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 feel like I need a few more days to recover from last week, and from Saturday!

Election Day is always a very long day for any journalist who covers the political scene – and if you’re a community journalist, the municipal election is one of the busiest days of the year. I was at both party headquarters after the polls closed, did lots of interviews, and then writing continued late into the night and into early the next morning because every time I thought I was done with my story, there was an updated number to include. I turned off the lights at about 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, in order to ensure that the lead story in the Wednesday morning newsletter included the most up-to-date results. You can read the full election results story here.

The big event on Saturday was the UConn vs. Duke football game – the largest crowd at a game at Rentschler Field since the Michigan game in 2013 (which I also attended) and such an exciting game all the way through. While I will say that UConn needs to get their act together in the parking department, we still had a great tailgate even though – despite having our season ticket blue parking pass – we were sent off to an overflow parking lot. It was great to have Sam with us for the game, there were amazing steak sandwiches grilled by Carmine Mancini and pumpkin bars by Debbi Zimbler, and of course we had our lucky Hall’s Market Loaded Potato Salad.

And if you were wondering about which team I was rooting for …

I actually don’t like it when Duke and UConn play each other in any sport. I would rather have a clear allegiance, but in this case I was rooting for a good game – and it did not disappoint! Even though Ted and I both went to Duke, we know that we have not only spent more on UConn tuition (two kids, and a total of 13 years because both have graduate degrees from UConn), but we’ve also paid taxes to Connecticut for the past 27 years. When I got cold I did wear both my UConn and Duke sweatshirts at the same time, but the UConn sweatshirt was the top layer.

We were finally a bit hungry hours after getting home from the game, and enjoyed some late night takeout from BIRDCODE! No other West Hartford dining this past week other than coffee – and the breakfast sandwich (I didn’t think to take a photo) that I brought Ted on Election Day, when he reported for work as an assistant registrar for Same Day Registration at Town Hall at 5:15 a.m.!

There’s been lots of great sports news to report this week. Click here to see the recent news of our West Hartford teams and athletes!

Tuesday is Veterans Day, and we will be covering the town’s annual ceremony as well as (thanks to our high school interns) ceremonies at Conard and Hall. Please note that in West Hartford, while schools and education offices are open, municipal offices, libraries, the community center, and senior centers will be closed on Tuesday, Nov. 11. There are no delays in the collection of trash and recyclables.

No trolls this week, and thank you to all who do comment with your full names! 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:

• In late August, after receiving confirmation from one of the owners, I had reported in this column that a toy store was planning to open in the former Ten Thousand Villages space at 967 Farmington Avenue. While the owners of the new store had initially hoped to be open before the holidays, the physical space itself unfortunately won’t be ready. I am very excited, however, to be able to provide the following update from a spokesperson for the store owners: “The toy store moving into the former Ten Thousand Villages location has some fun news to share! Originally planning to open in time for Black Friday, the team has decided to shift their grand opening to early spring to allow for some exciting updates to the store’s buildout. In the meantime, they’re exploring opportunities for online shopping with local holiday pick up so families can still enjoy their favorite toys and gifts this season – stay tuned for more details soon! Along with the move, the store is also refreshing its planned name – transitioning from The Toy Chest to The Toy Shop. Same friendly faces, same playful spirit behind the brand – just a new name to match this new chapter!” More to come!

• The West Hartford Center Business Association‘s annual We Care Card fundraiser returned on Thursday, Nov. 6, but you still have plenty of time to participate since it runs through Nov. 16. For a donation of $50 or more, you can receive savings of up to 20% and/or specials at more than 20 businesses shown on the flyer below. Proceeds from the donations to obtain the cards are in support of the West Hartford-based nonprofit Ron Foley Foundation. Present your card for discounts and special offers as often as you like during these 10 days. Last year the WHCBA raised $20,650 to help the Ron Foley Foundation with their mission to advocate for early detection, support innovative research, and provide compassion and resources to those affected by pancreatic cancer, and they’re hoping to beat that number this year. Barbara Foley, Founder & President of the Ron Foley Foundation, spoke about partnering with The Center, saying, “From the day the Ron Foley Foundation opened our doors in West Hartford, we have felt a part of an amazingly warm and supportive community. What an honor it is to again be the We Care Card partner in 2025. We want to thank everyone for helping us raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer patients in need. With discounts in most participating businesses at 20%, this is the best time to shop, dine, stroll, and GIVE in West Hartford Center,” she said. “It seems everyone knows families devastated by pancreatic cancer. This is a great way for all of us to give back, work toward a cure, and help people in need,” added Kimberly Moster of Kimberly Boutique. We Care Cards are currently available online, and will be available at Kimberly Boutique and many of the other participating businesses. This is the eighth year of the We Care Card, and the fourth year that the Ron Foley Foundation is the beneficiary.

• Last week we reported the sad news that Kilwins will be closing its West Hartford location in Blue Back Square – but late last week I received some positive news indicating that it appears a new franchisee has been found to take over from the Allens, and the store will likely NOT be closing. Fingers crossed!

