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 already the second Monday of December – but I was still in Thanksgiving mode last week.

Having the shortest possible number of days between Thanksgiving and Christmas is definitely feeling stressful to me, but the date on the calendar did motivate me to spend all day Saturday getting rid of the remaining fall decor (including an assortment of pumpkins which have now been placed in a corner of our yard accessible to squirrels and other wildlife) and pulling out and setting up much of the Christmas decorations. Our tree is still bare, but it is inside the house and hopefully we will have time to decorate it this week.

Covering Holiday Stroll on Thursday (story and photo gallery here) and the Mitten Run on Sunday (story and photo gallery here) definitely boosted my spirit, especially on the heels of covering the vigil for Anne Rapkin on Wednesday night. The news rarely takes a holiday break and while I would personally love to settle down for a long winter’s nap and dream of sugarplums (well probably not something I would ever actually crave, but I am actually still dreaming about the many cups of rich and creamy hot cocoa I consumed at the Holiday Stroll) – I am sure there will be plenty of news (hopefully good news) to share over the remaining weeks of the year.

I do love the holiday season, and I love attending holiday parties. We missed our usual West Hartford dining out this week due to attending “The Ugly Christmas Sweater Musical” (fun – and hilarious) at Playhouse on Park on Friday night and a holiday party on Saturday night that even included Santa! Instead I’m sharing photos of the fabulous spread at that party, prepared by The Bee’s Knees Catering (based in Avon and owned by Heather Beaghen). The signature drink was the perfect color combo and tasted great, too. It included vodka, pomegranate (I think), and a sprig of rosemary.

Ted and I with Santa on Saturday night. My red velvet pants matched Santa’s outfit.

Signature drink by The Bees Knees Catering. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Signature drink by The Bees Knees Catering. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hors d’oeuvres by The Bees Knees Catering. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hors d’oeuvres by The Bees Knees Catering. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hors d’oeuvres by The Bees Knees Catering. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hors d’oeuvres by The Bees Knees Catering. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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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:

976-978 Farmington Avenue, now owned by Market Hospitality Group, will be home to two of their restaurant concepts. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• A similar photo to the featured photo appeared in this column about two months ago, but this is a new photo and I do have some big news about the plans that Market Hospitality Group has for the former CVS building at 976-978 Farmington Avenue, which they purchased in late September! I spoke with Eli Hawli, one of the owners of Market Hospitality Group, late last week and he confirmed the two concepts that have been chosen for the roughly 9,200-square-foot space: Mercato and Blu Pointe. This will be the fourth Mercato (other locations of the Italian restaurant are in Canton and Southbury, as well as a brand new location in Shelton which just opened about two weeks ago) and the second Blu Pointe (but first in Connecticut; the other is in Newburgh, NY). “Mercato’s great energy will fit very well in West Hartford,” Hawli said. The scratch kitchen concept features “pasta, pizzas, salads, and authentic Italian dishes crafted with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients,” the website says, and craft cocktails. The West Hartford location won’t be two stories like the space that just opened in Shelton, but Hawli said the same design-build team will be used and provided the photos below to offer an idea of the style. Blu Pointe will feature seasonal and locally-sourced steak and fish (including sushi), complemented by a beverage program and wines similar to the Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list at the Newburgh location. It’s a concept he said is in demand in West Hartford. The space will be split roughly in half, and while there will be separate front entrances to each restaurant, they will in some way be visually connected, perhaps with see-through glass or a wall of wine storage offering diners a view into the other space. As for the timing, “it will be about a year from today for the doors to open – hopefully,” Hawli said. Rezoning isn’t needed but the plans need to be drawn up and permits obtained and Hawli said it will likely be at least six months until the actual construction begins. Max Zeller Furs, which still has a store in a portion of the building, will be able to stay until the work begins, he said. “We’re very excited to be getting this project going,” Hawli said. “The town has been really wonderful, and we’re excited to get this going in West Hartford. It will be something really special.” And, a major congratulations to Hawli and his business partner Sam DeVellis. Market Hospitality Group is being honored tonight at the 2024 Connecticut Restaurant Association CRAZIES awards as Restaurateurs of the Year! Several West Hartford restaurants are also up for awards that have not yet been announced, and we will report on those results as soon as possible.

