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

Zest 280 will soon open at 280 Park Rd., West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Happy New Year, West Hartford!

Is everyone looking forward to the first five-day week in a long time? Thought so.

Despite the crazy holiday-shortened weeks, there was a steady flow of business news throughout December. We expect there will be even more news now that the new year has begun and everyone is seriously focused on work again.

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 …

• Pond House Cafe owner Louis Lista will be opening a brand new restaurant on Park Road. Zest 280, located at 280 Park Rd., is taking over the space formerly occupied by Hearty Kitchen. Build-out is underway, and when I stopped by on Friday, I was lucky enough to find the door unlocked and I got a sneak peek … The color scheme is as zesty as the name – with citrusy-bright and cheerful lemon, lime, and orange walls. Pond House Graphic Designer Paul Deveau, who was working on the space, said that the eclectic restaurant is hoping to have a soft opening by the third week of January. According to Marketing Director Erin Stein, Zest 280 will start off serving lunch only, Monday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. She said they may expand to weekend brunch and eventually dinner. Josh Fiorillo will be the chef, and some of the menu features include sandwiches (BBQ brisket with carmelized onions on ciabatta sounds delicious!), salads, pulled pork mac & cheese, a soba noodle bowl, and a variety of grain bowls. There is a good selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Zest 280 will have 28 seats, and also a focus on call ahead, takeout, and catering. Pricing will be moderate, and although there are no plans to serve liquor, the restaurant will be BYOB.
  

  A’Vert Brasserie was chosen “Best New Restaurant” by the experts in Connecticut Magazine’s 2015 survey. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
• Also in the restaurant department, A’Vert Brasserie was recently named “Best New Restaurant” in “Connecticut Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2015: Experts Picks.” Restaurant Bricco was a top pick for Best Italian, Besito made the list for Best Mexican/Latin American, Fleming’s was one of the picks for Best Steak, Rizzuto’s was named Best for Families, and Max’s Oyster Bar was chosen in the category of Best Seafood. To see the complete list, click here.
• West Hartford-based BlumShapiro also appears on many “best of” lists, and has just announced that it is expanding through a merger effective Jan. 1, 2015, with Schneider, Schneider, & Associates, P.C. According to a news release, the acquisition of the Braintree, MA-based firm will enable BlumShapiro “to combine traditional tax, accounting and audit services with advisory, management consulting and litigation services to support growth and uncover strategic business opportunities.”
• Fleet Feet Sports’ “Ton of Fun” challenge begins today! If your New Year’s resolutions include weight loss and healthy living, then this Biggest-Loser-style challenge may be just the way to ensure that you succeed.
• Last chance to attend the Mandell JCC’s summer job fair is Jan. 7, 2015, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

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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