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’m not sure how it got to be Jan. 12 already – but then again I don’t mind time flying through the winter months.

Millie has the right idea, spending plenty of time lounging on her ottoman in our family room. (Before someone shames me, she does get plenty of exercise and time outside, and she doesn’t mind the cold and loves it when she can visit the “snow bar” on our patio.)

Winter is a good time for lounging around. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Things really picked up in town this week after the holidays, with plenty to cover including unexpected events such as a fire in a multi-family home.

I received an email from someone last week who mentioned the volume of advertising on this site as well as all the dining out that I do. While I have not yet responded personally (I will), I want to mention both items here.

I know it can be annoying to have advertising get in the way of content, but I assure you that we work to keep it as unobtrusive as possible. We are constantly tweaking the programmatic ads, particularly when we learn that they make the site flash or won’t close out. We can’t maintain this site without income, and I am very much opposed to instituting a paywall so sponsorship and advertising is what we have. We also welcome supporters (see blue button at the top of the page).

Regarding the dining, it may seem like more than it is, but Ted and I generally go out to dinner just once a week. I started to make a concerted effort to visit a wide variety local restaurants and write about the experience early in the pandemic (at first it was take-out) as a way to highlight our local businesses, and have continued the practice. Other than when invited to an opening of a new restaurant or when asked to sample a new menu, we pay for all of these dining experiences ourselves. Some weeks there are certainly more than the usual number of food photos, such as this week when we had a last-minute lunch at Doro Marketplace with our future daughter-in-law’s parents who were driving home from Boston (and they enjoyed teasing me about my habit of taking food photos) and we also attended a UConn hockey game at PeoplesBank arena in addition to our Saturday night date which was at Zephyr’s.

And for those who wonder how I eat so much without weighing 500 pounds, I try to do some form of strength training or cardio exercise every day (including my weekly personal training with Jon Camacho at the Lift Effect), I take photos of the food other people with me have ordered, and I am a big fan of doggie bags. We split the below chocolate chip cookie four ways, and I have heard that when you break up a cookie, the calories fall out …

Giant chocolate chip cookie at Doro Marketplace. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

I was being teased about always taking photos of my food. Photo credit: Steve Novak

Mean Green Salad at Doro Marketplace. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Doro Bowl at Doro Marketplace. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The King of Wrap at Doro Marketplace. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Pulled pork sandwich and cornbread at the PeoplesBank Arena. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Lil Sip at Zephyr’s Street Pizza. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Street Corn Pizza at Zephyr’s Street Pizza. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken pesto pizza at Zephyr’s Street Pizza. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

We had one troll this week, and I emailed the individual who submitted with what was clearly a fake name (the comment was rather rude, but would have been allowed), but my message was bounced back as undeliverable. That led to an automatic deletion of the comment from the queue. Thank you to all who do comment with your full names, and avoid making personal attacks! Please note that it has been our policy for several years that full names be used when commenting directly on the site – with the exception of those commenters who were grandfathered when they commented prior to the policy being updated. Please comply or your comment will not be published.

We-Ha.com troll alert. Created by Bob Carr using AI

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.

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:

