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 know the spring equinox isn’t until March 20 (at 10:46 a.m.), but as I write this column it’s March 1 – the first day of meteorological spring – which I definitely count as the end of winter.

I’ve actually spent the past few days having a wonderful and much-needed respite from winter and the heaviness of the news in West Hartford. (Although I am still working part of the time; wrote an article about the latest news about Vessel on Saturday and am writing this column …)

We’re in Lake Worth, Florida (just south of West Palm Beach) where it’s been in the 70s and 80s, along with some rather fierce thunderstorms. I stepped into a snow drift getting out of the car in the parking lot at Bradley Airport, and I know when I return to West Hartford it will be a quick dose of reality with snow still on the ground, but I do hope it’s at least melted in the lot where our car is parked.

This is the fifth year in a row that we’ve escaped for a long weekend and stayed in a charming bed and breakfast in Lake Worth that we discovered a few years ago when coming to visit my dad, who at the time was living in a nursing home in nearby Boynton Beach. It’s been two years since he passed away, but we decided to continue our annual trip to this area which is also a chance to visit with my stepmother in Delray Beach and take her to see her to see my dad’s grave at the South Florida VA Cemetery in Lake Worth. I so appreciate being able to walk to the beach and to dinner, and to eat virtually all of our meals outside.

No trolls this week, and thank you to all who do comment with your full names, and avoid making personal attacks! 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 Please comply or your comment will not be published.

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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:

• I’ve been watching the evolution of the space at 80 Memorial Road since last fall, and am so excited to confirm the news that Char-cu-te-rie will be opening in Blue Back Square on Wednesday, March 4. “We just passed our health inspection,” said an excited Anna Estiandan, the owner of Char-cu-te-rie, in a phone conversation on Thursday afternoon. “It’s happening ,” she added. Wednesday will be their soft opening, and once the crews (they have 10 employees, eight are full-time) are fully trained and things are running smoothly, a grand opening will follow in a few weeks, she said. Char-cu-te-rie is an elevated and elegant destination space where people can gather with a group of friends or for a date night, attend a workshop and learn to build (and savor) a charcuterie board comprised of fine cheeses, expertly cured meats, and a variety of accompaniments. You can also have your board prepared to order on-site by an expert, or prepared in advance as an order for all types of celebrations. Estiandan is launching this business after a 25-year career in health care, following her long-time passion of creating delicious and beautiful charcuterie boards. “I have always believed food has the ability to bring people together and make them smile,” her bio states. Char-cu-te-rie doesn’t serve alcohol, but it is BYOB, Estiandan said. They will be offering non-alcoholic flights, she said – inspired by input she received from next-door-neighbor business, fitness studio Solidcore. “We’re working on the menu, creating flights of elixirs plus meat plus cheese,” she said. “It’s a pretty versatile area,” Estiandan said of the space. She loves being in Blue Back Square, including being among a variety of other dining options. “We’re all different. We’ve got a taste of anything you want,” she said. “It’s such a great area. … I’m very excited to be part of Blue Back.” Following Wednesday’s soft opening, Char-cu-te-rie will be open Sunday and Monday from noon to 7 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eventually, she will be promoting rental of her “car-chu-te-rie,” a term she has trademarked for a mobile charcuterie experience where people can build their own boards, that she said is ideal for corporate events, showers, gender reveals and other events. “Everyone, come join us …” said Estiandan, who is very much looking forward to the opening. For more information about Char-cu-te-rie, visit their website.

