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

Happy June – the first official month of meteorological summer! It hasn’t been feeling very summery this weekend, but the forecast for this coming week looks pretty good, and I may have to switch on the air conditioning in the house for the first time this year. I felt so bad for the Conard and Hall junior prom-goers over the weekend, but they were creative with their photo shoots and everyone was smiling in the photos that families submitted.

The school year is coming to an end, and the next 10 days are going to be packed with school-related news. There will be lots of sports to cover with six different teams from Conard and Hall earning home games in the first round of the CIAC tournaments. Our team – which includes our high school student interns plus some volunteer photographers – will be doing the best we can to at least get a few photos and the scores from each of the games, but we also welcome submitted stories from parents/fans/coaches (email any information to [email protected]).

There’s been plenty of town news to share as well, and looking ahead we have three busy weekends with Celebrate! West Hartford this coming weekend (both Saturday and Sunday – and you can find all the details here!), then Juneteenth being celebrated on June 14, and the Pride Festival on June 21.

One of the most delicious things I ate this past week was at a ribbon cutting for ChoccoDiva on Friday. The rest of the photos are part of a bullet point below, but I am still thinking about little cup of amazing chocolateness, and the also-delicious lip-shaped gold-dipped favors handed out to all who attended the ribbon cutting.

We share a mini-pack of season ticket to the Yard Goats with some friends, and Friday night was our game of the month. Unfortunately it was a loss by the Goats, but it’s always fun to attend a game, and the pulled pork sandwich from Bear’s was amazing as usual.

Sam paid us a surprise visit over the weekend, but his eating schedule (after a day spent playing golf and doing a fantasy football draft with friends down in Fairfield County) and ours was not properly coordinated for dinner on Saturday night. A perfect solution was takeout from Black Bamboo – which I could eat every night of the week – and we even have some leftovers!

Millie wouldn’t let Sam out of her sight the whole time he was here …

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If you are a long term, regular advertiser on We-Ha.com and have a 60 to 75 word submission for a future Business Buzz please send to Bob Carr at [email protected]. You can also contact Bob if you are interested in becoming a sponsor of a section of the site.

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:

• The space a few doors down from Fleet Feet at 1003 Farmington Avenue, that was formerly Tribe (which reopened in late 2021 at 635 New Park Avenue), has been vacant since the beginning of the pandemic but activity of many types will return this month with the opening of Wild Soul Fitness. The soft opening is currently scheduled for Sunday, June 8, according to Heather Zoeller, a West Hartford resident and senior living consultant who is co-founder and owner of the new business. “Wild Soul Fitness is a boutique fitness studio in West Hartford offering a variety of group classes including strength training, yoga, barre and Pilates with a strong emphasis on community connection and fun,” she said. “Our mission is to help our members to thrive in mid-life and beyond by building physical strength and flexibility in an environment that is restorative and joyful. We believe wholeheartedly in mind-body-spirit interconnectedness and that stronger physical health can unlock stronger resiliency, confidence, mental health and personal fulfillment in all areas of life.” The space includes two separate studio spaces – one that will be used for strength and cardio classes and the other for yoga – as well as four showers and a reception area with seating so those attending classes will also have a chance to socialize. “We want to encourage community,” Zoeller said. The updates that have been made primarily include repainting the formerly black walls to colors that evoke the Southwest (think Santa Fe or Sedona vibes). The other co-founder, Candace Montagnon, formerly of the now-closed WeGym, will serve as director of operations/studio director, and she has recruited a great team of fitness professionals, many of whom have their own devoted followers. Wild Souls is not just for the ultra-fit 20-something, and is intended to appeal to people of all ages and abilities – primarily women. All the classes will be group classes, and Zoeller said the offerings will eventually expand, with plans to perhaps add a massage therapist in the future as well as programming for individuals in perimenopause or menopause. The first week will be free, and they will offer drop-in,10-20 class packs, and monthly memberships. As for the name, “We just wanted something kind of fun, playful – to also tap into something spiritual … fun but a little bit wild,” Zoeller said. The name is also inspired by her love of two Mary Oliver poems: “The Summer Day” and “Wild Geese.” This line from “The Summer Day” was mentioned by Zoeller: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do With your one wild and precious life?” She added, “To me, both of these poems are reminders to fully, unapologetically be ourselves, to feel connection and to free ourselves from conformity and expectations. In other words, to be a ‘wild soul.'” For more information, visit the website or follow on Instagram (@wildsoul.fitness).

• ChoccoDiva had its ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town officials at 282 Park Road on Friday morning. The space (even the restroom) – and the confections – are just gorgeous. The chocolate creations by Priscilla Pedrosa honestly look almost too beautiful to eat, but that didn’t stop anyone at the ribbon cutting from sampling and there was a long line of people purchasing treats as well. Pedrosa, a West Hartford resident, got her start with a cottage food license from the town, and this is her first brick and mortar location – realization of the business of her dreams. “Today we are living proof,” Pedrosa said at the ribbon cutting, giving thanks to all who helped in the journey.

