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

It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving, and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

I looked back at what I wrote in the introduction to this column the weekend after Thanksgiving last year, and the year before, and the years before that … because we follow pretty much the same pattern with our holiday celebration. The main difference this year is that we hosted Thanksgiving dinner at our house (and it was definitely a bit different having the two grand-kidlets at the table) but as usual we then left for Nantucket first thing Friday morning to visit Ted’s mom. Other than in 2020, we’ve been coming to Nantucket for the weekend after Thanksgiving for at least the past 16 years.

While the highlight of Millie’s time here is always running on the beach (off-season means off-leash most of the time), one of the traditions the rest of our family has enjoyed for many years is the Nantucket Christmas tree lighting on Main Street on the Friday after Thanksgiving. As is also the tradition, former President Joe Biden and his family also attended – as they have nearly every year for about the past 40 years. When he was VP he and his family pretty much blended into the crowd, but while there was pretty intense security (limited entry points and metal detectors, etc.) during the years he was president, this year it was back to usual with minimal disruption.

We have done quite a lot of eating over the past week, but not in West Hartford restaurants. I did get some yummy takeout from Pokeworks on Wednesday night though!

On Sunday night we decided to go out for dinner and most of our usual Nantucket favorite restaurants that are typically open year-round happened to be closed – but we discovered a new spot featuring a variety of Latin food that we will definitely go back to! The place was hopping on a rainy Sunday evening, had great Latin music playing, was casual and affordable, and the food was fantastic!

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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:

• I am very excited to confirm that Shinjuku Station plans to open its first Connecticut location in West Hartford! The all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant, that delivers sushi on a rotating converter belt to each table, has two locations now (South Plainfield, New Jersey and High Point, North Carolina) and has an ambitious expansion plan that includes a long vacant space in West Hartford’s Prospect Plaza (18-54 Kane Street) in the near future (as in sometime in 2026), following the opening of a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania location which is currently being built out, according to the manager of the New Jersey location. West Hartford formerly had a conveyer belt sushi restaurant, but Umi Sushi in Blue Back Square closed in August 2015 after five years in operation. The following are excerpts describing the brand from the Shinjuku Station website: Pay one price and enjoy an endless variety of fresh, premium sushi. Experience unique conveyor belt dining where sushi comes to you. No wait, no limits – just fresh sushi, fast.” The manager of the New Jersey location told me that in addition to sushi, Shinjuku Station will also serve hibachi, ramen, and a variety of appetizers. “Shinjuku was born from a passion to redefine sushi dining, crafting a space where people can enjoy the freshest sushi in a lively, fun environment. More than just a restaurant, Shinjuku is a destination from every rotating plate on the sushi belt to each custom order, we infuse a spirit of creativity, community, and excitement,” the website states.

• Many of us are eagerly awaiting the opening of Joey Cusano‘s new upscale deli, Mozz & Co., in the former Toro Mexican Street Food location at 22 Raymond Road (right next to Whole Foods), and I’m happy to report that it won’t be much longer. Over the weekend I was able to catch up with Cusano, a West Hartford resident who was until recently the chef at Le Mazet on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center, and he said he’s now planning on an official opening the week after New Year’s. The mural that was on the exterior of the Mexican restaurant has been painted over, and some final painting is being done this week, he told me. “It’s coming along,” he said of the facelift he’s giving the space, noting that custom cabinetry and furniture are on order, lighting and other equipment has arrived, and tiling work should be getting underway this week, he said. While he’s waiting, Cusano said he is perfecting his bread recipe at home – a bread that’s similar to focaccia, but crispier, he said. In a previous conversation, Cusano said plans for the menu include homemade chicken cutlets, fresh porchetta with broccoli rabe, and other in-house-made meats, and, on Saturdays and Sundays, Italian dinners like his mom used to make.

• This Tuesday is “Giving Tuesday,” and there are many, many nonprofits that need support. Not only do I plan on donating money, but I’m happy to be able to once again donate my time to support the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance (CTBTA) at a celebrity bartending event being held at Max Downtown (185 Asylum Avenue, Hartford). I think this is my fourth year joining other members of the media in supporting this nonprofit organization that raises money to support medical research into brain tumors at Connecticut’s five surgical hospitals, as well as to support brain tumor patients and their families as they deal with the diagnosis. Although my bartending skills are very basic at best, it’s a fun night and last year raised more than $20,000 in three hours. The event is from 4-7 p.m. – and if you stop by between 5-6 p.m., I’ll be glad to serve you a drink!

• Tis the season for holiday markets – a great option for finding unique gifts for those on your holiday shopping list. At JunkPot Studios (604 New Park Avenue), the annual “Holiday Makers Market” will take place this coming Friday and Saturday. “Join us for a festive day filled with one-of-a-kind gifts, handmade crafts, unique pottery, and artwork from talented local artists. We’ll have live acoustic music Friday night. Enjoy free samples of delicious brews from Black Hog Brewing – and don’t forget to purchase a 4-pack to take home! Come visit, explore, sip, and support your local makers. We can’t wait to see you there!” owner Pedro Centeno shared in a message to me. This weekend (Friday, Dec. 5 from 5-8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.) is also the second weekend of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society Holiday Market. I’m sure there are others, too – and feel free to share them in the comments!

• It’s also the time of year when there are multiple toy donation opportunities, including a toy drive being organized by the West Hartford Police Department that begins during the West Hartford Holiday Stroll (Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5-8 p.m.). There are also toy drives that the police department is sponsoring in front of the Target in Bishops Corner on Dec. 10 and Dec. 16.

