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

Congratulations to all of the West Hartford Public Schools hockey players on having absolutely fantastic seasons! The Hall boys are the Division III champs – and both the Conard boys (Division II) and the Hall/Conard girls teams made it all the way to the championship games!

After editing a gazillion hockey stories over the past few weeks, I’m welcoming the chance to focus my sports attention for a bit on just watching my favorite teams compete in March Madness. The high school spring sports practices started Saturday for most teams – not much of a break for the boys hockey players – but it will be a few weeks before competition begins.

On Sunday morning I did cover a sports/community event. I think I have photographed every Johnny’s Jog since the 5K fundraiser began in 2011 – and it’s been wonderful to see how it has grown. Congratulations to all involved for surpassing the $1 million fundraising milestone this year! Click here for the story and lots of photos.

We-Ha.com has been a media sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon for the past several years, and Melissa Cole and I represented our organization at the annual event on Thursday. It was a wonderful and extremely empowering afternoon, and it was eye-opening to hear the survivor stories as well. I’ll report back on the fundraising total as soon as that information is available, but based on the hundreds who attended and the raise-the-paddle auction as well as sponsorship, it seemed to be extremely successful.

From left: Adria Giordano, Melissa Cole, Ronni Newton. American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon. March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

NBC CT anchor Taylor Regan was the emcee for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon. March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon. March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women luncheon. March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

I was personally touched and honored to be recognized as a “Mamacita Empowered Woman” by Salt + Lime Owner ROy Adusumilli and General Manager Eduardo Cruz on Thursday night. You can read more about Mamacita Night in the bullet points below, where I have also featured some of what Ted and I enjoyed for dinner.

I was so honored to be recognized by Salt + Lime Owner Roy Adusumilli (left) and General Manager Eduardo Cruz. Photo credit: Ted Newton

I was so honored to be recognized on Mamacita Night at Salt + Lime, with flowers, dinner, and a plaque presented by General Manager Eduardo Cruz. Photo credit: Ted N

La Patrona margarita at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

On Saturday night, after some great basketball wins (UConn women and Duke men), it was already quite late and Ted and I grabbed a beer and very casual (and yummy but not very healthy) dinner from the kitchen at GastroPark.

Smashburger, grilled cheese bites, and hot dog at GastroPark. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Millie got her spring haircut on the first day of spring. She looks – and smells – like a new dog, and with the fur out of her eyes she can do a much better job chasing the squirrels out of our backyard!

Millie is sporting a new spring hairstyle. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

One of our readers submitted a very detailed comment this past week – but neglected to use their full name and has not yet responded to my email asking for more information. 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:

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• River Bend Bookshop has completed its move a few blocks away, and the new location at 224 Park Road opened Tuesday! “We are absolutely thrilled to have found this wonderful new space on Park Road. Customers will love the improved flow, natural light, and expanded selection,” owner Meghan Hayden said. The new space is slightly larger and also even closer to River Bend’s community partners, including Playhouse on Park and A.C. Petersen’s, which will help reinforce the shop’s role as a vibrant hub, serving readers, authors, and neighbors in the community. “Staying on Park Road was a must for us,” Hayden said previously in an announcement of the plans to relocate the West Hartford shop which is known for its “curated selection, inclusive community, and literary events.” Hayden said they love and are committed to the Park Road neighborhood and its continued growth and development. The new space has a dedicated area where they can host author talks as well as craft nights and even mahjong, and also a cozy reading nook perfect for families and young readers. There’s also improved accessibility – and a porch for reading outdoors during the nice weather. “We are very grateful to the many people who helped us get this open so quickly, including West Hartford economic development, planning and zoning teams, and Danforth Construction. A special shout out to our new neighbor A.C. Petersen for their delicious leprechaun shakes throughout the month of March which really kept booksellers going!” Hayden said. “Join us for our grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” she said. “Customers can enjoy celebratory sips and snacks all day. We will give away River Bend mugs to the first 50 customers, and tote bags for any purchase over $50. Be on the lookout for surprise visits from local authors throughout the day!” Mahjong lessons will be held at the new shop beginning next week, and the first author talk is scheduled for April 1. For more information about upcoming events, visit their website.

