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

Daffodils are blooming in my backyard, and I was so happy to see them on Friday morning! The flowers along my driveway usually bloom first, but the ones below my office window are even more protected from the wind and get the afternoon sun, and this year they popped out first.

Saturday’s temperatures were way too cold for my liking, but as I write this on Sunday, it’s a lovely spring day and even more of the daffodils have bloomed. But my run this morning was likely the only time I will be outside today, since other than writing this column, Sunday in my house is all about basketball. It’s easy for me to say I am rooting for the UConn women, and also the Duke women who had an amazing win Friday night that we watched (at the same time as the UConn men’s game) after we got home from the Journey Home “Atomic Lounge” fundraiser. Update, 5:15 p.m. Sunday: Yay for the UConn women heading back to the Final Four, and sad for the Duke women who were beating UCLA at halftime but couldn’t hold on for the win.

I was rooting hard for the UConn men on Friday and had even worn my lucky shamrock socks under the tights I wore as part of my mid-century modern attire for the Journey Home event. The Duke men’s game took place completely during the fundraiser but I was able to keep track of the score and was so happy they beat St. John’s. So, although I supported both Duke and UConn, I didn’t want them to have to play each other, and I definitely didn’t want to watch the game with my sister who still has not abandoned her hatred of Duke and Christian Laettner. Ted and I and our kids took my dad to the game the last time Duke and UConn played each other (at the Meadowlands in December 2014), but back then Ted and I were less invested in UConn and less conflicted. Update, 7:30 p.m. What a game! I have nothing more to say, and no voice left after that last-minute shot. Will be rooting for UConn to win a double championship.

It was great speaking to this year’s group of Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) participants last week. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with the group (usually along with Jen Evans, the executive director of WHCi) every year about how they can make use of local media as they pursue community-based initiatives.

We’re well into the season of fundraisers, and as noted on Friday night Ted and I attended the Journey Home fundraiser. Keith McGilvery did a great job as auctioneer – although I did not expect him to call me up onto stage to share why I support the nonprofit!

Since all of our favorite basketball teams played on Friday, we didn’t have to schedule dinner around a game. Kaliubon Ramen was a perfect choice for a very cold night and our meal was excellent!

Next weekend is Good Friday and Easter. It won’t affect our newsletter schedule, but I will have a post with details about town service schedule changes this week.

Sometimes I hesitate to include photos/blurbs with information about businesses if I don’t have extensive details because I do prefer to be thorough – but please know that I definitely don’t share information at all if it can’t be verified by someone who has the authority to verify, and I always respect business owners who ask me to wait before revealing something. I’m well aware that others mine this column for purposes other than their own interest in what’s happening in West Hartford, but since I did an extensive reconnaissance tour of town last week and got some good scoop (although in some cases with minimal details), I’m putting it all out there. If you see a social media post or mini “story” from another source about one of the items in the bullet points below, you’ll know where the tip likely came from.

There were two troll-type comments submitted this past week – and I’m guessing they were middle schoolers because the comments (which were rude and crude – and deleted by me) were submitted in reaction to a posted press release about one of the upcoming middle school plays. 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.

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:

• I was hoping to be able to provide the opening date for The Toy Shop, (967 Farmington Avenue) but can say that it’s going to be very soon based on a conversation I had with Eapen Mathew, one of the owners, and also based on a peek (no photos) at the interior. I was in the Center on Friday afternoon getting some updates and taking photos when I noticed that the The Toy Shop signs had been installed on both the front and the side of the store. I ran into Eapen in the alley as I was chatting at the back door with someone who was working inside the store – where there is merchandise ready to be put on display and it looks very close to being ready for customers. He said he hopes to have a firm opening date to share very soon. The Toy Shop, according to its website, will feature a “thoughtfully-curated” selection of hands-on toys, engaging games, adult and family game-night favorites, baby essentials, crafts, LEGO and other building sets, plush, outdoor items, and seasonal surprises. “What began as a dream quickly grew into a vision, and now into a real space coming to life. From hours spent designing, choosing materials, and building with care, to curating toys that spark imagination, every step has been rooted in our love for this community and the families who make it so special,” the website states. If the physical space is not ready in time for the Easter bunny, the website is active for online shopping and The Toy Shop does deliver in West Hartford and to surrounding towns as well. I first met the owners in person at the Holiday Stroll back in December and am so excited for them. I will definitely report back as soon as there is an opening date and can’t wait to check out the town’s new toy store!