• Westfarms is holding its annual Toys for Tots event on Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon, in partnership with NBC & Telemundo Connecticut, Hartford HealthCare, and Comcast.

• There are two recent closures in the Bishops Corner shopping center at the southwest corner of Albany Avenue and North Main Street. It appears from the leasing plan that a Comcast/Xfinity store will be taking over the former GNC space. Mattress Firm is also vacant, but I don’t have any information about the future of that space.

• The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Jenn Frontiero joined us officially last week as Events & Communications manager. According to a news release from the Chamber, in the new position, she leads the planning and coordination of the Chamber’s signature events and programs, strengthens member communications, and fosters relationship-building across committees, partners, and the broader business community. She works closely with the Chamber staff and leadership team to ensure that every event reflects the Chamber’s welcoming, inclusive, and mission-driven spirit. Frontiero brings with her more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and event management, as well as over 20 years in hospitality and event operations. Her background includes supporting a wide range of events, from weddings and corporate functions to large-scale community gatherings throughout Connecticut. In addition to her professional experience, Frontiero is the owner of Fresh Event Services, a business specializing in day-of wedding coordination and event execution, known for its warm, grounded, people-first approach. “We are excited to welcome Jenn to the West Hartford Chamber team,” said Chris Conway, President & CEO of the West Hartford Chamber. “Her vast experience in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, combined with her expertise in event and program execution, will allow us to enhance the ways we engage with our members and community stakeholders.” Frontiero lives in Waterbury with her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, while their adult son lives nearby. Outside of her work at the Chamber, she enjoys tending her garden, cooking for pleasure, reading from her rainbow-organized bookshelf, and hosting friends and family, usually with something delicious on the table.

• Congratulations to Licensed Practical Nurse Janet Morttey, who works at Saint Mary Home in West Hartford, who was recently honored with the prestigious DAISY Award – a special honor given to extraordinary nurses worldwide for the compassionate contributions they make through their expertise and character. According to a news release from Trinity Senior Communities, DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. The DAISY Foundation was established in memory of Patrick Barnes, a 33-year-old patient at the University of Washington Medical Center who died as a result of having Immune Thrombocytopenia: an autoimmune disease. Following his death, his family wanted to honor Patrick and express their gratitude to the nurses who demonstrated not only clinical excellence, but also kindness, compassion, and sensitivity in caring for him and for all their patients. The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has become a strategic tool for nurse recruitment, retention, and resilience adopted by thousands of health care organizations and schools of nursing in the United States and around the globe. Trinity Health Senior Communities launched its DAISY Award Program in February 2024. Janet Morttey has served at Saint Mary Home since 2011.  According to her three nominations for the honor, she has an outstanding work ethic, tremendous compassion, and a strong focus on providing the highest possible quality of care to residents. At the DAISY Award Ceremony held in the Saint Mary Home Auditorium Nov. 12, Community Administrator Rachel Goodsell presented Janet with a hand-carved sculpture called “A Healer’s Touch.” She said:  “… It sensitively depicts the unique relationship nurses have with their residents … What a beautiful symbol to recognize your healing touch, Janet!”

• Congratulations to Lynn Reichart who has assumed the role of Director of Family Resource Center at the Bridge Family Center. In this position, Reichart, a distinguished early childhood educator according to a news release from the Bridge, will be responsible for the development and coordination of a variety of family programs and support services that enhance parenting, promote family involvement with the schools, and help children to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Reichart has an extensive background in early childhood education as a toddler teacher, head teacher and director of programs. For the past 11 years, she was the senior director of Early Childhood Services with Child and Family Agency of SE CT overseeing their two Childcare Centers and three Family Resource Centers. She has been actively involved in a variety of community initiatives and partnerships including the United Way of Southeastern CT., Early Childhood Collaborative, Children First Groton, New London School Readiness Council, Family Resource Alliance and the Early Childhood Alliance “The Bridge is very excited to welcome Lynn to this role. Her commitment to children and families has been evident throughout her career, and her expertise in early childhood education will be an asset to the organization as we strive to meet the needs of our community,” stated Margaret Hann, Executive Director of the Bridge Family Center.

• Westfield Bank has announced the promotion of Jamie Garcia to Senior Vice President and Senior Lender for the state of Connecticut. Westfield Bank President and CEO James C. Hagan of Westfield Bank said in a news release that the appointment recognizes her exceptional contributions to the Bank’s growth and her continued leadership in shaping its future success. Garcia, who previously served as Senior Vice President and Team Leader of Middle Market C&I Lending across both states has been promoted to Senior Lender and will be responsible for the Bank’s commercial lending activities in the state of Connecticut, including overseeing the Bank’s Connecticut portfolio and new business development, as well as handling her current duties. “Jamie has played a vital role in driving the success of our commercial lending team,” said Allen J. Miles, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Westfield Bank. “Her commitment to local businesses and exceptional customer relationships have made her a trusted partner to so many of our area’s businesses. And her deep understanding of the Connecticut market will help us continue to grow existing and future business relationships across the state. We’re proud to have her on our team and confident she will continue to help our customers and communities thrive as we expand and deepen our presence in the markets we serve.” Garcia is currently serving on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut Finance Committee and lives in Southington.

• Including this message sent by resident Andrea Freeman to our sales director here because we would love to be able to help: “I am looking for a new home for my late husband’s Yamaha baby grand piano and would love for it to go to someone who will truly appreciate and care for this beautiful instrument. If you or anyone you know might be interested in giving it a cherished home, please feel free to get in touch with me at [email protected].”
• ICYMI, the West Hartford Holiday Stroll is this Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5-8 p.m. Details can be found 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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