West Hartford Business Buzz: February 15, 2016

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

By Ronni Newton

Cold doesn’t even begin to describe it.

Yes, the groundhog should be arrested. It’s actually so cold that I was hoping it would be double-digits below zero because if you’re going to suffer, it may as well be record-setting suffering.

I actually escaped to Vermont with my family for a few days, and it was even colder there. I’ve never worn so many layers for skiing, but with toe warmers and hand warmers it really wasn’t bad. And the snow was fabulous!

For those who aren’t working on President’s Day, enjoy the day off! Trash and recycling pick-up is on normal schedule.

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].

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Pet Supplies Plus owner Jason Humphries made a business decision this week that has earned him ‘hero’ status with many residents. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The lead story this week is one I just heard about yesterday, but is one of the best stories I have ever heard. It began with a post on the Neighbors and Friends in West Hartford Facebook page by Sheri Cohen Tober, asking if anyone could help her brother Dale, “an extremely high functioning autistic adult living independently on Starkel Road,” find a new job. Dale had been working at Walmart Neighborhood Market until the store closed in late January. “If anyone can help find this very ‘special’ person a low level job; if you need a hard working honest individual who is incapable of lying or deception, who requires minimum in terms of wages, hours or benefits, but will always give 100%, please let me know,” she wrote. There were 92 comments on the post, with many great and helpful ideas from West Hartford residents. Jason Humphries, owner of Pet Supplies Plus in Bishops Corner, also saw the post on Facebook and stepped in to help. “This is one of the highlights about being in business – we can help our neighbors,” said Humphries. Dale Cohen had been working at Pet Supplies Plus all along, he said, but only a few hours a week. “We’re in a position now to have him work three or four hours a day, 14-21 hours a week,” Humphries said. “He’s been terrific to work with, loves animals and loves talking to our customers,” said Humphries, who claims he didn’t do anything extraordinary. “We just happened to be in the right place at the right time to help Dale. It’s a real joy to have him on our team.” As of Sunday night, 402 people had “liked” the post announcing Dale’s employment, and many have now pledged their loyalty to Pet Supplies Plus. UPDATE: Sheri Cohen Tober responded Monday saying how much it has meant to her and her family to receive such an outpouring of support from the community. “Thank you for all your support,” she wrote. “I hope it continues for other special needs adults as well. They are such a hard working, joyous and loyal part of the job force and I hope they all can get worthwhile jobs so they can make a living and contribute to society as we all hope to do.”
I’ve been excited to share this story for months – ever since I first heard rumors several months ago about the planned collaboration between Tyler Anderson of Millwright’s and Jamie McDonald of Bear’s Smokehouse! The Cook and the Bear will open this summer in the former Counter Burger/Pearl’s Grill space in Blue Back Square. Click here for all the details.
If you’re interested in unique wall decor, check out The Blue Twig. The business owned by West Hartford’s Ginny Kemp was featured in Deb Cohen’s most recent blog post. Click here for details.

Taste of Bishops Corner is coming! Save the date for March 31 – and details about that are coming soon.
Delamar Hotel construction site, Feb. 14, 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Steel is going up at the Delamar West Hartford hotel site! Here’s a photo of what it looked like on Sunday.

Who doesn’t love margaritas? Besito clued us in to the fact that they will be celebrating National Margarita Day a day early on Sunday, Feb. 21, with a special brunch menu, and 2-for-1 margaritas from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. And on the actual National Margarita Day, Monday, Feb. 22, Besito will offer 2-for-1 Besito Margaritas and La Casa Margaritas throughout the restaurant from 4 to 7 p.m. There will also be a la carte specials in honor of the day.
And finally, ICYMI, West Hartford Town Manager Ron Van Winkle will be researching creation of a public Wi-Fi zone initially in West Hartford Center and then perhaps in other areas. Click here for that story.