• In other positive Blue Back Square news, the exact location of a business we featured in this column several weeks ago has now been confirmed! Sweatfluence has announced it will be opening in the summer of 2026 at 87 Memorial Road, in a portion of the former West Elm space. This will be the first franchise location for Sweatfluence, which was founded in 2017 by Courtney Del Vecchio. “Sweatfluence has redefined the heated movement experience with strength-fueling, music-driven flows powered by a signature infrared heating system, all rooted in connection, empowerment, and transformation. What began as a tiny studio in Old Saybrook has grown into a movement that champions the power of sweat, movement, and community to grow strength of body and spirit,” states an announcement from Sweatfluence. Del Vecchio expanded her business to New Haven in 2022, “bringing Sweatfluence’s unique blend of dynamic heated Vinyasa flows and community-centered fitness to a bustling urban environment,” and now Rachel Gerould, who has worked at Sweatfluence for about four years, will lead the West Hartford studio as the first franchisee, and will bring the “transformative fitness experience rooted in movement, community, and infrared heat to residents, workers, and visitors of the region,” Blue Back Square said in their announcement of the opening. Del Vecchio, in a previous conversation, described Sweatfluence as “hot vinyasa yoga,” but with a unique approach that heats the body in a healthy way. “We use infrared heat, steam, and fresh air,” she said. “It’s so important because when people go into a hot space without fresh air it’s suffocating,” and that’s not healthy. “We built Sweatfluence to be more than a hot yoga studio, it’s a place where people feel encouraged to show up, grow stronger, and find connection both on and off the mat,” Del Vecchio said in her announcement. “Opening in Blue Back Square, in partnership with Rachel, allows us to share that mission with a community that truly values health, movement, and connection.” Gerould echoed that excitement: “West Hartford has such a strong culture of wellness and community. I’m beyond honored to bring Sweatfluence here and to welcome new members into a space that inspires transformation, connection, and confidence through movement.” And Connor Nolan, Vice President of Leasing at Brand Street Properties, the ownership group behind Blue Back Square, also expressed his excitement. “Blue Back Square continues to expand the lifestyle offerings that make our destination a hub for health, community, and everyday experiences. We’re thrilled to welcome Sweatfluence, a brand that embodies wellness and community, as an exciting addition to our 2026 lineup.” In addition to its signature infrared-heated classes, designed to blend mindful movement with full-body intensity, all set to energizing, music-driven flows that support every level of participant, the studio plans to cultivate community through wellness collaborations, local partnerships, and events that deepen connection within West Hartford and beyond, the announcement states. Grand opening announcements, membership details, and community events will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information about Sweatfluence and upcoming offerings, visit their website.

• But wait … there’s more! Blue Back Square is also excited to announce thatf Monmouth Trading Cards, a specialty retailer dedicated to sports cards, trading card games, and collectible memorabilia, will be opening on Isham Road. According to an announcement, “the new store will offer enthusiasts of all ages a welcoming space to shop, trade, and connect over a shared passion for collecting.” Monmouth Trading Cards, which has “grown into a hobby destination specializing in sports cards, Pokémon, and major TCGs, and offering singles, sealed products, grading submissions, live breaks, and in-store events,” was founded in New Jersey, and this will be the second location in Connecticut (the other location in the state is in Stamford). The store serves avid and seasoned collectors as well as newcomers, and provides insight and fair trades in a community-driven atmosphere, the announcement states. “We created Monmouth Trading Cards to be more than just a store, it’s a place where collectors can feel at home,” Nathan Zalta, Owner of Monmouth Trading Cards, said in the announcement. “Whether someone is chasing a grail card, submitting their first grading order, or introducing their child to the hobby, we want our West Hartford location to be a trusted, exciting space where the collecting community can grow and connect.” Connor Nolan, Vice President of Leasing at Brand Street Properties, the ownership group behind Blue Back Square, said they are thrilled to welcome Monmouth Trading Cards, to further enhance the diverse mix of businesses. “This addition brings a dynamic and interactive retail experience to the property, creating a destination for hobbyists and families to gather and engage.” For more information and updates on the West Hartford location, visit monmouthcards.com.

