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

Happy summer weather! I complain about the cold, so I won’t be grumbling about it being way too hot when the temps reach the 90s this week. I just hope it doesn’t fry my azaleas and rhododendrons, which are in peak form right now!

Next Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day, and please note that there will not be a newsletter next Monday, and Business Buzz will be on hiatus next week, too – returning on June 1.

The past week was again packed with events, meetings, and fundraisers, including the Noah Webster House War of the Words at the Pond House. On Friday night I attended the end of the year celebration for West Hartford Adult Education – and the photo below is what I ate at the amazing potluck dinner that was part of that event. The story about the achievements of adult ed students will be forthcoming.

This week’s dining also included lunch at DORO Marketplace (my favorite Mean Green salad with rotisserie chicken) with returning intern Roz Green – back working with We-Ha.com after completing her junior year studying journalism at UHart. Look for her byline beginning this week! And Saturday night we had a family get-together at the Flanders Fish Market & Restaurant in East Lyme, this time celebrating the retirement of my sister-in-law and Ted’s cousin. They included Ted’s name on the retirement cake as well, since there wasn’t a cake (with this particular group; there were plenty of cakes) when he retired last August.

No trolls this past 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 Please comply or your comment will not be published.

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:

• Xtrait Perfumery opened its doors on Saturday, May 9 at 968 Farmington Avenue – in the space formerly occupied by Center Framing & Art, which closed when owner Lori Chozick decided to retire at the end of 2025. I stopped by last week, and met Xtrait Perfumery owner Kevin Rodriguez Medina, who is very excited about the business. He said this is his first shop, and said it’s “a niche fragrance boutique – something that Connecticut has never experienced before.” He said he decided to open the business because he’s personally a “fragrance lover” and he began to expand his knowledge from designer fragrances to niche. “And the only way for me to explore niche really, and actually expel them … was to go to New York City.” At Xtrait, he’s created the boutique type experience that you might find in New York, where there are many types of fragrances that customers can smell and test out. Most are imported from other countries – France, Italy, Germany – plus some brands from the U.S., and he said some are well known niche brands but others are “not really well known. I consider them to be ultra-niche.” The fragrances appeal to both men and women. “Fragrance is unisex,” Medina said, and that’s the way niche brands market them. “Anybody can wear it, it’s really up to you – if you think it fits yourself.” When asked about his favorite fragrance, Medina said there are many that he likes. “I like patchouli, I like ambergris, I like sandalwood. I just like a lot of notes. I appreciate them, the way they’re mixed right with the appropriate notes.” He said he chose West Hartford Center as the place to open his first shop because there are a lot of niche fragrance enthusiasts, the area is highly educated and an “affluent area here that I think would appreciate artisanal fragrances and creations.” And other than right now – while the sidewalk in front of the shop is in the process of being replaced, there’s good foot traffic. Medina said he plans to host events, like “meet the perfumer” and “meet the brand owner,” as well as holidy-related events to make the shop more community focused. The bottles on display in the shop are beautiful, and although I can’t personally identify the specific notes, it smells wonderful inside, too!

• West Hartford resident and entrepreneur Monica Ascioti recently launched her new business, Meet Me for Mahjong, and is now booking classes through July. What’s different about this business is that those wishing to learn American Mahjong can do so on a flexible schedule, by having an instructor come to their home, office, or other location (within a 30-mile radius of Hartford). “After being nudged towards exploring mahjong by my childhood best friend who lives in Texas, where the community has grown rapidly, I brought together a group of local friends to learn the game,” said Ascioti. “After a few lessons, we established a weekly game night that’s since led to deep friendships on a personal basis. Many of us are relatively new moms who have really benefited from these relationships. I launched ‘Meet Me For Mahjong’ to bring both the game of mahjong and the type of community it’s created for me to more people in central Connecticut.” The available classes can accommodate between 4 and 12 people, and there are four different levels – from beginner to experienced. The levels are: “Mahjong 101 – The starting point for both the “mahjong curious” and for those who know they want to learn the game by receiving an introduction to the tiles, rules, and start to play. Mahjong 102 – A complement to the first lesson to build on strategy, hand formation, and game play. After completing Mahjong 102, you’ll be well-equipped to play on your own. Mahjong 103 – A session of coached game play with an instructor on hand to answer questions and consult on strategy. New Card Session – Perfect for seasoned players who are looking to hit the ground running on strategizing with the new hands in the 2026 National Mah Jongg league card.” Ascioti has nearly 15 years of marketing and design experience with fashion and lifestyle brands and nonprofits, and launched a graphic design and creative consulting business in 2022. In addition to Meet Me for Mahjong, she “guides clients to strategically create content that supports their brand message, and also offers print and digital graphic design services to individuals and businesses around the country.” For more information, visit the website meetmeformahjong.com. Ascioti provided one of the photos below, but the other is of the mahjong set that I inherited from my mother-in-law years ago. A few friends and I were going to learn to play via zoom early in the pandemic, but I only got as far as organizing the tiles.