Mercato Shelton. Courtesy of Market Hospitality Group

Mercato Shelton. Courtesy of Market Hospitality Group

Mercato Shelton. Courtesy of Market Hospitality Group

Mercato Shelton. Courtesy of Market Hospitality Group

Mercato Shelton. Courtesy of Market Hospitality Group

Mercato Shelton. Courtesy of Market Hospitality Group

• Congratulations to Global Medical Virtual Assistants, which celebrated the ribbon cutting (catered by DORO) for their new West Hartford office at 65 LaSalle Road with the Chamber of Commerce last week. Owner Beth Lachance said she initially launched the business five years ago with two virtual assistants – and they just hit the 1,000-employee milestone, and actually have 1,003 virtual medical assistants working in the Philippines providing administrative functions for medical businesses in 30 states. There are five employees who work in the beautifully decorated office (by Steven Graffam and John Stivale of Stivale Graffam Home), which opened a few months ago. Lachance said she lives in West Hartford and was operating out of one side of a two-family house when she decided it was time to upgrade. She always wanted an office in the Center, “steps away from a great lunch,” she said. “I’ve been in the medical space my entire adult life,” said Lachance, but several years ago also helped her now ex-husband launch a similar concept in the real estate industry, which gave her the idea for bringing the concept to the medical industry where it can be difficult to find dependable employees for functions such as scheduling. Most of their clients employ multiple virtual assistants, who really become part of the team, work their clients’ hours, and often are supplied with their clients’ branded attire. In addition to Lachance, the West Hartford team includes CIO Paul Chabot, Chief of Staff Anne Valsangiacomo, Director of Global Operations Lisa Pesce, Marketing Manager Preston Strada, Accounting Manager Michelle DiClemente, and Strategy Specialist Debra Raboin.

Global Medical Virtual Assistant hosted a ribbon cutting and reception at their 65 LaSalle Road space. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Global Medical Virtual Assistant hosted a ribbon cutting and reception at their 65 LaSalle Road space. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Global Medical Virtual Assistant hosted a ribbon cutting and reception at their 65 LaSalle Road space. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Global Medical Virtual Assistant hosted a ribbon cutting and reception at their 65 LaSalle Road space. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Global Medical Virtual Assistant hosted a ribbon cutting and reception at their 65 LaSalle Road space. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Global Medical Virtual Assistant hosted a ribbon cutting and reception at their 65 LaSalle Road space. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Carla Giorgio, who recently moved to West Hartford, has launched her own business that she announced in a recent post on Facebook. It was great to see so much community support, and I am glad to share the following info that she provided here as well: “I started Carla Giorgio Consulting 2 months ago in October 2024. After 15 years of NYC advertising agency life, I decided to shift gears and bring my ‘big city’ thinking to smaller businesses. My time in the NYC ad world provided me with a unique perspective on how major brands operate and think strategically. Originally from Avon, now living in WeHa, I am so excited to connect more locally and get to know your business! Carla Giorgio Consulting is a woman owned marketing consulting agency helping businesses think outside the box to create meaningful marketing strategies that take them to the next level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your existing approach, I am here to take the stress of marketing off your plate — so you can focus on what you do best: running your business. From strategy to execution, I’m your go-to partner for innovative ideas and impactful results.” For more information, visit the Carla Giorgio Consulting website.

Carla Giorgio. Courtesy photo

• If you’re looking for West Hartford-related holiday gifts, we’ve got you covered! “We have it all” is our tagline, and We-Ha.com is offering t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, blankets, tote bags, water bottles, coffee mugs, and stemless wine glasses that all have the name of our favorite town and the tagline. And they’re affordable. (And, we know some of you hate the “WeHa” nickname which we did not create, but don’t worry – West Hartford is spelled out on all the merchandise.) A sample is in the photo below, and you can click here or on the photo, or on the ad on the site to browse and purchase. I don’t have any of these items yet – hint, hint …

West Hartford merchandise!

