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 hope everyone enjoyed the weekend, and I hope all the moms out there had a wonderful Mother’s Day!

And by “moms” I also extend that to anyone who has taken on the role of a mother. Sometimes a “mother” can also be a dad, or a grandparent, or an aunt (I always like to give a shout-out to my sister who beyond being “cool aunt” has certainly taken on a “mother” role with my kids at times), or a mother-in-law. And people “mother” their biological children, adopted children, foster children, pets …

A special Happy Mother’s Day to my daughter, Katie! My heart swells with pride as I watch her now being an amazing mother to our two wonderful grandchildren!!

I was so lucky to spend time Sunday with all of the members of my immediate family – including daughter-in-law-to-be Kate!

And an early Happy Birthday to Millie – who will turn 7 on Tuesday! Here she is enjoying her new patio.

Millie on her new patio. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

This was another one of those weeks packed with events – and packed with press releases. I’ll do my best to publish submitted content, but please note that not only are there so many hours in the day that I can work, and also we don’t have unlimited space for content because the number of articles in each newsletter is limited and reported stories (working through a backlog from the past two weeks!) take precedence. Also, there must be a direct West Hartford connection for a submitted press release to be published.

One of last week’s dining experiences was at Curry House on Friday, but since that’s the featured item in the column I’ll share just this one photo and you can see the rest of the amazing food we sampled in the bullet point below.

Dum Biryani (clockwise from top left), Chicken Korma, Basmati Rice, Chicken Tikka Masala at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Somehow our Pennsylvania native future daughter-in-law had never had New Haven style pizza – and we were looking for a casual spot for Saturday night dining – so we introduced her to Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. “It was yummy!” she said of the char, and said the Meats Apizza was her favorite of the three we tried. There are lots of leftovers that she and Sam will be able to enjoy back in Boston.

Starters: calamari, meatballs, and arancini balls at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Drinks at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Mozzarella and tomato sauce pie at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Meats Apizza at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken Pesto Apizza at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

No trolls this past week, although one person has yet to provide their last name on an innocent comment. 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].

**************************************************

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Chicken MoMo at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Curry House opened in February at 440 New Park Avenue, and I’ve been communicating with one of the owners for a while about visiting for dinner once the signage went up and the interior furnishings were in place. While they are still working on some of the landscaping and have some additional decor that’s on order, the space that Curry House already looks beautiful and inviting – and the food is amazing! Prativa Kharel, a West Hartford resident who is part of the ownership team that includes several family members and chef/partner Indra Adhikari, said Curry House brings the flavors of Nepal, the Himalayas, and modern Indian cuisine to West Hartford – where there is one of the largest Nepalese populations in the area. “We really wanted to bring the culture and the food to West Hartford,” said Prativa. The ownership team already has investments in multi-family residential properties, gas stations, and convenience stores in West Hartford and neighboring towns, and are excited about their first hospitality venture. They note that the restaurant reflects their long-term investment in both the local community and West Hartford’s growing dining scene. The menu at Curry House includes a large selection of gluten-free items (including gluten-free roti), vegetarian and vegan items, and they are very much willing to make modifications due to allergies or dietary needs. The yogurt is cultured in-house daily, the spices are hand-milled, and there are no artificial ingredients used in the food. We sampled several appetizers, including Chicken MoMo – hand-rolled steamed dumplings filled with minced chicken and spices – and Paneer Pakora. Prativa said the MoMo is a Nepali favorite, and she’s not aware of any other local restaurants that serve it. The Tikka Masala is available with traditional cream sauce (we had the traditional Chicken Tikka Masala), but a creamy sauce made with coconut milk is also an option for those who don’t eat dairy, and there’s also a version with tofu. The Chicken Korma, in a creamy cashew sauce, was also delicious and bursting with flavor. The presentation of the Dum Biryani – in the cast iron crock in which it had been prepared, covered with bread, in the tandoor oven – was spectacular, and it tasted even better than it looked! They’re just getting the bar service going and will be ramping up the Happy Hour service in the coming weeks. They made an excellent margarita, and the specialty Durbar Manhattan – made with Nepali Old Durbar whisky – was served smoking in a mini chest. Also coming soon is the all-you-can-eat Royal Himalayan Thali! Portions are extremely generous, and prices are reasonable with most entrees under $20. They’ve also started a blog , sharing details about culture, food preparation, and more. For details about the menu, or additional information, visit the Curry House website. Curry House shares the 440 New Park Space, formerly Cesar’s Liquor Outlet, with its sister business, Namaste Bazaar – a market that includes many items from Nepal including rices and beans, teas, spices, meat, frozen items, and snack food. (See the Feb. 23, 2026 column for more of those details and photos.)

