A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.

Business Buzz is sponsored by NBT Bank, and we are very thankful for their support!

By Ronni Newton

I hope everyone enjoyed that taste of summer last week! The warm mornings were perfect for sitting on our new patio that was built by Elezi’s Masonry. I’ve wanted a wall along the edge of the patio for most of the 28 years we have lived in our house, and we finally had one built along with replacing the patio that had already been there for decades when we bought the house. Here’s the before and after:

Mother Nature certainly is in a fickle mood these days (I know, the hot and cold flashes are typical of spring in Connecticut) but what’s with a freeze warning??!! I’m writing this on Sunday as I travel back from the Philadelphia area after attending my future daughter-in-law’s bridal shower and there’s a freeze warning in eastern Pennsylvania, too!

Brief aside as we were detoured onto the Palisades Parkway – which brought back the childhood memory of the ad for Palisades Amusement Park, home of the world’s largest saltwater pool. I’m totally showing my age since I just googled and the park closed in 1971, but anyone else remember this jingle?

We did our West Hartford dining out on Friday night – and prior to seeing “The Lifespan of a Fact” at Playhouse on Park (excellent and thought-provoking!) we had dinner with friends at Le Mazet. What a delicious feast!

Sharing these photos from the shower in Pennsylvania. I can’t take any credit for even ordering the cake or creating the favors, but in case anyone wants bridal shower inspiration …

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If you are a long term, regular advertiser on We-Ha.com and have a 60 to 75 word submission for a future Business Buzz please send to Bob Carr at [email protected]. You can also contact Bob if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of a section of the site.

Here’s one that was submitted last week:

Camp KO returns this summer for its 14th season at Kingswood Oxford, offering dynamic week-long programs in arts, academics, and athletics for students entering grades 4–10. Led by expert faculty and coaches, campers build skills, confidence, and friendships in a supportive, high-energy environment. With options ranging from sports and STEM to creative arts and outdoor adventures, Camp KO helps every child discover and grow their passions. Learn more and find the right fit for your child at kingswoodoxford.org/camp-ko-summer.

If you have information to share about local businesses, please provide details in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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Here’s this week’s Buzz:

• A question from a reader earlier this month about the status of the building that was formerly the West Hartford Center CVS (978 Farmington Avenue) prompted me to check the the town’s permit records and saw that permits for the project had been approved – and then last week the construction fencing was erected! I reached out to Eli Hawli, co-owner of Market Hospitality Group and got an update about the plans that were unveiled last July to transform the somewhat nondescript single-story 1930s building into a sophisticated mixed-use development that not only incorporates two of their unique culinary concepts but also adds a second story with five spacious luxury residential units. “We’re very excited the project is moving forward,” Hawli told me last week. They have already constructed an enclosure behind the building in the Brace Road parking lot that will house their dumpsters as well as dumpsters/trash containers for other businesses in that area to keep it “nice and clean” (see photo), and Hawli said last week, “all of the permits for the new foundation and the steel” have been issued so the shell of the second story will be constructed in the next several weeks, and then wrapped and covered in brick. The five boutique apartments will all have two bedrooms and two bathrooms, he said, and the residential design, as well as the plans for two of the MHG restaurant concepts – Blu Pointe (seasonal and locally-sourced steak and fish, including sushi) and Mercato (Italian) – will be in accordance with what was presented last summer. They are projecting the restaurants will be open by the end of the year. While the original timeline had some delays, “The timing couldn’t be better with the town doing the work on Farmington Avenue” as part of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan, he said, so their building will end up being completed around the same time as the overall project. “This will hopefully be setting the tone for the future of West Hartford Center,” Hawli said. “The town has been incredible to work with. We are blessed and happy to be in West Hartford,” he said. “We’re super excited. Now things will move fast,” Hawli added.

• The Toy Shop is now open! The soft opening of West Hartford’s new independent toy store began on April 11 and I stopped in last week to check it out – and I was as wide-eyed as the kids who were also in the store as I browsed the selection! As the owners have told me previously, the Toy Shop offers a “thoughtfully-curated” selection of hands-on toys, engaging games, adult and family game-night favorites, baby essentials, crafts, LEGO and other building sets, plush, outdoor items, and seasonal surprises. The supply of paper hadn’t arrived yet, but they will offer distinctive gift-wrapping as soon as possible. The Toy Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• I plan to go back this week to sample the food since I was out of town for the grand opening, but wanted to share that Burger Squad is now open at 165 Park Road (the space that was formerly Zaytoon’s Bistro). I was driving by on Friday morning and noticed that the paper had been taken off the door – so I quickly parked and tried the door and it was open! Jahan Akram, one of the three owners, was there working on some final details in advance of a soft opening Friday afternoon. He said the grand opening was scheduled for Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. This is the first location for Burger Squad, which is a halal concept that features a variety of Mediterranean food, burgers, as well as chicken shawarma, fried chicken, and wraps. “This is a very unique idea that we’re bringing to West Hartford,” one of the owners previously told me.