• While taking photos in Blue Back last week, I also noticed that the wraps are in the window promoting Wonder, which will be opening this year in the portion of the former West Elm space at the corner of Memorial Road and Isham. Wonder, which was featured in the Oct. 13, 2025 edition of Business Buzz, Wonder is a “mealtime platform built to satisfy every craving – without compromise and featuring multi-restaurant ordering from world-renowned chefs,” according to the company. It sounds like a great option for a family of picky eaters, a group that has diverse diners, or even two people who are each in the mood for something different, plus it’s all top quality food. Those renowned chefs and restaurants include Bobby Flay, José Andrés, and Marcus Samuelsson, alongside award-winning restaurants Tejas Barbecue and Di Fara Pizza. Wonder will offer dine-in, delivery, and pick-up options, and in a single order you can enjoy a “seamless solution for every mealtime moment” and can select – and mix-and-match – dishes from more than 20 restaurants.

• [Updated] At its meeting tonight, the Town Plan & Zoning Commission (TPZ) is scheduled to receive a request from West Hartford resident Sojung Jacobskind for a “Special Use Permit to operate a new Indoor Recreation or Amusement Facility pursuant to section 177-2(B) of the zoning ordinances for Little Wanderers, an indoor children’s playground.” From reading the plans, I thought that Little Wanderers, if it receives approval, will be located in the long-vacant space next to Chop’t, that was formerly a portion of Maximum Beverage before its move across the street, but I heard from Jacobskind on Monday morning and she said that while that was the space they were considering, their plans are to open in the former Yoga Shop, between Float Forty-One and the Paper Store. “We’re very excited,” she said. According to the narrative submitted with the application, “Little Wanderers, the kids’ indoor sensory-focused playground and a cafe, will offer a variety of sensory-based play experiences in safe and clean 3,500 square-foot space, providing 0-7 year-old children opportunities for safe exploration and creative sensory experience. Additionally, it will cater to families by offering spaces for private events such as birthday parties, baby showers, and more. Parents will also benefit from designated resting areas where they can comfortably watch their children play adjacently, as well as classes designed for both children and adults. Little Wanderers also plans to introduce summer camps and flexible drop-in services to support working parents and enhance its role in the local community.” Planned operating hours are Sundays through Thursdays from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Little Wanderers expects to be able to accommodate up to 20 children at any given time, with a minimum of 3 kids per hour, and an average of 25 kids a day. According to the TPZ agenda, they will likely set a public hearing for April 6, 2026.

• A very belated but heartfelt congratulations to West Hartford resident Jon Winer, who was recognized at the Jan. 10, 2026 Boston Celtics game as a “Hero Among Us.” This is the write-up shared by the Celtics: “When West Hartford resident Jonathan Winer lost his best friend to a terminal illness in 2016, he vowed to make an impact on the lives of others. Motivated to honor his friend’s memory, Jonathan began exploring the living donor process. After a year of rigorous testing, he donated his left kidney, an act which ultimately allowed five people, who were on dialysis, to undergo a successful organ transplant. Over the past ten years, Jonathan has remained dedicated to giving back, donating blood more than 40 times and using hope to support those in need.” According to the Celtics website, “The Heroes Among Us program is one of the premier community outreach programs in professional sports. Established as an initiative of the Boston Celtics in 1997, Heroes Among Us honors individuals who have made an overwhelming impact on the lives of others. The Heroes Among Us Award is presented to an individual or individuals who, through their unique commitment and humanitarian spirit, have made exceptional and lasting contributions to our community. For over 20 years, at each home game, the Celtics and their fans have saluted the exemplary efforts of these citizens during a special in-game presentation on the legendary parquet floor. This program is proudly presented by IBEW Local 103, 98.5 The Sports Hub, and NBC Sports Boston.”

