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 hope everyone had a great Fourth of July!

I had a wonderful week on Nantucket that involved actually taking some time away from the computer, lots of family and friends, running and biking, and of course eating way too much and enjoying some frosty beers and other beverages. The fog and humidity were intense to start the week, but the weather was spectacular and we finally got some great beach weather at the end of the week.

Millie of course loves the beach no matter what the weather, and also enjoyed hanging out on the deck with us where she tested out her camouflage skills.

I almost skipped this week’s column because there really isn’t much business news from the past week, but I did want to make sure that I shared the information about West Hartford Center Sales Days since  many of the businesses have been having a tough summer with the construction, so I’m doing an abbreviated column. Hopefully there will be much more to highlight next week!

A few highlights of the end of my past week …

Millie trying to blend into the traditional gray shingle with white trim theme of most Nantucket homes. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Firecracker 5K 2025. Ted and Carmine placed, and I was a bit faster than the Celebrate! 5K without training or trying too hard.

Fireworks from the Stemship Authority dock. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frosty drinks at b’ACK Yard BBQ. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hot chicken sandwich at b’ACK Yard BBQ. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Burger at b’ACK Yard BBQ. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Pulled pork sandwich at b’ACK Yard BBQ. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Tested out the ice cream at Jack & Charlie’s this year and it passed the test! Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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One troll comment attempt last week, and thank you to all who comment with your full names! 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 Please comply or your comment will not be published.

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:

LaSalle Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• West Hartford Center will be holding its annual Sidewalk Sales from July 10-12, and I’m making that the feature of this week’s column because our local businesses in the need our support during the West Hartford Center Infrastructure construction project. Since I’ve been away for the past week I don’t have any updated construction photos, but based on last week I am guessing that there is full-scale work on the second phase of LaSalle Road, while the new sidewalk areas from the first phase are now fully open. Sidewalk Sales Days feature end-of-the-season bargains (I feel like summer is still in its early stages!) of up to 80% off at participating retailers, which as of early last week included BK&Co (entire store 10-80% off), Bohdii (30% off select summer styles), Hope & Stetson (up to 70% off of sale clothing and accessories), J.McLaughlin (summer sale), Kimberly Boutique (up to 80% off women’s apparel & accessories), Lil Hope (up to 70% off of sale clothing and accessories), and Mosaic Sun (red dot sale with deep discounts on many items).  I’m going to plan to check out the sales and get some photos later this week!

Angel Land has submitted an application to open in the former Buy Buy Baby space in the Corbin Collection. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I had seen the application for a Special Use Permit (SUP) filed by the owners of Angel Land when I was checking into the details about All 4 Paws prior to writing last week’s column – but planned to hold off including it until I was able to get more information from either the town or the business owner. I have reached out to both but not heard back – but since it’s already been made public I’ll just share that according to documents filed with the town, the owner of Angel Land is looking to turn the former buybuy Baby space in the Corbin Collection into a “vibrant and safe children’s indoor playground” as noted on the SUP application. The Town Plan & Zoning Commission (TPZ) will be receiving the application tonight and setting it for public hearing in August. Angel Land already has a successful facility in Stamford and the application notes that they are looking to expand to another location in the state, offering a indoor recreational space for children, primarily under age 10, for “wholesome and engaging environment where children can enjoy physical activity, social interaction, and developmental play, regardless of weather conditions. The space will be designed with age-appropriate play structures, party rooms, and interactive play areas, adhering to the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and cleanliness.” Buybuy Baby closed (for the second time, for good) last fall, and less than two weeks ago (I think right after the application was filed), the signage was taken down as seen in the photo above and below. Much more to come!

Angel Land has submitted an application to open in the former Buy Buy Baby space in the Corbin Collection. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Angel Land has submitted an application to open in the former Buy Buy Baby space in the Corbin Collection. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Angel Land has submitted an application to open in the former Buy Buy Baby space in the Corbin Collection. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Town of West Hartford

• The Elizabeth Park Conservancy is the chosen charity for Stop & Shop Community bags at the Farmington Avenue store throughout the month of July. For every $2.50 bag purchased, $1 will be sent directly to the Elizabeth Park Conservancy. The bags can be found near the checkout and according to the Conservancy, will help “support our mission of maintaining and improving the beauty of Elizabeth Park for current and future generations.”

Courtesy image

• If you’re looking for a fun family activity that’s also free, West Hartford Senior Centers are holding their summer Gazebo Concert Series in July and August. From the town: “Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic supper or snacks to enjoy this all-ages concert series held at the Gazebo at Elmwood Community/Senior Center. Shows are held rain or shine. In the event of rain, concerts will be held indoors. Enter Elmwood Community Center via Burgoyne Street.” The concerts are held on the following Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. and include: July 8 – Fortunate Sons (Creedence Clearwater Tribute); July 22 – Silk City Jazz Band (Music from the Big Band Era); Aug. 5 – MassConn Fusion (Motown’s Greatest Hits); and Aug. 19 – The Elderly Brothers (“Oldies” Rock & Roll).

Gazebo Summer Concert Series. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

• ICYMI, I know it’s not business news, but I want to make sure more people see this update on Vision Zero that was published last week. Click here for the complete story.

Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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