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

River Bend Bookshop is now open at 224 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• VitaliTea opened on March 14 at Westfarms, in the former Vera Bradley store location on the upper level, Nordstrom wing. “Our daily lives are non-stop and hectic. It’s time to stop and relax,” states the VitaliTea website. “VitaliTea’s unique store has full sense experience. features products that indulge all five senses, revitalizing, relaxing, and transporting you to another place. After this indulgent sensory experience, leave feeling healthier, recharged, and ready to embark on the next step in your heathy living journey.”

Vitalitea opened on Saturday, March 14 on the upper level (Nordstrom wing) of Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Party City closed all of its stores just over a year ago, but through a partnership has been opening pop-ups within Staples stores. A Party City area has just opened in the West Hartford Staples store at 2550 Albany Avenue in Bishops Corner. It doesn’t have all of the products you would have found in the standalone stores, but does have balloons, paper products, and other party essentials.

Party City is now embedded in the West Hartford Staples store in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Party City is now embedded in the West Hartford Staples store in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Salt + Lime (179 Park Road) has introduced a new weekly feature – Mamacita Night! It began at the beginning of March, and will take place every Thursday night, from 6-9 p.m. “Mamacita Night is a weekly celebration of great cocktails, delicious food, music, and empowered women coming together to connect and enjoy the night,” the website states, and General Manager Eduardo Cruz said is kind of like a “ladies night,” but focused on having a space where women can have a great time with friends in safe space. Mamacita Night just launched at the beginning of March, and some weeks will also include recognition for women in the community. As noted in my introduction above, I am humbled to have been honored by Cruz and owner Roy Adusumilli on March 19, and to be recognized for leadership and dedication to the community. Ted and I enjoyed a great dinner and margaritas, too!

Spicy margarita and La Patrona margarita at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chips and salsa at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Flautas at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Fish tacos at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Enchiladas Rojas at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Mamacita Night at Salt + Lime. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I received an update from Level99 spokesperson Rachel Scheinfeld last week, advising that “construction has resumed as of mid February and Level99 is targeting a late 2026 opening.” I had mentioned a few weeks ago that some HVAC issues that have now been resolved had delayed the project for a few months. “We are very excited to join the West Hartford community,” she said. Level99, which will be opening in The Corbin Collection, will offer more than 50 “mental and physical challenges set in immersive artistic environments” in the 41,426 square foot space that can accommodate up to 600 players plus 250 diners in the restaurant area which will be a collaboration with Two Roads Kitchen & Tap. More information about Level99 can be found here.

Build-out underway at Level99 in The Corbin Collection. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Congratulations to Home for Good on their official grand opening and ribbon cutting with town officials and the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, March 19, following a soft opening on Feb. 26. Home for Good, located at 591 New Park Avenue, is a social enterprise mission where 100% of the profits support Journey Home – a regional nonprofit founded in 2007 that is committed to ending homelessness and moving families to stable housing throughout Greater Hartford, and provides a wide range of resources, many through partnerships with various social service agencies.
  Every purchase at Home for Good supports Journey Home‘s mission to help individuals and families move out of homelessness and into stable housing. The store represents an innovative approach to nonprofit sustainability, creating a new social enterprise that enables Journey Home to sustain and expand its programs even during challenging economic times. “What sets us apart is our intention,” Deputy Director Sara Salomons Wilson said. “Our store does more than sell secondhand furniture and home decor. It is a curated, boutique-style experience that inspires shoppers and keeps material out of landfills while creating dignity and stability for individuals and families who deserve a home to call their own.” Home for Good features home furnishings, home décor, dining items, art, photography, mirrors and much more. Volunteers with A Hand Up, which has been part of Journey Home since 2019, pick up donated furniture throughout the area that is ultimately used to furnish newly-secured housing of Journey Home clients. They operate a furniture bank at 595 New Park Avenue (just across the driveway) where clients can “shop” for what they need for their homes. But oftentimes people want to donate items that can’t be used by Journey Home clients – and prior to the opening of Home for Good they used to have to turn away those donations. “Every vintage piece you take home helps make a home for someone else,” said Retail Manager Tina Heffernan. “When you shop with us, you’re not just finding a great bargain – you’re helping a neighbor find stability, dignity, and hope.” The store hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The store is actively seeking donations of gently used items and community volunteers.

