The Thrush Tavern, a Montpelier institution known as much for its burgers as being a watering hole for state lawmakers, has closed after 36 years in business.
Owner Lorraine Richards says a decline in customers and rising food costs forced her to close the restaurant on Saturday.
Washington County Sen. William Doyle, a veteran lawmaker, says the Thrush gave lawmakers a place to talk outside the formality of the Statehouse and says it didn’t matter what political party you were in when you were at the table.