A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses.

By Ronni Newton

Beau is a custom menswear store located in a kiosk in Center Court at Westfarms Mall. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

We know you like to be in the know about what’s happening with West Hartford’s businesses, so we will get right to the buzz.

But don’t forget that this column needs your input, too! If you have tips about businesses opening or closing, or doing something worth sharing, please provide that information in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

• This one is exciting! Rumors have been spreading about what is going to take over the space at 38 Isham Rd. in Blue Back Square which was formerly occupied by Pinkberry. We had heard that perhaps Goldberg’s Bagels was going to open another store, or perhaps it would be a new pizza place. Well … it’s kind of both. The owners of Goldberg’s Bagels in Elmwood and on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford will open the very first franchise location of Posh Tomato, a Brooklyn-based pizza restaurant that currently has two corporate-owned restaurants in Brooklyn. “It’s cool, hip, and family-friendly,” said Blue Back Square Leasing Representative Debbie Davis. Build-out of Posh Tomato will begin in the next week or so, and should take approximately three months to transform the space into the Posh Tomato concept. “We’re very excited about it,” Davis said.
• A new custom men’s clothing store has popped up in Westfarms Mall. You can get measured for custom suits, jackets, and shirts – right in Center Court – at Beau. Manager and personal stylist Anastasia Correa said that all items are produced from British fabric and custom made in Hong Kong with a turnaround time of four weeks. Everything can be customized – lapel size and style, vents, pleats or no pleats, cuffs or no cuffs, lining, and more. “It’s like a man’s candy store,” said Correa, of the business that attracts a wide demographic of men ranging from soon-to-be college grads looking for an interview suit, to retirees to wedding parties.
• Spruce Home & Garden in West Hartford Center has closed its doors. No information is available about what may be taking over the space.
• It’s the season for holiday craft fairs, which are a great source of on-of-a-kind gifts. There’s Holiday Shopping Night at Wampanaog on Nov. 13 from 6 – 9 p.m., the Holiday Craft Fair and Marketplace to Benefit Medical Aid to Haiti at St. Peter Claver Church in West Hartford on Nov. 15 and 16, and a Unique Boutique at the JCC on Tuesday, Nov. 18, to name a few.
• Blue Back Square will once again host Home for the Holidays. Look for more information to come about the gingerbread house display and competition which will occupy the space next to Janie and Jack on Memorial Road. Home for the Holidays raises funds to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

Remember, if you have any business news to share, remember to add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

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