brown, Son Seals & Maria Muldaur.