Durbar Manhattan at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Durbar Manhattan at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Margarita at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Paneer Pakora at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Dum Biryani at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken Tikka Masala at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken Korma at Curry House, now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Curry House is now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Curry House is now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Curry House is now open at 440 New Park Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Curry House is now open at 440 New Park Avenue, along with its sister business, Namaste Bazaar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Frisbie’s Dairy Barn had a ribbon cutting on Wednesday and hosted their grand opening on Saturday at 38 Isham Road in Blue Back Square. It was great to meet the complete team – Paul Parks III and Paul Parks Jr., who have owned the business since 2019, as well as Victoria Parks, Kendra Walker, and Mike Frisbie, who founded the brand in 2015! As the brand continues to grow, the West Hartford location is their fifth scoop shop, and features a rotating menu of flavors, seasonal specials, and immersive in-store experiences. “It’s an exciting time to be part of downtown West Hartford, and we’ve already seen incredible support from the community. We’re thrilled to bring Frisbie’s to Blue Back Square,” said Paul Parks III. Throughout the year, Frisbie’s hosts a variety of events including its popular 24-Hour National Ice Cream Day celebration, when shops remain open for a full 24 hours serving ice cream around the clock. Customers even line up at midnight, while others stop by for breakfast, they said. The team said that guests visiting the new West Hartford location can expect the same attention to detail, rotating flavors, and welcoming atmosphere that have made Frisbie’s a standout destination across the region. Frisbie’s is also known for creating customized flavors named for the local communities, and West Hartford will have a chance to participate in the creation of a new flavor in honor of the town! (See the photo below of the existing flavors, some of which have locally-related names. The details are still being worked out – but I know we have a lot of creative people here who will have some great ideas! Email suggestions of flavors and names to me at [email protected] – or better yet, drop by Frisbie’s to share your ideas!

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frisbie’s Dairy Barn is now officially open at 38 Isham Road in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Congratulations to Heather Moore Grahling on the grand opening Thursday of Vivid Hue Home at 945 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford, where they share space with Sanditz Travel. She relocated the store from Farmington, where it had been for 11 years, and while they continue to offer gifts and items for the home, fashion and style now take center stage,  with a focus on statement pieces. The boutique is smaller than the Farmington store, but bright and cheerful, and with delightful jewelry and accessories perfectly displayed and accenting every corner of the space. The style, Grahling said, is a “very preppy, southern, Palm Beach vibe.” Vivid Hue Home is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. other than Thursdays, when they stay open until 6 p.m. For more information, visit the website vividhuehome.com or follow on Facebook and Instagram (@vividhuehome).

Heather Moore Grahling, owner of Vivid Hue Home, now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Vivid Hue Home is now open at 945 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Walking through the Center last week I spied paper over the windows of the former Boost Bowls space at 981 Farmington Avenue. I don’t have many details yet, but according to the town’s website, permits have been issued for the build-out of Bliss Matcha & Beyond. There’s an existing location in New Haven, and according to the website the menu offers a wide variety of matcha-based beverages and desserts. More to come!

The windows are papered over at 981 Farmington Avenue, where Bliss Matcha & Beyond will be opening. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Another build-out in progress is ISA Cafe – which will be opening in the former Hey June Salon next to The Laurel at the corner of New Park Avenue and New Britain Avenue. The sign has now been installed. More details to come!