• On another sweet note, multiple Greater Hartford Chick-fil-A stores are joining forces for the fourth year this November to support children’s hospitals and clinics in the region. The fundraiser began on Nov. 1, and through Saturday, Nov. 29, participating restaurants (see locations here) will donate $1 for every Chocolate Chunk Cookie sold to benefit Connecticut Children’s and Shriners Children’s New England. The following is from a news release: The annual “Cookies for Kids” fundraiser was created after Chick-fil-A West Hartford Owner-Operator Daryl Jackson’s own experience with Connecticut Children’s. In 2017, Jackson was preparing to open his restaurant while he and his wife, Gabby, welcomed their daughter, Olivia, through a high-risk delivery following a traumatic birthing experience. Thanks to the swift, expert care of the hospital staff, Olivia was safely delivered, and Gabby’s life was saved. Jackson has since dedicated himself to giving back to the very hospital that saved both his wife’s and daughter’s life. “What began as a way to honor Gabby, Olivia and the Connecticut Children’s hospital staff has grown into a tradition that unites Chick-fil-A Operators across greater Hartford,” said Todd Langston, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Wallingford and long-time friend of Jackson’s. “We’re grateful to join together with our Guests to raise funds that directly support children in our communities through the simple joy of sharing a cookie.” Last year’s third-annual Cookies for Kids fundraiser raised $90,000 for regional Children’s medical centers. This year’s goal is to raise $100,000 to benefit the Greatest Need Children’s Fund, which ensures every child receives expert pediatric care delivered with compassion at Connecticut Children’s. The funds will also support patient care at Shriners Children’s New England in Springfield, Massachusetts, enabling the organization to provide world-class orthopedic and craniofacial specialty care regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status. At the close of the fundraiser, the Chick-fil-A Greater Hartford Operator Team will present two checks to the local children’s medical centers during a special gathering at Chick-fil-A West Hartford.

• One more sweet (and savory) item: The sign was going up on Friday for Paris Baguette, which will be opening in Corbin’s Corner between Nothing Bundt Cakes and the J.Crew Outlet. I stopped at Trader Joe’s on Friday morning, and was excited to see the sign installation getting underway. By the time I left, part of the sign was already up. I have reached out to the company to get more details, and while they have not yet responded the peek I got at the interior indicated it’s getting close to being done, and the West Hartford location now appears as “coming soon” on the website. I hope to have more details from Paris Baguette this week and will report back!

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Natalie Segal, who after retiring from a career in education and technical writing, has just published her first novel. The following is from a news release: While many see their 70s as a time to slow down, debut author Natalie Segal has done the opposite – publishing her first novel at the age of 77. Titled Heroes of the Middle Ages, this bold and original work blends supernatural adventure, humor, and empowerment, centering on three middle-aged women whose hot flashes spark more than just sweat – they awaken incredible powers. Heroes of the Middle Ages is a genre-bending tale where menopause meets the metaphysical. When three cousins begin experiencing unusually intense hot flashes, they quickly discover their symptoms are more than hormonal – they’re supernatural. As a mysterious killer with powers of her own begins terrorizing their family, the trio must embrace their newfound abilities, face their fears, and redefine what it means to be a hero. “I’m a proud late bloomer,” said Segal, who finished writing the novel after retiring. “This story is about embracing your power – at any age. Women in midlife are often overlooked or reduced to a punchline. I wanted to flip the script and write a story where older women are the ones saving the day.” Part fantasy, part thriller, and fully female-forward, Heroes of the Middle Ages is a celebration of friendship, aging, and the unexpected strength that can emerge in life’s later chapters. The novel is now available in paperback and ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble. Segal, who has four grandchildren, is working n her second novel.

• Seen around Blue Back Square: holiday decorations are now up!
  

  Holiday decorations are now up in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

  

  Holiday decorations are now up in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

  