• Some Westfarms updates include the reopening of The North Face store in its new location in the former Cotton On space on the upper level, near center court. Also, coming soon to Westfarms is the Läderach Chocolatier Suisse, which will be opening in the former Squishable space on the upper level of the Nordstrom wing. The Westfarms website indicates that the Läderach store is expected to open on Aug. 1, 2026, and provides the following description: “Freshness, artisanal skills, and Swissness – these are the core values the Swiss chocolate factory Läderach stands for. Founded in 1962, the family company employs approximately 2500 people from around 80 countries across the Group, which is headquartered in the canton of Glarus. Läderach carefully oversees every step of the production process, from sourcing cocoa beans to delivering finished products, and manufactures its chocolate exclusively in Switzerland. This positions Läderach as one of the few premium producers to ensure high quality from bean to finished product. Läderach produces over 100 varieties of chocolates, including over 20 varieties of FrischSchoggi, more than 50 different pralines and truffles, dozens of confectionery specialties, and a large selection of seasonal creations.”

• I had noticed a new sign in the window while driving by The Brownstone, which will be opening in the former Sam’s Gyro space at 7 South Main Street, and stopped last week to see what it said. It was a sign for the contractor, and the door was actually open with someone working inside. He said things are moving along, but it will be probably a month or so before the space will be done and ready to open.

• Work is progressing on the build-out of Ji Tea, which will be opening in the space that was most recently Dogology at 5 Sedgwick Road. When I was running by early Saturday morning, I stopped to take the below photo of the new sign! The most recent update I had from owner Gao Cai (who is also a co-owner of Wabi Sabi, which is in the same building) is that they were planning on a June opening of the cafe, which will offer “milk tea, tea, coffee, and a curated selection of small bites.”

• We shared the news in this column back in January that Apple Xtreme Cinema, located just over the Hartford line at 330 New Park Avenue, had closed for good on Jan. 19, 2026. According to an article by Ken Gosselin in Sunday’s Hartford Courant, a “massive redevelopment planned for the 13-acre multiplex on New Park Avenue in Hartford — a project that could reach an estimated price tag of $150 million — could include more than 300 mixed-income apartments, with rents ranging from affordable — targeted at low-to-moderate income households — to market-rate, officials familiar with the plans said.” The plans include new buildings, north and south of the theater building, and renovation of the existing structure to possibly keep a few movie screens and add a restaurant and bar, and self-storage. After reading the article I drove by and took a few photos on Sunday, which show that the front is now boarded up (and covered with graffiti).

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Lhakpa Sherpa – who has again broken her record by successfully reaching the summit of Mount Everest for the 11th time, the most of any woman. Sherpa, the subject of the recent documentary “Mountain Queen,” was raised in Nepal, as the child of a family of climbers, in 2000 she was the first Nepali woman to successfully ascend and descend Mount Everest, which is more than 29,000 feet above sea level. Prior to May 17 at 9:30 a.m. Nepal time – which was the date and time reported by The Himalayan News of her most recent feat, Sherpa had summited 10 times, breaking her own record each time.