• I had a great time participating in Celebrity Bartending Night to benefit the CT Brain Tumor Alliance Tuesday night at Max Downtown. According to organizer Dan Tapper of Sullivan and Leshane, [Max Downtown Managing Partner] “Steve Abrams and his team said this year was even more fun than last year, and we agree!” My co-bartenders (Stephanie Simoni and Bob Maxon) were definitely fun, and none of us dropped anything. Bartending is very intense and exhausting, and the professionals were definitely very patient and helpful, too. We worked 1-hour shifts, and the other bartenders included Alyssa Taglia, Joe D’Ambrosio, Jimmy Altman, Liz Salvatore, and Brian Shactman. The event raised more than $20,000, Tapper said – the highest to date, which included sponsorship as well as tips and 10% of total sales during the time of the event.

My bartending partners at Max Downtown included Stephanie Simoni of WFSB and Bob Maxon of NBC Connecticut.

• Speaking of Max Downtown, which so graciously hosted the CTBTA fundraiser, the parent company, Max Hospitality, shared some major news this past week. Eleven new partners have been added to the team, a move which President and CEO Scott Smith said marks “a pivotal moment in the company’s storied history, reinforcing its mission to deliver world-class dining and a move towards the future.” Max Restaurant Group became Max Hospitality in 2022, when Rich Rosenthal retired, and that began a new era for the company, which was was founded in 1986. “It soon became clear that the company’s executives needed to start thinking about the future of Max’s and it was agreed the next step was to consider some of our elite management team as the future of Max Hospitality,” the company said in a press release. Some of the 11 new partners, who offer breadth and depth of experience in the industry, either live or work in West Hartford, and include: Shawn Jones, General Manager,Max’s Oyster Bar; Chelsea Lozier, General Manager, Savoy Craft Beer and Pizzeria; Elisabeth Guarino, General Manager,Max Fish; Megan Smallidge, General Manager,Max’s Trumbull Kitchen; Matthew Burrill, Executive Chef,Max’s Oyster Bar; Christopher Sheehan, Executive Chef,Max Downtown; Brendan Sullivan, General Manager,Max Downtown; James Stone, General Manager,Max Burger, Longmeadow, Mass.; Robert Peterson, Chef/General Manager, Max A Mia; Jill Aniskoff Waller, Director Human Resources,Max Restaurant Group; Steve Michalewicz, Executive Chef, Max Catering and Events. “We are thrilled to welcome these talented partners to the Max Hospitality family,” Smith said. “Their deep knowledge and passion for the culinary world aligns perfectly with our vision for the future. We look forward to collaborating with them as we continue to grow and evolve in an ever-changing industry.”

Max Hospitality partners welcome a new generation of management to their partnership team. Pictured from left to right with the Max Hospitality leadership and current partners are: Brian Costa, Brendan Sullivan, Shawn Jones, James Stone, Scott Smith, Christopher Sheehan, Chelsea Lozier, Megan Smallidge, Jill Aniskoff Waller, Steven Abrams, Bob Peterson, Matthew Burrill, Doug Kelly, Elisabeth Guarino, Bob Cooke, Hunter Morton, Christopher Torla. Not pictured: Steven Michalewicz and John Thomas. Courtesy photo

• León Restaurant & Bar, one of West Hartford’s newest restaurants, is welcoming the community to Brunch with Santa Claus. There’s an adult and kids menu (see below), that sounds amazing even if you have already had an audience with the big guy.

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Courtesy image

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• In addition to Santa brunches, there are also a host of toy drives taking place at this time of the year – a great opportunity to help ensure that children in our community receive a holiday gift. The West Hartford Police Department held a very successful toy drive during the Holiday Stroll last Thursday, but also has two more opportunities for donation, both outside the Bishops Corner Target store. If you can’t physically make it to the toy drive, there’s a QR code on the flyer below that can be used to donate.

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• Planet Fitness (in West Hartford’s Prospect Plaza on Kane Street) is also holding toy drive, teaming up with the Connecticut State Police, and the Connecticut Department of Transportation to host a Holiday Toy Drive benefiting Toys for Tots and the Urban League of Greater Hartford. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off through Dec. 17.