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Craig Davidson, who will transition into the role of head coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis programs at the University of Saint Joseph, Associate Vice President of Athletics and Recreation Amanda Devitt officially announced. Davidson, who has led the USJ men’s tennis program since its inception in 2019-20, becomes the fifth head coach in the history of the Blue Jays’ women’s tennis program. “We’re thrilled to have Craig step into this expanded role leading both our men’s and women’s tennis programs,” Devitt said. “He has done an outstanding job building a strong culture, developing student-athletes, and elevating our men’s program, and we’re excited for that same energy and vision to positively impact our women’s team.” As a head coach at USJ, Davidson has guided the Blue Jays to the postseason in every season and has compiled a 27-27 overall record. A West Hartford native and graduate of Hall High School, Davidson was a top-10 USTA New England junior player from 1990-98 and ranked among the top 120 nationally. He won the 1997 CIAC Class L Boys Tennis State Championship and was recruited to play Division I collegiate tennis.

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Zach Marcus, regional personal lines leader for King Risk Partners in Wethersfield, who has been recognized nationally as an Agent of the Year by Insurance Journal for the second time! King Partners was founded by his great grandfather in 1941.

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Irene Bassock, who has been named chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. Bassock is a partner at Cohen & Buckmann, P.C. Law Firm and has more than 30 years of experience practicing employment and executive compensation law. According to the announcement, she is a long-time West Hartford resident who is passionate about literacy and its impact on children achieving success in school and beyond, Bassock began volunteering with United Way in 2016. She first joined United Way Women United and remains an active supporter the group’s focus of helping neighboring women achieve financial stability. She deepened her involvement by becoming a founding member of Women of Tocqueville, an affinity group comprised of committed business, civic and philanthropic women leaders dedicated to closing gaps and creating opportunities for our neighbors experiencing working or extreme poverty. “We are delighted to welcome Irene as our Board Chair. Her empathy and sense of responsibility is notable in every commitment she makes to United Way,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We are thrilled to have Irene become the third woman in our organization’s history to lead our Board of Directors, and we know she will continue to forge a path for others eager to serve our community.” Bassock holds a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College and a Juris Doctor from Boston University. Recognized as a strategic negotiator and trusted advisor, she has developed her career as an attorney helping clients to navigate complex scenarios, always maintaining her ethical compass. “I am fortunate to have the time and resources to lend to others in my community who need support,” Bassock said. “Growing up, my family was asset limited. So, I recognize the daily challenges that working families face and how just a bit goes a long way. Thankfully, I am in a position to offer that assistance and welcome the opportunity to do so. It is a true honor to lead United Way’s Board of Directors and ensure that we can fulfill the organization’s mission to end poverty in the 860 region.” West Hartford resident Brian Zelman, Principal at Zelman Real Estate, has also been named to the Board of Directors.

• West Hartford author John Scully, author of “Visited Mom Today,” will share hi advice about connecting with loved ones living with dementia at South Farms on March 5, according to a news release. Scully understands firsthand the heartbreak – and hope – of loving someone living with dementia. For the final eight years of her life, Scully’s mother was nonverbal. During her 13 years in a nursing home, he struggled to find meaningful ways to connect with her and with other residents—until he discovered approaches that changed everything. Now, Scully shares those lessons in his acclaimed book, Visited Mom Today: Conversations Through the Lens of Alzheimer’s and Dementia (Green Heart Living Press, 2024), offering families practical tools and renewed perspective on what connection can look like—even in the face of memory loss. On March 5 at 2 p.m., Scully will speak at Benchmark at South Farms, an assisted living and Mind & Memory Care community in Middletown. During the program, he will offer inspiration, practical communication strategies, encouragement and even moments of humor for families navigating dementia. Caregivers are welcome to bring loved ones with dementia as supportive care will be provided during the program. For more information or to RSVP, contact Karen Rorke at 203.824.1172 or email [email protected].

• ICYMI, Vessel Technologies recently filed a lawsuit against the Town of West Hartford, appealing the denial of a site plan application submitted in November 2025, and the company also resubmitted and received a denial of that application on Friday. Click here for complete details.
• There are quite a few activities coming up in support of Conard Safe Grad for the Class of 2026, and many businesses that are already signed up to support the annual post-graduation party. More information can be found here.
• Did you know …

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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