• Last Saturday night when Ted and I were at GastroPark I saw the sign on the window of the Alvarium Roasting Co. space, indicating they would be ending their coffee program there at the end of March (but staying open in New Britain, at 365 Downey Drive). I had not yet researched the replacement coffee provider but had a chance meeting with Kevin Masse, owner of Small State Provisions (which is in the space next door at GastroPark), and asked if he had any information. Thanks to Kevin for telling me that Taki Tanaka (whom I have known for years) will be taking over the coffee program at GastroPark. I reached out to Taki, who confirmed his plans to open La Pausa Coffee. He is partnering with Macy Reese, his former coworker at J.René Coffee Roasters on Park Road. “My approach toward coffee service will not change from The Garage Coffee Lounge in New Britain,” he said of the business he opened just over a year ago. “La Pausa means ‘pause’ in Spanish. It is our wish to be able to help create a moment of joy (Macy’s middlename) through excellence in coffee and tea we will be serving, and from a professional but truly genuine sense of hospitality. We strive to create a cup so good that a sip will cause that moment and hopefully, that has a positive effect on our guests’ lives. Most people enjoy coffee everyday. Even in our busy daily lives, we need a breather and a relief and we hope to be it. One of the things we will do is to offer porcelain cups for the in-house guests,” he said. The menu will feature “the tried and true classic specialty coffee items and teas,” Taki said, emphasizing the quality of coffee and tea themselves. “There will be delicious house made syrups (maybe minus caramel – such a pain to make!) and my 10-spice chai concentrate, but the syrups will be there to enhance the coffee/tea experience and not to overpower.” They will feature Taki’s favorite espresso blend from J.René/Victus, as well as other excellent coffees from their favorite local and far away roasters. Macy is working hard on the tea side, he said, and after many tastings is close to confirming a partnership with a Connecticut tea brand. “So it will be simple – great coffee and tea,” Taki said, adding that the matcha is from Uji, Kyoto, Japan, from a farmer family who’s grown green tea for 400 years. There’s not a confirmed opening date yet, but they are taking over the equipment from Alvarium and aren’t changing the layout, so hopefully the transition will happen quickly. Taki said he and Macy will both be working there, and have hired an excellent group of baristas – “all skilled and hospitality oriented, eager to serve” – and are looking forward to building a team within the GastroPark team and to working and collaborating with the other tenants, including Kevin at Small State. “I am particularly thankful because this set up allows us to focus on what we do best, coffee and customer service. There will already be great food to go with the coffee we serve. Tate, Jess, and Hilary from GastroPark have been super helpful and we feel great about working with them. Really felt like our vision matches well and just want to do my part,” Taki said.

• I updated my column from two weeks ago, when we reported that Mozz & Co (22 Raymond Road) would be opening on April 1. Owner Joey Cusano reached out to me last week to indicate that there were a few small items to complete and he wanted to be fully ready so they were delaying the opening for a week, to April 8. I stopped by to take a photo of the awning last week and saw Cusano and the designer of the space – and got a peek at the inside which looks beautiful! More to come soon!

• We-Ha.com is creating our first ever Mother’s Day Gift Guide, and we have a few spaces left! Melissa Cole is working on this project and has some exciting plans for highlighting the businesses that participate. Here’s the message she has been sending out: “Do you have something special for Mom this year? Flowers, jewelry, clothing, experiences, or a gift she’ll truly love? We’re looking for 10 West Hartford businesses to join our Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Let’s celebrate the amazing moms in our community together 💗 Email Melissa Cole for more info 💌 at [email protected].

• Congratulations to Char-cu-te-rie (80 Memorial Road) on their grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town officials on Thursday, March 26. “It is really an honor to create something so special here in West Hartford,” owner Anna Estiandan said after cutting the ribbon. “Every board we create is crafted with intention, love, and a touch of elegance.” Flanked by her boyfriend and business partner David Cicia, and her son, she thanked the town for her support said this is just the beginning of her journey. The grand opening event really gave Estiandan a chance to show off her skills, and had probably the most beautiful spread of any of the 100-plus ribbon cuttings I have attended! Char-cu-te-rie opened on March 4 (see feature in our March 2 column), and is now 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. For more information about Char-cu-te-rie, visit their website. A few photos are directly below, and there are some more at the end of the column as well.

• Congratulations to Ellie Doyle of Reheated Coffee Club, on the ribbon cutting last week celebrating the launch of her podcast, Connecticut Unfiltered. Since Doyle doesn’t have a physical space, the ribbon cutting was held (appropriately) at one of her favorite coffee shops – Yemerica at 1000 Farmington Avenue. Doyle’s first episode, featuring former Connecticut Chief Marketing Officer Anthony Anthony (click here), is now live. I wasn’t able to attend the actual podcast launch celebration later in the week, and admit that my FOMO moment was justified when I saw some highlights from the karaoke singing!