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• West Hartford’s Fuchs Financial, a Connecticut-grown business providing retirement planning and wealth management services for clients throughout the state, announced in a news release that they have opened a new office in Southeastern Connecticut, located in Mystic. It’s the company’s fourth office in the state.  In addition to its flagship office in West Hartford, Fuchs Financial, founded in 2019, has offices in Middletown and Middlebury. Fuchs Financial offers a full range of short and long-term retirement planning services, including income planning, investment planning, tax planning, healthcare planning, and estate and legacy planning. The firm’s financial advising team offers free, no-obligation introductory consultations, which highlight the proprietary How to Retire Blueprint, designed to help clients achieve simplicity and security in their retirement strategy. Components include Risk Analysis, Income Analysis, and Tax Analysis. “I believe that retirement should start with a plan, and we strive to first understand each client’s individual retirement goals, and then work with them to create that customized plan,” said founder Ben Fuchs, a West Hartford resident. “We work with clients to minimize their taxes and maximize their retirement. Understanding where retirement income will come from can offer real peace of mind – and that’s what a tailored financial strategy provides.”

Ben Fuchs. Courtesy photo

• West Hartford legislators have been appointed to leadership positions in advance of the upcoming session which begins in January. Last week, Senate leadership re-appointed state Sen. Derek Slap as Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee and appointed him as Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to Chair the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee,” said Sen. Slap. “We have done much to make higher education more accessible – from expanding debt-free community college, increasing scholarship funding and investing in our institutions of higher education. Looking ahead – we must focus on keeping Connecticut talent here in the state – from ensuring they can afford Connecticut colleges and universities, to providing upskilling and workforce development opportunities for those seeking an alternative path, to ensuring there are jobs and affordable housing opportunities ready for them during school and after graduation. That is certainly a broad charge, but I am ready to get to work. As Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee I am eager to work with my colleagues to support first-responders and enhancing public safety across Connecticut, including on college campuses.”

State Sen. Derek Slap. West Hartford Veterans Day ceremony. Nov. 11, 2024. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• State Rep. Kate Farrar, a West Hartford resident who represents the 20th State House District, has been named chair of the Internship Committee.

State Rep. Kate Farrar (D-West Hartford) speaks at a press conference regarding the Small Business Boost Fund at New Park Brewing in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced last week the release of a new book, “Connecticut State Parks: A Centennial History” by West Hartford resident Alan Levere, published by DEEP’s State Parks & Public Outreach Division. This book presents the history of Connecticut State Parks through the celebration of its first hundred years. According to a news release, the book’s 250 pages chronicle the storied growth of the Connecticut State Parks system, the philosophic maturity from preservation to recreation, and the acquisition of its many historic locations, complemented by over 400 photographic images from the State Parks Archives to enhance the narrative. The creation of this volume provides the opportunity to reflect upon and connect with the many varied and interesting stories that led to the creation of the park system. “Connecticut State Parks were conceived and acquired to provide much needed outdoor space and recreation opportunities for Connecticut residents. We are so proud of the efforts of Alan Levere and the DEEP State Parks & Public Outreach Division to enable everyone to relive the over 100-hundred-year history of our beautiful State Parks and their mission of sharing Connecticut’s natural treasures with the public,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “The renewed interest in outdoor recreation has taught us that equitable public access to the outdoors is just as important today as it was 100 years ago. Thanks to the Passport to the Parks program, residents in Connecticut-registered vehicles can enter all 110 state parks without paying an entrance fee.” Today’s nearly 35,000 acres of State Park lands provide a geographic, ecologic, and recreational haven to millions of park visitors annually. The century-plus history of how 110 park locations came together in Connecticut is related here through photographs and prose for all to enjoy.

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• ICYMI, work is finally getting underway on preparation of the site for the construction of Center Park Place, an infill development in the Center that was approved by the Town Council several years ago. Full details can be found here.
• It was announced last week that a grant has been awarded to The Elle, which will be a repurposing of the former Agues Achim synagogue at 1244 North Main Street. Read the full story here.
• The public hearing on 1800 Asylum, the western portion of the former UConn campus, has been postponed. Click here for complete details.
• West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square businesses were enthusiastic participants in the annual Holiday Stroll. Read more here.

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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