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

By Ronni Newton

I hope everyone had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!

My family celebrated America’s birthday with family, food, fireworks, a 5K race, and some great beach time. I can still hear the ocean as I write this (one of the benefits of being able to work remotely), but will be back in West Hartford on Monday.

Even though last week was shortened for many because of the holiday, there’s still 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].

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

The West Hartford Center Sidewalk Festival will be held from July 9-11, 2015. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• The West Hartford Center Sidewalk Festival is this week! The three-day sidewalk sale will begin on Thursday and last through Saturday, and includes great savings on virtually everything – from clothing, to accessories, to home decor. There will also be food specials at area restaurants, music, and other family activities on the streets of the Center.
• The West Hartford ShopRite has introduced a new “farm-to-table” concept. In an effort to make fresh, local produce more accessible, available, and affordable, the store has started its own version of a CSA. “Harvest Market” is held every Saturday, from 7 a.m. until noon, and for $15 participants have the opportunity to select five containers of fruits and/or veggies brought to the store by local farmers.
• Tyler English Fitness, an independent gym known as a “performance and fat loss training facility,” will be hosting four free events this summer, outdoors at the pavillion next to Barnes & Noble in Blue Back Square. The first is this Saturday, July 11, and begins at 10 a.m. with an hour boot-camp-style workout, followed by 30 minutes of “restorative” yoga. Future sessions will be held from 10 – 11:30 a.m. on July 25, August 6, and August 22. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert becaues there is sure to be a large crowd. Last year, one of Tyler English’s outdoor sessions had more than 150 participants!
• Sad business news to report this week. The West Hartford community lost a local, family-owned pizza place when South Main Pizza closed for good after dinner on Sunday, June 28. Penelope Kouromihelakis, who had been running the business alone since her husband Spiro had a stroke six years ago, tried to sell the restaurant but prospective owners were unable to work out a viable lease with the building owner and Kouromihelakis was forced to close the doors. We wish her and her family the best of luck in the future. Click here for the complete story.
  

  Elmwood Pizza has been sold but will remain open. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Also in the pizza department, rumors of Elmwood Pizza also closing are not true. The pizza place at 1154 New Britain Ave. has been in business since 1972, and although the former owner retired and sold the business, we have been assured that restaurant will remain open and very few changes are planned.
• Thursday night’s Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” will be held at Effie’s Place Family Restaurant at 91 Park Rd. The event, which runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m., is free to Chamber members and $20 to non-members, and offers a great way to meet and chat with representatives of a wide variety of businesses from throughout town. There’s also delicious food and drink to enjoy.  Click here to register.

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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