After 41 years in Winsted, Gilson Cafe & Cinema to close its doors
WINSTED – For the last 41 years, Alan Nero Sr. has poured his “blood, sweat and tears” into making the Gilson Café & Cinema “a business and building that has been filled with magic.”“After four decades of work, the time has come for me to step back, turn my energy toward new pursuits – whatever they may be – and make room for a new owner to fill these walls with their own passions,” Nero Sr. said on Facebook. “I am proud of what I have accomplished. I am proud to have seen so many people who have joined our team grow, change and move on to lead good lives. I am proud to have reached and connected with so many of you over the years.”“Above all, I am grateful to everyone who has given me their time, efforts and support in making the Gilson the fixture it has been for so long,” Nero said on social media.The building that houses the Gilson at 354 Main St. has been on the market for the past five years, according to the Gilson’s social media.With an $899,000 price tag, the property features two full-size theaters with seating for up to 200 guests, a separate restaurant and a lounge bar on the first and second floors, according to the property’s listing. The property was also recently updated with a fire sprinkler system and a brand-new digital marquee, the listing states.The Main Street building is now under contract and “its sale is set to go through,” according to the Gilson’s social media.Alan Nero Sr. said on social media that he renamed the theater after his mentor Warren Gilson “who taught me everything he knew about serving as a projectionist to bring the magic of the silver screen to my audience.”Over the past four decades, the Gilson Café & Cinema has hosted multiple concerts and movies, including vintage films and second-run movies. During the COVID pandemic, the father-son duo added live music in 2021 as part of a summer concert series.The property also housed a Mexican restaurant Padre’s, which was owned by the Neros, under the Gilson’s marquee.“We obviously wish Alan a much-earned retirement,” said Winsted Town Manager Paul Harrington. “It definitely will be missed in our community, but we also understand that Al’s ready for retirement and we wish him well.”
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