When my mom is in a good mood crepe. Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I mentioned my dining habits in the introduction above, but of course I could not write about the opening of Crêpes Choupette without mentioning – and photographing as well as sampling – the food! I met with the founder of Crêpes Choupette, Adil Chokairy, earlier last week as they were making final preparations, and went back on Thursday morning for the official opening day, when I was greeted by the most amazing warm, buttery, and sweet aroma and the as-promised European cafe atmosphere. I had a chance on Thursday to also chat with Adil’s nephew, Tony Chokairy, who is a co-owner of the business along with his father, Eddie Chokairy, and I also watched the crepe-making process (see additional photos at the end of the column). Located in the former Donut Crazy (which closed last spring) at 993 Farmington Avenue, the West Hartford location is the fourth for Crêpes Choupette and the first in this area, with others in New Haven, Darien, and Westport. Adil, who grew up in Paris, learned to make crepes from his mother and still uses her recipes. He moved to the U.S. in 2005 and had a career in banking, but it wasn’t his passion. He said he first launched the business with a crepe machine attached his tricycle in New Haven in 2014, and chose West Hartford for his next venture “because this is a vibrant destination, it is a good foodie destination” that already embraces an international food scene. The menu focus is sweet and savory crepes – made from fresh ingredients. The savory crepes, called galettes ($14-$16), are made from buckwheat flour and naturally gluten-free. “No gluten, no sugar. This is the tradition,” Adil said. The sweet crepes ($7-$14) are made from whole wheat flour and do have gluten, although you can custom order any toppings – and there are quite a variety – on any base. The menu also includes several omelette options and a mixed green or chèvre salad. There are a variety coffees, with beans sourced from roaster Devoción in Brooklyn, as well as tea, fresh orange and grapefruit juices, and homemade lemonade. Next on my list to try is the hot chocolate – made from 72% dark chocolate! The exterior sign is coming, but in the meantime the iconic tricycle with the business name is parked out front at the Farmington Avenue storefront which is in between Zohara and Shiny Nails. There is seating inside for about 20 people, and while you can get your food to go, you will miss the beautiful presentation. West Hartford resident Sheryl Simoni and her friend, Freddie Poe, were excited to try out the new Crêpes Choupette on the first day. Sheryl has loved crepes sincde her days of working at La Crepe at the Hartford Civic Center in college, and the new spot did not disappoint. She ordered the “Complète Veggie” (ratatouille) and while she only planned to eat half, she said, her plate was just about empty. “I love the buckwheat,” she said, also praising the coffee and the atmosphere. Freddie, who sampled the “When my mom is in a good mood” crepe topped with a variety of berries and organic maple syrup, said it was “really good, not too sweet.” Adil said he is “addicted” to serving customers, whom he treats as houseguests. “We are excited to be here in the West Hartford community, and happy to share the tradition of crepes,” he said. Crêpes Choupette is open daily. “We are so thrilled for the Crêpes Choupette team as they add yet another fantastic location to their portfolio – they bring a passion and creativity to the West Hartford food scene that we are sure the community will appreciate,” Asher Zelson and Everett Zelson of Charter Realty/Zelco Properties & Development, which represents Crêpes Choupette, said in a statement.

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Complete Veggie galette. Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Complete Jambon galette. Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Double espresso. Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Viking Athletics had its grand opening and held a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town officials at the new gym (featured in the Nov. 3, 2025 column) at 433 New Park Avenue. After the ribbon was cut, Mayor Shari Cantor obliged the request to do a cartwheel in celebration!

Viking Athletics, 433 New Park Avenue, grand opening and ribbon cutting, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Viking Athletics, 433 New Park Avenue, grand opening and ribbon cutting, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Viking Athletics, 433 New Park Avenue, grand opening and ribbon cutting, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Viking Athletics, 433 New Park Avenue, grand opening and ribbon cutting, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Mayor Shari Cantor does a cartwheel at the ribbon cutting for Viking Athletics on Jan. 7, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• On my way to Viking Athletics I noticed that the sign for Cesar’s Liquor Outlet (440 New Park Avenue) had finally been removed. Permits have been been approved for work that appears to be getting underway to transform the space into Royal Himalayan, a Nepalese restaurant as well as a mini-mart. The total square footage is 5,475 according to the plans on file with the town, and it appears that roughly half (2,105 square feet) will become the restaurant (with table and bar seating) which will front New Park Avenue, while a quarter of the space (1,430 square feet) will be the market and the rest will be storage.

Permits have been issued for Royal Himalayan, 440 New Park Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Permits have been issued for Royal Himalayan, 440 New Park Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Royal Himalayan plans. Town of West Hartford website

• Rich Rochlin is expanding his family law and mediation business footprint in West Hartford. They currently occupy the ground level space at 12 North Main Street (next to Sally & Bob’s) and are taking over the space at the other end of the building – next to RIZE Mortgage – which was formerly the Christian Science Reading Room. “We are growing. We are adding a third paralegal and another lawyer, Mark Ferraro, who has been practicing for 40 years,” but who had taken a leave of absence, Rochlin told me. “So we need more space,” Rochlin said, adding that he is grateful to the West Hartford community “for trusting us with their most delicate and important legal matters.” A sign on the door indicates that the Christian Science Reading Room has relocated to Scarborough Street in Hartford.

Rich Rochlin is expanding his law practice to space at the other end of the building at 10-12 North Main Street. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