• West Hartford Center will host their annual egg hunt on Saturday, April 4, from 10-11 a.m. “Come celebrate spring in The Center by finding eggs filled with candy and prizes at all participating stores,” said West Hartford Center Business Association President Kimberly Mattson Moster. “Find an egg in every color (8 total) and bring your complete set to be entered to win one of two $100 gift cards to be used anywhere in The Center,” she said. Eggs will be available while supplies last and the drawing will happen at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday just inside Fleet Feet. Participating stores include Mosaic Sun, Kimberly Boutique, Bohdii, Fleet Feet, The Claypen, Store 52, Lux Bond & Green, BK&Co, Good Cause Gifts, Daswani, and Lil Hope.

• We announced in the Feb. 16 column that Fat Duck Tavern will be opening in the former Vinted space at 63 Memorial Road, and I have been eagerly awaiting signs of work getting underway. I noticed on Friday afternoon that signs are now up in the windows! Fat Duck Tavern, which opened its first location in Madison and is co-owned by husband and wife team Anton and Tatiana Berseneva, will be an upscale-casual restaurant featuring creative American cuisine. Visit the website for more information.

• Also in the Feb. 16 column, we announced that Xtrait Perfumery would be opening in the former Center Framing & Art space at 968 Farmington Avenue. There’s now a sign in the window and a post on their Facebook page stated plans to open on May 1.

• There was a sign in the window of Francesca’s (985 Farmington Avenue) on Friday indicating three more days until in business. By the time you read this, the store will be closed for good – part of a nationwide going-out-of business sale.

• A Kumon learning center is opening at 345 North Main Street in Bishops Corner, and while it’s not open yet, it appears from the website (this is not verified by anyome) that assessments are being scheduled beginning later this week. I’ll try to get more details as soon as possible.

• I also checked out the status of Shinjuku Station (see Dec. 1, 2025 column) last week. No visible signs of work (or details in the town’s online permit records) on what will be an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant that delivers sushi on a rotating converter belt to each table. I’ll keep watching for updates!

• “For the third year in a row, the Connecticut SBA has selected a West Hartford-based business to be honored with a Small Business Week award! This is a tremendous honor and recognition of our impressive business community,” Economic Development Manager Kristen Gorski said in an email. The SBA Connecticut District Office announced its Small Business Week 2026 Awardees last week, and Derek Ezovski. president of West Hartford’s Outsourced Risk Management Solutions, has been named Small Business Person of the Year! “This year’s award winners embody the determination, and innovation it takes to succeed in pursuing the American Dream,” said Catherine Marx, Connecticut District Director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, in a statement. “During National Small Business Week, we celebrate entrepreneurs who keep Connecticut’s economy moving forward.” The SBA Connecticut Small Business Week event, which will be held on May 6 at the Bristol Events Center, is being planned in collaboration with CBIA. “The entrepreneurs, innovators, and job creators on this list represent more than just small business owners,” said CBIA President and CEO Chris DiPentima in a statement. “They set a standard of excellence and reflect the very best of Connecticut’s small business community. As the land of small business, these award winners are leading the way – driving opportunity and growth across our state.”

• Congratulations to Wolcott Elementary School teacher Rose Laudano who has received support from West Hartford SEPTO and a grant from Hartford Probus for the creation of “Theo’s Way,” a program to benefit students with autism in the school’s IA program.

• My sister saw this sign for Sparrow at Bradley Airport last week! I checked with David Boyajian about the expansion of the West Hartford Center restaurant and he said they licensed the brand to the airport. It’s near Gate 2, and will likely open late this summer.

• Photos below show progress on the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan, which is now underway on Farmington Avenue and has extended to the east of Dale Street. Next week, work is expected to begin on the other end of the north side of Farmington Avenue – between Chase Bank and Chipotle. The updated schedule can be found here. There’s extensive progress underway on the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, as well as the construction of the Center Park Place condominiums.

• Good luck to King Philip Middle School sixth-grader Coralie Frumkin – one of the 12 finalists who will appear on Season 4 of “Hartford’s Got Talent” at the Bushnell on April 18! Visit the website for more information or click here for tickets.

• ICYMI, it appears that The Place 2 Be is closed for good after having their sales and use tax permit revoked last week. Click here for complete details.
• Also, West Hartford author Teri Michaud will give a talk at First Church West Hartford about her book, “Where Are All the Kids,” about her life growing up in West Hartford in the 1960s with an alcoholic father and an extremely resourceful mother who was determined to create a good life for her family. I read the book – which I highly recommend – about 18 months ago, and it’s hard to believe that it’s a memoir, not a novel. More details can be found here.
• Click here to listen to the latest episode of On The Scene featuring hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr and UConn’s Kyle Muncy to discuss one of Connecticut’s most recognizable brands. They explore how strategic branding, partnerships, and innovation have elevated UConn into a national powerhouse – from the evolution of the iconic Husky identity to the explosive growth of NIL merchandise and retail experiences, and much more. All “On the Scene” podcasts can be found on the bottom of the We-Ha.com homepage.

• 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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