• West Hartford dog trainer (and whisperer), certified canine life coach Debbie Sheridan, held a reading and book signing last week at the Noah Webster House for her first book, “Sally Decides.” Debbie, through her dog Sally, shares her message about kindness and her training approach – which is really for the humans to best get along with their canine companions. I got to know Debbie when she helped me with Millie (who as a puppy kept trying to nip my ankles), and it was amazing how quickly she improved our relationship! More information about the book can be found on the Debbies4Dogs.com website.

• Congratulations to Lisa Lazarus, a Democrat elected last fall to her first term on the West Hartford Town Council, who has been accepted to the prestigious The Campaign School at Yale’s annual 5-day Summer Session campaigning boot camp, which will be held June 8 to 12 at Yale Law School in New Haven. According to a press release: Just 80 women (and men who support them) nationwide and beyond are accepted into this intensive nonpartisan campaign training program for candidates and campaign staff. Councilor Lazarus will learn the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of modern political campaigns from experts from both major political parties. Lessons will emphasize the unique challenges women face in running for office, including asking for contributions (often a special challenge for women), security on the campaign trail, the economics of campaigning, and more. Women are underrepresented in politics. Just 28 percent of the U.S. Congress and 31.6 percent of state legislators identify as women. The Campaign School at Yale’s mission is to train women – and the men helping them – win elected office. “Councilor Lazarus represents a wave of women who know they can lead in a less ego-driven and more collaborative way,” said Patricia (Patti) Russo, executive director of The Campaign School at Yale. “Women lead differently, and we need strong, enthusiastic women like Councilor Lazarus in office to help bridge the bipartisan gap that is plaguing our government.” Lazarus said, “Attending The Campaign School at Yale’s Summer Session is not just about learning the mechanics of politics; it’s about shaping the future with integrity, collaboration, and a commitment to lead with positivity and resolve. I’m honored to join women from all parties dedicated to amplifying voices, fostering dialogue, and championing the values that truly matter.”

• Congratulations to Lauren Siegel, who has been promoted to Economic Development Coordinator for the Town of West Hartford. In his report to the Town Council last week, Town Manager Rick Ledwith said, “Lauren has been with the Town of West Hartford for nearly three years as the Economic Development Specialist and has consistently proven to be an invaluable asset to the Economic Development Office. Her approach to the role aids in the retention and growth of our new and existing businesses, as well as highly effective communication with our stakeholders. Lauren’s well-earned recognition will allow her to operate at a higher level within our organization.”

• Great progress continues on the construction of the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, and below that are photos I took last week of the progress of West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction in the Center. The new sidewalk is complete west of Dale Street, but work continues on most of the north side of the street, with a little break by the Central Building.

• Demolition of several of the former UConn campus buildings at 1800 Asylum is imminent. I stopped by to take a look on Sunday, and saw that some of the equipment had moved around. Updates to come!

• The Town Council has input into many of the business-related items that appear in this column – particularly when there’s a Special Development District or other zoning change involved, or when an ordinance update is needed. The current Town Council had their professional photo taken last week, and I grabbed one with my phone, too.

• At last Tuesday’s Council meeting, Town Clerk Leon Davidoff also gave a shout-out to the students who have been interning in his office – including the two who were present at the meeting. The interns – from both Conard and Hall – are part of the same program as the four interns who are currently working with We-Ha.com.

• ICYMI, it’s the end of an era for the Alyce Carella Dance Centre, which will close down after the June recital as both Alyce and her daughter retire. Read the full story by Melissa Cole here.
• Don’t miss the WeHa Health & Wellness Fair, Tuesday, May 19, from noon-3 p.m. in Blue Back Square. Click here for details.
• ICYMI, congrats to the newly-elected Seniors Job Bank officers. Complete details can be found here.
• Click here to listen to the latest episode of On The Scene featuring hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr. The conversation takes listeners inside the New Britain Museum of American Art with special guest Lisa Lappe, Chief Operating Officer of the museum. From the exciting Museum After Dark events to powerful new exhibitions celebrating Puerto Rican and Indigenous American artists, this episode highlights why the museum continues to attract visitors from West Hartford and beyond. 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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