A sign in the window indicates that the Christian Science Reading Room has relocated to Scarborough Street in Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Plans that were revealed in late October are moving along for the construction of the new Big Y in a portion of what is currently a grassy/parking lot area at Westfarms. Other than a small corner of what will be the Big Y parking area, the land where the roughly 53,000 square foot store will be constructed is on the Farmington portion of the property, and at its meeting later today the Farmington Town Plan and Zoning Commission is scheduled to “accept application for special permit and site plan approval for the construction of a grocery store at 500 South Road, BR zone, and schedule public hearing (recommended hearing date of Monday, February 9, 2026).” Back in November, shortly after the initial announcement of the store was made, I spoke with Matt D’Amour, Vice President of Real Estate for Big Y, and he said he had spent the better part of two years working on the plans for this specific location, after hunting for the right property in the area for many years prior to that. The Big Y will be built according to the company’s new protype, similar to the store in Middletown. The entrance to the store “will be an open air market during season,” he said, with an open floor plan in the perishable foods area. “This is the retail center of the market area,” D’Amour said of the selection of the Westfarms location, with a high density of people and it is not intended to cannibalize any of their other stores like the one in Bishops Corner (where they just spent about $10 million in overall façade renovations to the Crossroads Plaza) or Plainville which is the nearest store to the south. As for the issue of traffic, the busiest season for Westfarms is traditionally the week after Thanksgiving, and that’s one of the supermarket’s slowest times, D’Amour said. If all goes as intended, the planned opening of the store will be early 2027, and they will look to hire 125-150 employees, he said. “We’re excited. We think it’s a really good value proposition,” D’Amour said. “We are looking forward to being partners in the community here.”

Exterior rendering of Big Y at Westfarms. Courtesy of Big Y

Exterior rendering of Big Y at Westfarms. Courtesy of Big Y

The southern side of the Westfarms parking lot will be the site of a new Big Y store. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Big Y location plan. Courtesy of Big Y.

• Doro Restaurant Group announced last week in a news release that they are pleased to welcome Chef Eddie Barrett as Executive Chef of Zohara Mediterranean Kitchen in West Hartford. The following was provided by Doro: A Connecticut native with a deep respect for technique, ingredients, and hospitality, Barrett brings a thoughtful, simplistic, cooking style and a people-first leadership approach to Zohara’s modern Mediterranean vision. Growing up in Connecticut, Barrett discovered his passion for cooking early on while helping prepare family meals alongside his mother. What began as trial and error in the kitchen quickly evolved into a lifelong calling. After graduating high school, Barrett entered the hospitality industry, starting as a dishwasher at a local pizza parlor and steadily working his way through the ranks to prep cook, line cook, sous chef, and eventually executive chef at nationally recognized restaurants. Most recently, Barrett served as Executive Chef at The Optimist in Atlanta and has been a valued member of the Rocket Farm Restaurants family since 2016, with notable tenures at Beetlecat, King + Duke, and JCT. Kitchen & Bar. Throughout his career, Barrett has become known for his mastery of live-fire cooking, his instinctive use of the freshest ingredients, and his commitment to letting food speak for itself without unnecessary manipulation. At Zohara, Barrett will bring his signature philosophy to the restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired menu, focusing on bold, honest flavors, seasonal sourcing, and a continued commitment to honoring local farm partners. His approach emphasizes balance – between tradition and creativity, simplicity and depth – while maintaining Zohara’s warm, welcoming energy. “Returning to Connecticut to lead the kitchen at Zohara feels incredibly meaningful,” said Barrett. “Food has always been about connection for me – connecting with ingredients, with the people I cook alongside, and with the guests who come to the table. Zohara already has a strong identity, and I’m excited to build on that foundation while creating food that’s soulful, vibrant, and meant to be shared.” In addition to his culinary skill, Barrett is widely respected for his leadership style and passion for mentorship. He takes pride in teaching younger cooks, fostering collaboration, and creating kitchen environments rooted in positivity and growth. As he puts it, his favorite part of the job is simply “using food to make people happy.” Outside of the kitchen, Barrett enjoys spending time with his wife and two young sons, finding balance and inspiration in family life beyond the kitchen.

Eddie Barrett is the new executive chef at Zohara. Courtesy photo

• The sign is up for Insomnia Cookies (70 LaSalle Road). I’ll announce the opening plans as soon as I find out!

The signs are up for Insomnia Cookies at 70 LaSalle Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Progress is continuing on the Center Park Place development, with the foundation and garage structure currently under construction. A groundbreaking was held last September for the luxury condominium development at 2 Arapahoe Road, and Center Park Place will include four residential floors as well as three levels of garage parking (some of which will be below grade) to accommodate the future residents as well as lost spaces in the lot. The condominium building will feature high-end amenities including an outdoor pool, stateof-the-art fitness center, rooftop terrace, and pollinator gardens. The Center Park Place website indicates anticipated completion in September 2027.

Construction of the foundation and the parking garage at Center Park Place, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Construction of the foundation and the parking garage at Center Park Place, Jan. 6, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• We announced in early December that the owners of Cookshop Plus announced plans to close the store (58-60 LaSalle Road) by the end of January. The store closing plans are moving forward with signs in the window indicating sales in progress. I stopped by on Sunday afternoon (but forgot they closed at 4 p.m.) to get an update, and it appears (from the window) that while there is still some merchandise on the shelves, it’s definitely getting cleared out.

