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

By Ronni Newton

I hope everyone survived Saturday’s snowstorm!

Although the storm was cataclysmic for many on the east coast (my former neighbors in the DC area will be digging out for days, as will my former college roommate and her husband who live outside Charlottesville, VA), it really didn’t cramp anyone’s style in West Hartford.

I tested out the snow performance of my new AWD vehicle on Saturday night, and made it to the Children’s Charity Ball at Hartford Golf Club and the Conard Safe Grad fundraiser at Town Hall and back home without so much as a skid. Thanks to West Hartford’s Department of Public Works for keeping our roads as clear and safe as possible!

Business seemed to be completely back to normal on Sunday.

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:

Spa Soli hopes to open in March 2016. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• It’s been a long time coming, but Spa Soli will be opening soon and will be bringing back West Hartford’s Himalayan salt cave! The space at 945 Farmington Ave. has been vacant for more than a year, ever since Elements Day Spa closed abruptly in August 2014. Henry Wrotniak, who runs Sanditz Travel’s West Hartford office, and his son Joseph Wrotniak, formed Wrotniak Ventures II LLC and purchased the property in April 2015. Joseph Wrotniak said that he hopes to open the spa sometime in March, with a promotional opening in April. He is currently in conversation with a number of former Elements employees, and is hopeful that several of them will once again be working in the Farmington Avenue spa. The space is in the process of being renovated, and Joseph said that the spa will be larger than Elements, extending into the building’s upper level where an open-concept facial bar and other services will be performed. Joseph said that the salt cave was in pretty bad shape. “The salt fell off all of the walls except one,” he said, and he is in the process of repairing it. Look for more details about services that will be offered as well as a final opening date soon.
  

  Ruth Terray and members of the Budget Blinds of West Hartford staff. Submitted photo
• Congratulations to Budget Blinds of West Hartford, winner in the “Best Of Service” category on Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. According to a news release, “Budget Blinds is a home-based, custom window coverings franchise company that offers consumers the convenience of shopping at home for window coverings and other home décor accessories. Budget Blinds is unique because it offers homeowners the variety of a home center with the convenience of free in home consultation, professional measuring and installation.” Ruth Terray has owned and operated Budget Blinds since 2011. “Our commitment to outstanding service is very important to us. Therefore, it is a great honor to be recognized this year by Houzz and its members and we are very appreciative,” said Terray. For more information, visit the Budget Blinds of West Hartford website.
• “McKirdy Trained LLC is now official!” said James McKirdy in an email. “The goal of my business is to provide professional programming and guidance for athletes of all abilities to reach their peak fitness. From the beginner to the Olympic hopeful I bring a unique experience to coaching. I have been in the running field for over 20+ years and I have been a professional coach/trainer for over 13. With my experience as a competitive runner as well as the years spent learning from some of the very best coaches in the country I am truly excited to get my business off the ground.” McKirdy’s website is still in development, but look for more details soon. In the meantime, interested clients can contact McKirdy at 203-560-5569.
• This is still in the unable-to-confirm-for-sure stage, but there is a very strong possibility of Eddie Bauer taking over the soon-to-be-vacated White House Black Market space. We will keep you posted!
• In other Blue Back Square news, ICYMI Bar Louie has officially announced plans to open with a goal date of March 15. Click here for all of the details.
• Also in the ICYMI department, Prospect Café, which opened in September 2015, has started off the new year with a new chef (veteran of Firebox in Hartford) and revamped menu. Click here for the complete story.

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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