West Hartford Business Buzz: July 27, 2015

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

1155 New Britain Ave. in Elmwood is undergoing extensive renovation. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

I guess I spoke too soon.

Last week I said that there was plenty of business news to share despite half the town being on vacation.

The vacations have continued (and I have had to stop myself from drooling over the images in my Facebook newsfeed of of my friends visiting incredible locations like Greece, England, and Spain, as well as the beautiful beaches of New England), but all is quiet on the business front. There’s plenty of travel news, but this week the well of business news has nearly run dry.

How about if those of us who are still in West Hartford create our own business news? In my past job I used to do a “Visions for Vacancies” post every now and then when I saw an open space in a great location, and it created some great engagement about businesses people would like to see in West Hartford.

Whether or not there are any vacant spots, what types of businesses do you think we need in town? My sister suggested a shoe store, which I of course agree is a great idea. My husband said a bowling alley. What kinds of businesses would get you excited? Please add your ideas in the comments below!

And to ensure that there is plenty of business news to share, 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].

There is some Buzz to share, and here it is:

It looks like there is a major renovation/construction project going on at 1155 New Britain Ave. in Elmwood. The rumor on the street from a very reliable source was that a new sushi bar would be opening at that location, which is right next door to Alyce Carella Dance School. We reached out to the property owners who are clearly doing some extensive renovation to both the interior and exterior (as can be seen in the photos, and verified through town permit records), but we could not get confirmation about what will be occupying the space.
Have you voted in the Best of West Hartford yet? There have been thousands of votes cast so far, but because of those pesky vacations, we wanted to be sure that everyone had an opportunity to choose their favorites and have extended voting until Aug. 24. That’s just a few days before West Hartford Public Schools start up again (Aug. 26 this year), so most people should be back in town by then. In addition to the finalists, who have been getting lots of publicity, we would like to thank all of our loyal BOWH sponsors: Bouvier Insurance, Cunningham Supply, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Jeff Hodges Landscape Contractor, Lux Bond & Green, The Mercy Community, StangerLaw.com, Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, Town of West Hartford, NBC Connecticut, First Church West Hartford, and St. Brigid School/YMCA. We’re all looking forward to the awards ceremony on Sept. 10!

As we look ahead to the fall, mark your calendar for “Healthy West Hartford” on Sept. 17. That’s the date of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce’s first ever Healthy Lifestyle Fair, which will be held from 5 – 8 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall Auditorium. Vendors representing “healthy lifestyle choices, products, and services” will be in attendance, and there will of course be healthy refreshments. The event is sponsored by The Mercy Community, Doctors Express Urgent Care, Companions for Living, and West Hartford Acupuncture. Look for giveaways and demos at this family-friendly event, and click here to RSVP for free admission.
People in West Hartford love their craft beer, especially when it’s free! A recent Business Buzz highlighted the opening of Craft Beer Cellar at 1026 Boulevard, and the shop will be having its official ribbon-cutting with members of the Town Council and Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Aug. 13. From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. There will be free samples as well as hors d’oeurvres. Click here to RSVP.
The Mercy Community announced in a recent news release that it has received a $8,000 grant from the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Mercy Ministry Fund in support of the Community’s “Horizons of Hope” program, the “Compassionate Companions” program, and an ongoing renovation of The Frances Warde Towers Apartments – a part of Saint Mary Home. According to the release, The Horizons of Hope program, facilitated by Saint Mary Home, responds to needs of unsheltered persons, and those transitioning from being unsheltered. It provides housing for 12-16 individuals in The Frances Warde Towers Apartments, serves four meals per month at St. Elizabeth House in Hartford, and provides education on health care, job training, and mentoring for employment. The Frances Warde Towers Apartments at Saint Mary Home house 97 individuals, all of whom are on Title 19 and are Medicaid-funded. These renovations at The Towers will consist of various improvements at each apartment (97 in total) and will help to accommodate an increased number of clients.