WKTV File
NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. — A local restaurant has closed its New Hartford restaurant and will not reopen its seasonal Old Forge location.
In a message shared by Toka Bocca on Friday morning, the team said the decision was effective immediately and came after “a lot of reflection and some very difficult conversations.”
The Toka Bocca location on Mohawk Street in Herkimer announced it will not renew its lease, citing rising rent costs as a primary factor.
The restaurant said, “Over the past three years, we poured our hearts into building Toka Bocca—a truly unique, global fusion concept unlike anything else in New York State.”
Toka Bocca cited ongoing staffing and sustainability challenges, along with the executive chef needing to leave the area to care for his wife after major surgery.
“We want to be honest: building Toka Bocca required tremendous personal sacrifice—long days, late nights and time away from our families,” the restaurant said.
The message thanked the community for its support and encouraged customers to visit the Little Falls location, which will remain open.
“[A]nd we are excited to put our full energy, focus, and heart into that restaurant as we move forward with clarity and renewed purpose,” the message stated.
“We’re moving ahead with gratitude, pride in what we created and optimism for what’s next,” the restaurant said.
A local restaurant has closed its New Hartford restaurant and will not reopen its seasonal Old Forge location.