• After leaving the ribbon cutting at ChoccoDiva, I came across new signage at the former Great TSO space at 278 Park Road. A new restaurant, Gold Dumpling, is planning to open in the space. No one was there at the time, but from what I can determine this is a change in ownership as well as a name change. Posters in the window indicate “Opening Soon,” and the website is already up and running. “We strive to integrate authentic Asian flavors into Western culture and everyday life, allowing guests to experience genuine Chinese tastes, with a special focus on classic dumplings and buns that embody the beauty of East-West fusion. Our signature handmade dumplings and buns are crafted with premium ingredients and traditional techniques, balancing flavor and wellness to ensure every bite is a harmonious blend of authenticity and innovation,” the website states. Gold Dumpling emphasizes that they also have an extensive gluten-free menu, that uses “dedicated fryers, woks, steamers, griddles, pots, and utensils to prevent cross‑contamination.” The website indicates that Gold Dumpling plans to be open Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• This Sunday, from 2 to 6 p.m., GastroPark is hosting Elmwood Bar Crawl! According to the event description: “Get ready for a Sunday afternoon of fun as we embark on the Elmwood Bar Crawl! Join us in celebrating our local Elmwood community while hop around to some of favorite neighborhood spots. Grab your crew and make new friends, as we sip our way from Frida, to Beachland Tavern, to The Laurel, and end at GastroPark with live music!” The event begins at 2 p.m. at Beachland Park, and moves to Friday at 2:15, Beachland at 3:15, The Laurel at 4:15, and GastroPark at 5:15. Tickets include one select drink from each location (4 total). For more information, visit the Facebook event page, or purchase tickets through Eventbrite through this link.

• The Starbucks inside Barnes & Noble in Blue Back Square was recently closed for renovation and reopened just over a week ago. It looks great!

• Blue Back Square is also set for summer with the corn hole game and Adirondack chairs back in place on the lawn on South Main Street in front of Boqueria and Flemings, “for guests to sit, play and enjoy!” a spokesperson said. It was a bit chilly on Sunday afternoon when I checked them out, but a few guys were enjoying corn hole!

• Play It Again Sports indicated a few months back that they would be moving within West Hartford, and now a sign on the door indicates that their new location will be 635 New Park Avenue, and will include free parking and a full-service bike shop. I wasn’t able to find out any more details on Sunday afternoon after I noticed the sign, but will get more information this week.

• Tyler Anderson, award-winning restaurateur and owner of Millwrights in Simsbury and other Connecticut restaurants, is one of the contestants on the Food Network’s new competition, BBQ Brawl. Anderson, who lives in West Hartford, is admittedly not a barbecue expert, although he was “The Cook” to Jamie McDonald’s “The Bear” during their partnership in the now-closed West Hartford restaurant “The Cook & The Bear,” which was located in Blue Back Square. According to the Food Network, Bobby Flay, James Beard Award winner Maneet Chauhan, and newly crowned Tournament of Champions winner Antonia Lofaso captain the teams. I’ve had a chance to sample many of Tyler’s creations, and have no doubt he will hold his own. I’m hoping to write a story about his being named “Master of ‘Que” when the series ends!

• Hartford Tennis Club in West Hartford held a dedication of a new tower clock in honor of longtime journalist (and HTC member and former president) Tom Condon on Memorial Day. About 65 people attended the ceremony, according to club member and event organizer Adam Cohen, which was followed by a barbecue. In attendance were Tom’s wife Anne Condon, daughter Clare Condon-Grande, son-in-law Aaron Grande, and brother Garret Condon. The inscription on the clock is “Time for Friends,” Cohen said. Tom Condon, who died in September, had a 45 year career a the Hartford Courant, followed by nine years at the Connecticut Mirror.

• Multiple principals with the former West Hartford-based Ballet Theatre Company became part of New England Ballet Theatre when the West Hartford entity dissolved last year. They will be performing this month in La Sylphide, a romantic tale of love, mystery, and enchantment, celebrating the New England Ballet Theatre’s fifth season at Miss Porter’s School in Farmington. “Featuring NEBT’s Company Artists, Elias Re guest artist from Dance Theater of Harlem, and nearly 50 young dancers, including our inaugural Bridges to Ballet students, this original adaptation brings new life to one of ballet’s oldest masterpieces. Join us for a special evening gala performance on June 6, followed by additional public performances on June 7/8 that showcase the talent, growth, and spirit of our NEBT community. More information can be found here.

• Click here to listen to the latest installment of the “On the Scene” podcast, where On The Scene hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr discuss the 2025 season of the Capital Classics Theater troupe with founders Laura Sheehan and Geoff Sheehan. Podcasts can also be found at the bottom of the home page on the revamped We-Ha.com website!

• ICYMI, everything you need to know about the 38th Celebrate! West Hartford, scheduled for June 7-8, 2025, can bet found here.

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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