The sign is now up for ISA Cafe at 657 New Park Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I’ve gotten numerous questions recently about work being done at 1161 New Britain Avenue – where a Bank of America branch closed several years ago. There was quite a bit of excavation under way in the parking lot, and I finally had a chance to park on the side street so I could really check it out since it’s hard to photograph and even see what’s happening from across the street. According to the town, there were some drainage issues that were being addressed, and now they are building a small addition and renovating the interior of what will be Clarivision Eyecare. Dr. Hongping Xu , who purchased the building in February 2025, established Clarivision in 2020 and has been practicing in Cheshire for several years. According to the application with the town, they plan to provide eye exams, treatment for ocular disease, myopia, and services for those with low vision, and plan to expand services in the future to treat patients with “binocular vision problems and patients who suffer from vision disorders caused by brain trauma.” They will also offer prescription glasses and contact lenses and plan to be open six days a week.

An addition and interior build-out is underway for Clarivision at 1161 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

An addition and interior build-out is underway for Clarivision at 1161 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

An addition and interior build-out is underway for Clarivision at 1161 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

An addition and interior build-out is underway for Clarivision at 1161 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

An addition and interior build-out is underway for Clarivision at 1161 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Interior renovations will soon be getting underway at the Farmington Avenue (aka Sunset Triangle) Stop & Shop store. The refresh will be great – but I personally hope they don’t completely reorganize the store since after all these years of shopping there I know where virtually everything is located and we make our grocery list in accordance with the aisles in that store! The permit application to the town states: “Interior remodel of existing sales floor for Stop & Shop. Includes new shelving and end caps, new self contained islands/tables, floor patching replacement, minor work at checkout.”

Stop & Shop at 1235 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• Congratulations to West Hartford Town Clerk Leon Davidoff, who has been named to the national 2026 Municipal Clerks Honor Roll. The Town of West Hartford noted in a Facebook post that “May 3 through May 9, 2026, was the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, and we took a moment to express our appreciation to the Office of the Town Clerk and the entire office staff for their vital services and unwavering dedication to our community. The Office of the Town Clerk serves as a professional link between citizens, local governing bodies, and government agencies at various levels. It upholds neutrality and impartiality, providing equal service to all.” Davidoff is one of 900 municipal clerks from 41 states to receive this recognition. A complete list of 2026 honorees can be found at www.MunicipalClerksHonorRoll.com.

  

  Leon Davidoff. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

• Congratulations to state Rep. Kate Farrar, who represents West Hartford (and Newington) in the 20th State House District, and who has been presented with the Children’s Champion Award by the CT Early Childhood Alliance. The announcement notes that the award was “in recognition of Rep. Farrar’s outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing policies that support young children, families, and early childhood educators across Connecticut. Rep. Farrar’s work has helped to strengthen access to high-quality early learning, uplift the early childhood workforce, and ensure that families have the resources they need to help their children thrive,” and has a meaningful impact on communities throughout the state. “I’m truly grateful to the CT Early Childhood Alliance for this Children’s Champion Award,” Farrar said in a statement. “It’s especially meaningful to be recognized by an organization that has spent more than two decades advocating for child care and elevating the voices and experiences of providers. I remain committed to advancing policies that ensure every child and family in Connecticut can access high-quality, affordable early care and education.”

State Rep. Kate Farrar receiving the CT Children’s Champion Award. Courtesy photo

• West Hartford resident and voice actor Amanda Elgie is partnering with the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism to launch “CT Perks and Recreation,” a monthly podcast that debuted last week for Connecticut residents about things to do in the state. The first episode, “Only in Connecticut,” is live now on all podcast platforms and at https://ctperksandrecreation.buzzsprout.com/. According to the description, “CT Perks and Recreation is the official companion podcast for a brand new state rewards program. This monthly, story-driven podcast uncovers how much there is to do, taste, and explore in Connecticut, told from the perspective of a road trip with an enthusiastic friend who has strong opinions about snacks and side quests. Each episode follows a theme that shows you exciting places where you can earn double points through the rewards program, covering destinations ranging from farms, trails, bookstores, and theaters, to museums, campuses, or delightful local restaurants. Points are redeemable for experiences, merch, and more through the CT Perks website. Guiding the way, your podcast host Amanda Elgie talks with the makers and creators who fill these places with their personality, giving listeners both the story and the roadmap of how to experience it themselves. The show is a monthly invitation to fall in love with Connecticut, whether through cozy destinations full of local pride or cities full of adventure and magic. This is your chance to listen, learn, and earn points, all just a short drive away.”

