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

By Ronni Newton

What a beautiful weekend!

Celebrate West Hartford’s event committee was thrilled to have absolutely perfect weather for the town’s signature two-day festival. It definitely seems like the weather has been cooperating this spring after torturing us over the winter. I spent the entire weekend volunteering in one of the information booths at Celebrate – a great opportunity to see everyone and even get some Business Buzz scoop.

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:

West Hartford has a new craft brewery.

• West Hartford is getting its own craft brewery. New Park Brewing is in the process of getting up and running, and is already entering competitions and offering free tastings at local events. New Park Brewing is owned by John Doyle, the husband of Work In Progress co-owner Mary Kate Doyle. This week (Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 p.m.) you will have the opportunity to sample some of their favorites at a combination fun run/beer tasting at Fleet Feet Sports in West Hartford Center. “You know how much runners love delicious beer,” said Fleet Feet Sports owner Steph Blozy, and I have to agree that a cold beer tastes great after a run. Follow New Park Brewing on Facebook for updates about future events.

• I’d love to pour you a cup of coffee! I’ll be joining many well known West Hartford residents as a server at the annual Celebrity Breakfast on Tuesday morning at Effie’s Place on Park Road. The annual event, which is a fundraiser for the Park Road Parade, is from 7-9:30 a.m. The special menu includes Patrissi Pancakes, Whiting Lane Waffles and Effie’s Eggs, all served with coffee, juice and sausage.

• If you’re accomplished at sewing or are interested in being able to do more with a needle and thread than reattach a button, check out Hartford Stitch, a new West Hartford business officially launched last week by residents Laura Kasowitz and Sara Colby who are looking to “share our love of sewing and fabric with our community!” Kasowitz and Colby will travel throughout the area for sewing lessons and parties (“Similar to ‘paint nights,’ but in the comfort of your own home while learning a new skill,” Kasowitz says.) They also have a “lovingly cultivated shop of beautiful fabrics” for sale in an Etsy shop. You can follow Hartford Stitch on Facebook and Instagram.

• West Elm update: The lease is signed, and build-out continues in the former Ann Taylor and Akua Ba Fitness spaces in Blue Back Square. Opening is planned for October or November according to Blue Back Square management.

• The Bishops Corner Neighborhood Association was spotlighted this week on We-Ha.com. Click here to learn more about what’s happening in West Hartford northern business district – including a weekly farmers’ market and outdoor poetry on the patio during the summer months.

• Tuesday at 6 p.m. is the ribbon-cutting for The Goodwin – West Hartford’s newest residential rental community located at 189 Newington Rd. We had a sneak peek at one of the units and some of the other spaces in the 47-unit building, so look for the full story early in the week. The first residents started moving in earlier this spring and is already 45 percent occupied with plans for full occupancy by the beginning of August.

• A number of West Hartford businesses are involved with Haircuts for Humanity – a program to provide free haircuts to homeless people in the are that is scheduled for Monday, June 15. Click here for more details.

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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