Cookshop Plus is now holding a store closing sale. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Cookshop Plus is now holding a store closing sale. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I checked on the progress of the new Animal Control facility last week and even though the weather hasn’t been great for construction, work is continuing.

Progress on the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, Jan. 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Sustainable CT, a statewide, voluntary certification program that supports sustainability best practices in Connecticut municipalities, has announced the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors, including West Hartford resident Matt Hart, former town manager who since 2022 has served as the executive director for the Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG). He is also currently an adjunct faculty member with the University of Connecticut’s Department of Public Policy, which has recognized him for his contributions to the field of public administration and the school. He is also an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), and the Connecticut Town and City Management Association (CTCMA). Hart earned his Juris Doctor (JD) and Master’s in Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Connecticut, and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York at Potsdam. “I’m excited about the opportunity to join my new colleagues on the Board of Directors for Sustainable CT,” said Hart. “I’ve been involved with Sustainable CT since its inception and believe strongly in its mission to innovate and promote sustainable practices across local government. As a town manager and now a COG director, I’ve seen the tangible benefits that the organization provides to residents and communities across our state. I look forward to serving in a leadership role to help support and position Sustainable CT for continued success.”

Matt Hart. Courtesy photo

• Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy, which oversees property in West Hartford as well as Bloomfield, East Granby, and Windsor, announced in a news release the appointment of Kathy Blachowski as TRLC’s first Executive Director. She comes to Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy with many years of conservation experience working at nonprofit organizations including the Genesee Land Trust, Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and the Middlesex Land Trust. Her diverse experience encompasses many aspects of conservation work including land management, land protection, and environmental education. In addition, she has served as a GIS expert, communications/outreach specialist, and donor database manager for multiple organizations and land trusts. For her most recent role, Blachowski served as Program Manager for the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance where she coordinated all aspects of programming and operations for the coalition of wild cat sanctuaries and partner organizations. Blachowski was born and raised in Portland, CT. After 11 years in Rochester, New York, she returned to Connecticut to raise her children, and currently lives in East Hampton with her husband, twin daughters, dog, and two cats. She graduated in 2002 with honors in Environmental Science, and a minor in English, from the Muhlenberg Scholars program at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Blachowski looks forward to applying her extensive experience in land conservation and non-profit management to continue the growth and important work of Traprock Ridge Land Conservancy.

Kathy Blachowski. Courtesy photo

• The John P. Webster Library located in First Church West Hartford at 12 South Main Street is co-sponsoring two upcoming “Reset” opportunities in 2026. Both programs are designed for participants seeking renewal, resilience, and personal growth. The Post-Holiday Detox & Spiritual Reset Retreat for women will take place Jan. 16-18 at The Guest House Retreat & Conference Center in Chester, CT, led by Janice Olson. The program includes lodging for two nights, six meals, group discussions, guided reflection, journaling, and personal planning. Cost ranges from $280 to $600. Register here. The Cultivating Resilience & Presence life coaching series for men and women, led by West Hartford native Stephanie Simpson, MA, MFA, PCC, starts with a lunch-and-learn on Sunday, Feb. 8 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.), followed by five virtual sessions on Thursday evenings (Feb. 19; March 5, 12, 19, 26). Cost is $150 per person; register by Jan. 19. The program focuses on emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and includes an Energy Leadership Index Assessment.

Stephanie Simpson. Courtesy photo

• West Hartford naturopathic physicians’ practice Bloom Natural Health (95 South Main Street) announced in a news release that they have recently welcomed a new doctor, Dr. Ineza Rodriguez, to the practice. Dr. Sharon Hunter (ND), Dr. Christine Loudon (ND), and Dr. Elisheva Terrion (formlerly Neffinger), Licensed Naturopathic Physicians, have been providing thoughtful, science-based natural healthcare in West Hartford, CT for more than 20 years. Bloom Natural Health specializes in comprehensive and individualized healthcare with a focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes of symptoms. Originally from Puerto Rico, Dr. Rodriguez began her scientific journey with a Bachelor’s in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s in Biology from Inter American University. She later earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Dr. Rodriguez is passionate about making healthcare accessible to diverse communities and committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where patients feel seen, heard, and supported. For more information about Dr. Rodriguez and about Bloom Natural Health, please visit: www.bloomnaturaldoctors.com.

Dr. Ineza Rodriguez. Courtesy phogo

• ICYMI, the West Hartford Town Council is looking into the matter of short-term rentals, and plans to vote on an ordinance later this month. Complete details can be found here.
• ICYMI, the next phase of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction is getting underway on Farmington Avenue. Click here for the full story.
• 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].

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Complete Jambon galette. Crêpes Choupette is now open at 993 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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