  Holiday decorations are now up in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• There’s even more sweet-related information to share this week. Lisa Kall, wife of retired West Hartford Fire Department Battalion Chief Bill Kall, is the co-ambassador of Connecticut’s chapter of the national nonprofit Cakes4Kids, which is celebrating its fifth anniversary of empowering underserved youth across the state. Kall, who has been a volunteer baker since 2022 and has delivered close to 100 cakes, shared that “since 2020, the organization has delivered something profoundly impactful – a custom, homemade cake to celebrate milestones like birthdays, graduations, adoptions, and academic achievements. For children and teens who may not know where their next meal is coming from, who are living in shelters or cars, living in group foster care, or rebuilding their lives after experiences of abuse, neglect, or trafficking, being remembered and celebrated is not just heartwarming, it’s life-affirming. These moments provide emotional nourishment and a sense of belonging that can carry them through their toughest challenges. Since its founding in 2020, Cake4Kids Connecticut has delivered over 2,500 cakes, marking its 5th anniversary this year with a growing network of more than 300 volunteer bakers and partnerships with 30+ social service agencies across the state. Each cake is handcrafted to reflect the child’s favorite flavor, theme, and name — a personalized reminder that they are seen, valued, and worthy of celebration. … The impact of Cake4Kids goes far beyond frosting and candles. For many youth, whether turning 2, 13, or 21, this thoughtful gift strengthens connections with caregivers and caseworkers, builds self-esteem, and fosters the sense of belonging every young person deserves. At its heart, Cake4Kids’ mission is simple yet transformative: to ensure that no child is forgotten on their special day. Through the power of a homemade cake – baked and delivered with love – Cake4Kids Connecticut continues to spread confidence, joy, and compassion throughout the community, one milestone at a time. For more information, visit the Cakes4Kids website.
• West Hartford businesses have been doing their part to help those in need locally, as well as those more than 1,500 miles away. Fleet Feet made a large donation and held a fundraising run this past week (click here for the full story), and Restaurant Bricco is holding a donation drive to support relief efforts for those in Jamaica impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Bricco is collecting canned goods, dry food, bottled water, diapers and wipes, pillows, sheets, first aid kits and medications, new or gently-used clothing and shoes, toiletries and sanitary/hygiene products, flashlights, and batteries. Also, while it appears that the state will be ensuring that Connecticut residents will continue to receive their SNAP benefits, the status of federal support for the hungry and food insecure remains uncertain. GastroPark has pledged to donate $1 from every Classic Margarita sold during the month of November to Connecticut Foodshare. Please let me know (in the comments or via email at [email protected]) if you know of other restaurants or businesses also supporting hurricane relief or food-related needs and I will include that information in next week’s column.

• Natural Nutmeg Magazine, a statewide publication focused on natural health remedies and energy healing, has announced the winners of its “2025 10BEST Holistic Practitioners and Businesses.” According to a news release, more than 5,000 votes were cast in an online contest running July 1 through Sept. 1, and the winners in 18 holistic categories were celebrated at the 8th Annual 10BEST Awards Gala held on Oct. 16 in Farmington, and will be featured in the December issue of the magazine. Congratulations to the West Hartford winners, which include Jenny Alzate, Mischa Hardaway at Gentle Mama Counseling, Michal Klau-Stevens at Azure Psychotherapy, Courtney McMahon at The Radical Wellness, Massage Envy, Tagliarini Chiropractic, Sharon Sklar Rolfing, Dr. Frank Aieta, Herba Acupuncture, West Hartford Acupuncture, and West Hartford Yoga.

• I’ve been getting weekly photos of the progress of the new West Hartford Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, and when I stopped by this week I happened to see the construction manager, who gave me a close-up look at the site and shared that the plumbing and infrastructure for the electrical system have been installed. It’s great to see this project moving ahead pretty much according to schedule!

• Here’s my weekly photo gallery of the progress of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction on LaSalle Road. The new street trees have been planted, and other than the northwest corner of LaSalle and Ellsworth, where some drainage work is being completed, the new sidewalks are all in place and open to pedestrian traffic! As the Gerber Construction manager told me last week, most of the paving and marking of the pavement is now complete, the crosswalk signals are operational, and the orange construction fencing is mostly gone. Things are definitely looking pretty good – just in time for the holiday season!

• Yahoo Finance/WWD broke the news on Wednesday that off-price retailer Saks Off 5th would be shuttering nine of its 79 locations beginning in January 2026, with the West Hartford store in The Corbin Collection on the closing list. “The decision to close stores follows an extensive analysis of the fleet, including market dynamics, lease expirations, customer behavior and long-term business potential, to focus more on high-performing and high-potential locations,” the article indicates. The two other Connecticut locations – at Clinton Crossing at 100 High Ridge Road in Stamford (I fondly recall that space as Lord & Taylor when I was growing up in Stamford) are not scheduled to close. As of Friday there were not yet any clearance signs in the windows of the West Hartford location.

• For several years there had been plans for Cake Gypsy to open in West Hartford, but last spring we reported that owner Deanna Damen had given up plans to open a store in town. This week she announced on social media that she will be retiring complete, posting the following message: “Dear valued customers, After many wonderful years of sharing life’s sweet moments with you, it’s time for me to retire. It’s been an incredible journey filled with hard work, long hours, sweet memories and incredible customers like you. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I’m excited to embrace a slower pace and start enjoying life alittle more. It’s been an absolute honor to be a part of your life’s special events and celebrations. I am deeply grateful for your loyalty and support over the years – you’ve made this journey truly special and I will cherish the memories forever.” While they initially were accepting orders through this week, capacity quickly filled up. The Facebook page does state: “If you have a gift card or cupcake of the month card please stop by the store and we will reimburse you. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for keeping us so busy and loved. We’re so sorry and endlessly grateful for your kindness and support.”

• Click here to listen to the latest episode of On The Scene with podcast hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr. Joined by Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Chris Conway, the conversation celebrates the creative spirit and community pride behind the Best of West Hartford and its beloved outdoor art project – Benchmark 2025.

• 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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