• Justin Bratter is the new owner of Health is Wealth, located at 74 Park Road. Bratter grew up in West Hartford, and said he is very much looking forward to serving this community and surrounding towns as a small business owner. “This is a smoothie and juice bar which serves different kinds of smoothies, açaí bowls, sea moss, juice refreshers, avocado toast, wellness shots, energy and detox drinks. Please come in and try one – you will not regret it.” Bratter said.

• I was in Blue Back Square last week and had a chance to meet Anton Berseneva, who owns Fat Duck Tavern along with his wife Tatiana. Fat Duck Tavern, which already has a popular location in Madison, is opening in the former Vinted space at 63 Memorial Road and is an upscale-casual restaurant featuring creative American cuisine. Build-out is well underway and Anton told me they are aiming to be open in a few months – hopefully by mid-June.

• West Hartford resident Jarrett Solomon, a partner at Connecticut Wealth Management, LLC (located just over the town line at 281 Farmington Avenue, Farmington) appeared on a recent edition of “This Week in Connecticut” on WTNH speaking about the success his company has achieved in the “HBJ Best Places to Work” survey, and more specifically “about how to create a good culture in the workplace and why we are having success retaining our people.” Click here to watch the interview.

• Suzanne McKenzie, a West Hartford resident who is the owner of soccer-inspired clothing company Able Made, shared the exciting news that actor Thomas Doherty (Gossip Girl reboot, Paradise season 2, etc.) was “wearing ALL Able Made in Interview, the iconic New York City-based magazine founded in 1969 by Andy Warhol, long renowned for anointing today’s icons and defining the future of pop culture.” The feature is now live online, and the six-page story will be in the print Spring issue. You can read the feature here and find the print edition at Barnes and Noble in Blue Back Square retails Interview. Able Made was founded in 2012 to support the Ucal Mckenzie Breakaway Foundation, in honor of Suzanne McKenzie’s late husband. Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation Soccer & Health Camp registration is open for Hartford camp at Trinity Health Stadium July 20-24. There are discounted scholarships offered to Hartford Public School students and those who may need financial assistance, McKenzie said.
• Northstar Wealth Partners is proud to announce that its Founder and Financial Advisor, Robert Laraia, has been recognized on the prestigious Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list, developed by Forbes in partnership with Shook Research. This recognition highlights advisors across the country who demonstrate a strong commitment to client-focused financial planning, industry experience, and a disciplined approach to wealth management. “Being recognized on this list is truly an honor,” said Laraia. “Our focus has always been on helping clients make informed decisions and pursue financial confidence through thoughtful planning and consistent guidance.”

• Congratulations to former West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Tom Moore, superintendent of Niles Township High School’s District 219 since 2022 and chair of the College Board’s Board of Trustees, who is the 2026 winner of the Modelo de la Comunidad Award, recognizing his leadership in expanding access and opportunity for students. The award was announced at the annual Prepárate conference. According to a news release from the College Board, the Modelo de la Comunidad Award is presented each year to individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service in advancing education and well-being within the Latino community. Nominated by members of the Prepárate National Advisory Committee, recipients embody a deep commitment to expanding access, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for all students to thrive. “Tom Moore exemplifies what this award represents,” said Prepárate Co-Chair Dr. Luis Narváez Gete. “His leadership goes beyond words. He takes meaningful action to open doors for students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and builds systems where every student has the opportunity to succeed.” Among the efforts he has led is the elimination of fees for AP testing that has increased student participation. “I am truly honored because I know what this represents. I accept this on behalf of a community that has welcomed me, influenced me, and taught me,” Moore said in accepting the award. “We must use our voices for those who, because of language, citizenship, or circumstance, cannot speak for themselves. That is our charge every day.” He added, “I believe deeply in the possibilities of this country and in our students. If we clear paths for them and show them how to clear those paths themselves, they will not only succeed, they will lead.”

• Work on the Center Infrastructure Master Plan on Farmington Avenue continues to progress, and include road coring, installation of new concrete sidewalk at 1000 Farmington Avenue, work on soil cells and bases for light fixtures, and continued sidewalk demolition and soil cell installation for Phase 3, which is from Coldwell Banker at the corner of Farmington Avenue and Dale Street, east to Treva. Below are some photos of the ongoing work on Farmington Avenue, taken on Thursday, April 16, as well as photos of the progress on the Center Park Place condominium building, also from April 16.

• I don’t know how long Bluemoon Smoke Shop (South Main Street, across from Town Hall) has been closed for good, but I noticed last week that the space has been completely cleared out. The “stop work” order issued in February by various state agencies for violations was still taped to the door, so perhaps it’s been closed since then.

• ICYMI, Udolf Properties has expanded its footprint in the Sunset Triangle area with the purchase of an additional property last week. Click here for the complete story.
• Derek Ezovski, owner of ORMS, was honored as the Connecticut Small Business Person of the Year! Read the full story here.
• Did you know …

Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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