Home for Good (591 New Park Avenue) celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ted Newton

Home for Good (591 New Park Avenue) celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ted Newton

Home for Good (591 New Park Avenue) celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ted Newton

Home for Good (591 New Park Avenue) celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ted Newton

Home for Good (591 New Park Avenue) celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting on March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ted Newton

• Great progress in the past week on the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street. The walls have started to appear in the past week!

The walls are going up on the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street. March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The walls are going up on the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street. March 19, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• What was previously an auto repair facility plus a small convenience store at the Phillips 66 gas station at the northwest corner of Bishops Corner business is being transformed, with façade updates and the build-out of a larger and more modern store and the mechanic bays are being eliminated.

The convenience store is under construction at the Phillips 66 station on the northwest corner of Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The convenience store is under construction at the Phillips 66 station on the northwest corner of Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The convenience store is under construction at the Phillips 66 station on the northwest corner of Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Construction is continuing on Farmington Avenue as part of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan. Based on the published schedule, the first segment of this year’s work – on the north side of Farmington between Walden and Dale – is supposed to wrap up by April 3, weather permitting. They are still working on the same segment as last week, and the sidewalk is totally closed off right now in front of Santander Bank.

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• A reader’s comment on last week’s column prompted me to check on the status of Tous les Jours – the South Korean-French bakery/cafe which is now open at 585 Hartford Road, in that area near Westfarms where West Hartford, Farmington, Newington, and New Britain all intersect (the bakery and cafe is technically in New Britain). The grand opening was Friday – and the parking lot was an absolute zoo on Saturday afternoon with drivers practicing some very interesting maneuvers. The line was really long, so I will wait to actually sample some of the food when it’s a bit less crowded.

Tous les Jours is now open at 585 Hartford Road, New Britain – just down the street from Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Tous Le Jours is now open at 585 Hartford Road, New Britain – just down the street from Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Tous Le Jours is now open at 585 Hartford Road, New Britain – just down the street from Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Congratulations to Liz Kiyak and Chef Headley Wilson of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (44 South Main Street) who were named “Partner of the Year” at Fleming’s 2026 Partner Conference. It’s the second year in a row and the fourth time overall, according to Kiyak, who has been with Fleming’s for 18 years, 11 of them as a partner.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• Americasa, a division of Nationwide Mortgage Bankers (NMB), has opened its newest branch office at 998 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center. According to a new release, Americasa is committed to home finance education, homeownership access, and community support for Hispanic families, who have traditionally been underrepresented in home-buying markets. The new Connecticut branch will add to the homeownership guidance and mortgage solutions offered at the company’s other locations. “Metro-Hartford and the Connecticut River Valley is so perfectly located and a natural fit for our expansion in New England. As Americasa continues to expand our banking footprint and incorporate our home-buying and financial solutions, our banking professionals are opening doors for Hispanic families to achieve their dream of having a place to call home,” said Yasser Valdés Herrera, Vice President of Americasa. The office will be led by Branch Manager Wanda Cassarino, a veteran mortgage banking professional who has served the Hartford area for more than 30 years. “Americasa planting its flag here in the Hartford shows our deep commitment towards engaging, supporting, empowering, and educating Hispanic families as they work toward owning a home,” said Cassarino, who served as Director of the Hartford region for Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, a HUD-certified counseling agency and non-profit, for nearly 16 years.

998 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• ICYMI, The Brownstone West Hartford is opening in the former Sam’s Gyro space at 7 South Main Street, and it’s owned by someone who got their start in the restaurant business in West Hartford 18 years ago! The real sign (see below) was installed after we broke the story – which you can read here.

The sign for The Brownstone has now been installed at 7 South Main Street. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• ICYMI, the Feeding Families Foundation has partnered and collaborated with multiple businesses and organizations – including Zephyr’s Street Pizza, Toast, and the New Haven Pizza Club – to address food security for families of children who are hospitalized at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center as well as other hospitals. Read the complete story here.
• An enterprising Morley School teacher has turned a problem into an invention. Read all about Magnetic Mittens 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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