Perks & Rec podcast image. Courtesy

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Jill Dulitsky, who was recently honored by Temple Sinai of Newington with the Inaugural Legacy of Service Award. Temple Sinai shared the following details: “For decades, Jill Dulitsky has embodied what it truly means to live a life of service. Through her unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and deep commitment to strengthening her community, she has left an indelible mark both locally and beyond. Jill most recently served as the Immediate Past Chair of the Jewish Federation of Hartford and currently serves as Chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council, where her thoughtful leadership and steady vision continue to guide meaningful impact. Her dedication to communal responsibility extends across many organizations. She is a past board member of Journey Home, an organization committed to ending homelessness, and served on the board of Solomon Schechter Day School, where her children were students. Her commitment to faith and community life is further reflected in her service as Past President of Temple Sinai of Newington. In every role she has held, Jill has led with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. She believes that meaningful change begins with showing up — and she has shown up consistently, thoughtfully, and selflessly. Her ability to build relationships, foster collaboration, and advocate with both strength and empathy has inspired countless individuals and strengthened the institutions she has served. Today, we recognize Jill Dulitsky not only for the titles she has held, but for the spirit in which she has served – generously, faithfully, and with enduring grace. Her legacy is reflected in stronger organizations, empowered communities, and the many lives she has touched along the way.”

Jill Dulitsky. Courtesy photo

• A belated Happy 105th Birthday to West Hartford resident Gladys Smith! The following is from Saint Mary Home: “In late April, Saint Mary Home celebrated resident Gladys Smith’s 105th  birthday with a party where she was presented with a sash that said ‘105 and Fabulous!’, a bouquet of flowers, and of course, a birthday cake. Gladys has been a resident of Saint Mary Home on Albany Avenue since 2019.”

Gladys Smith recently celebrated her 105th birthday! Courtesy photo

• Signs of springtime: Blue Back Square‘s Adirondack chairs and corn hole games have returned to the lawn in front of Fleming’s and Boqueria, and the outdoor patios on LaSalle Road like this one in front of Àvert are looking good! Also, the Pride flag Blue Back Square has a fresh coat of paint.

Adirondack chairs and cornhole games have returned to Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Adirondack chairs and cornhole games have returned to Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Outdoor dining patios at West Hartford Center restaurants on LaSalle Road are loking good! Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The Pride flag in Blue Back Square has been repainted. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Our grandson (who will be 3 this summer) loves watching construction equipment, and last Monday, when walking through the Center, we were trying to find a good vantage point to watch the cranes in operation at the Center Park Place development site. Thanks to the person who works for the management company at the Webster Bank building who invited us up to the fourth floor for a great view!

Center Park Place construction as of May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Center Park Place construction as of May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Center Park Place construction as of May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Center Park Place construction as of May 4, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Even more great progress was made last week on the construction of the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, and below that are photos I took on Friday of the progress of West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction in the Center.

Progress on construction of new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Progress on construction of new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on Farmington Avenue. May 8, 2026. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• We love all of our advertisers, but I particularly love having sponsored content. We have been running the monthly series “By Design: Stories from the Design District” for the past year or so, and check out the latest from the Connecticut Science Center about a new shark exhibit that I can’t wait to see!
• Click here to listen to the latest episode of On The Scene featuring hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr in a conversation with Jennifer Evans and Ryan Young from WHCi, focused on community connection, local media, and the people working to keep residents informed and engaged. They discuss how community television continues to evolve while serving as a vital resource for local government coverage, sports, events, and storytelling. All “On the Scene” podcasts can be found on the bottom of the We-Ha.com homepage.

On the Scene podcast logo

• 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].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.