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

By Ronni Newton

It’s only Aug. 24, and there are still two more weeks before Labor Day, but it’s hard to ignore the feeling that summer is coming to an end.

This will be my first full week spent in West Hartford this month, and it’s definitely back to reality!

For many, this week also begins a whirlwind of back-to-school activities. West Hartford Public Schools reopen on Wednesday – which may have some parents and kids doing a happy dance while others are experiencing a somewhat opposite reaction. It’s bittersweet in my household as my youngest child will leave the house Wednesday morning (driving himself) for his last-ever first day in West Hartford Public Schools.

One good thing about vacation season coming to an end is that there’s also more news to fill Business Buzz.

If you have tips about businesses opening or closing, or doing something worth sharing, please provide that information in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

Umi Sushi & Tapas will close for good on Aug. 31, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

• I hate to start off this column with the bad news, but I’m going to anyway since it’s the biggest piece of news. Umi Sushi & Tapas will close its doors for good after dinner on Aug. 31. The news has come as an unhappy surprise to many since the restaurant has a strong following of loyal customers. Neither the manager nor the owner could be reached for comment, but one of the employees confirmed that Umi is closing rather than moving to a different location. The news was posted on Umi’s Facebook page on Saturday, and most of the 72 comments expressed shock and sadness. Umi opened in West Hartford exactly five years ago.
• In the “when one door closes another one opens” department, West Hartford does have a new spot for sushi. Koma Japanese Steakhouse had its soft opening on Sunday! The expansive restaurant is located at 345 North Main St. in Bishops Corner (former Sakura Garden and before that Macaroni Grill space) and according to Manager Chris Chen, will feature Japanese hibachi as well as sushi. “We will have a huge bar and be open for lunch as well as late night,” Chen said earlier this month. The menu offers other Asian specialties as well. There’s even a “West Hartford” roll – a piece that includes shrimp, salmon, cucumber, avocado, and Tempura flakes with “flying fish egg” on top. Check out Koma’s Facebook page for a sneak peek at the food and the interior.
• More good restaurant news includes the return of music to the Effie’s Place patio. Corey Rieman will appear this Thursday, Aug. 27, beginning at 6 p.m. The weather looks fabulous!
• One more interesting piece of restaurant-related news: Restauranteur Bill Rizzuto (owner of Rizzuto’s) will transfer his wood-fired pizza oven cooking skills to the colonial hearth at the Noah Webster House on South Main Street for a special hearth dinner on Sept. 17. Rizzuto is very excited about it and “cooked up” the fundraising event along with Noah Webster House Executive Director Jennifer Matos. Visit www.noahwebsterhouse.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
• Financial troubles continue for West Hartford-based Colt as the company tries to emerge from bankrupty. According to a story by Mara Lee in the Hartford Courant, the company’s collective bargaining agreements are a potential impediment to potential buyers. Also under discussion is the funding of golden parachutes – totalling more than $2.5 million – for Colt’s top executives. Colt employs more than 600 people in West Hartford.
• Last call to vote for Best of West Hartford! Voting closes at the stroke of midnight tonight! Click here for your final chance to vote. There’s just a little more time after that to buy tickets for the first annual BOWH awards celebration on Sept. 10. Click here to buy tickets.

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

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