Hamilton café-bar known for live music closes its doors
Published February 27, 2023 at 11:03 am
The mental tab from running a café during a pandemic has led to a popular spot in east-end Hamilton closing its brick-and-mortar location.
Ward IV, an eatery on Main St. E., had its final service last Saturday. Restauranteur Sarah Kupferschmidt announced just days prior that she was closing its physical location and was leaving the door open to holding “pop-up events and other very cool initiatives” somewhere down the line.
Throughout 2020, ’21, and early ’22, restaurants faced COVID-related closures and other restrictions, such as limited hours and capacity caps. Kupferschmidt, in an Instagram post, explained that keeping Ward IV going through COVID-19 caused some burnout.
The space was known for featuring live music, special tasting nights (for both food and libations), and serving craft cocktails. It had also branched out into subscriptions, including one for juice cleanses.
“We made it through some tumultuous times (COVID) but it has taken its toll on my work-life balance,” Kupferschmidt wrote. “I put my whole heart into it but my family has suffered. I have to choose to be more present for them. I know this was going to be a great year here which makes this all the more difficult.
“I have had the privilege of experiencing the tremendous talent in this city whether it was through live music, live poetry, live comedy, local bakers and chefs, local brewers, local roasters and tea makers, tasting events, local artisans at my markets, businesses through networking events and collabs, politicians and politicians in the making, or through cooking classes and pop-ups that have been here. Let’s not forget the beautiful art on my walls from all local talents.”
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‘Not the end’
The post referred fans of Ward IV to a new Instagram account (@iv_ward_ent) that will promote on-brand initiatives.
“I am closing this (bricks and mortar location) but it is not the end,” Kupferschmidt wrote. “I am working on some pop up events and so keep following and stay tuned!”
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