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

Today is Veterans Day – a day to honor the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces – and the Town of West Hartford will hold its annual ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial at the corner of Farmington Avenue and North Main Street. Schools are open on Monday, and many will be holding special programs in honor of the day, but Town Hall and most other municipal buildings – including the libraries, community center, and senior centers – are closed. Trash, recycling, and leaf pick-up, however, is not delayed this week.

The week of Election Day is always hectic and exhausting for a journalist, and this year was no exception. The Connecticut Secretary of the State’s website still states that posted results are “unofficial,” but you can find an almost-final update for West Hartford by clicking here. The numbers may changes slightly once the results are certified, but the results won’t change.

Tragically, last week we had another pedestrian fatality in town. On Friday evening, 87-year-old Patricia Brulotte of West Hartford was struck by a car and killed. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. I don’t have any additional details, or know anything yet about what led to the tragic incident, but I will say that I have lately witnessed so much awful driving in West Hartford and throughout this area. Every day I see people speeding (and I don’t mean a few miles over the speed limit), running red lights, and paying no attention whatsoever to the presence of pedestrians – who often also seem to pay no attention to their surroundings. Something has got to change.

On a positive note, this week I also covered one of my favorite events of the year – the Morley Red Wagon Food Drive – modeled a great outfit from Good Cause Gifts in the fashion show during the Futures Inc. fundraising gala at the Aquaturf, visited with Santa at Westfarms, and took several dance lessons at Arthur Murray in preparation for next Monday’s Best of West Hartford celebration dance contest (see bullet point below).

A few of the West Hartford models in the Futures Inc. fashion show pose with me for this selfie. From left are Sophie Kapetanopoulos, Darlene Borre, and Traci Halkey.

Westfarms spokesperson Amanda Sirica and I have been taking a selfie with Santa for at least the past 10 years. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Other than stopping for coffees at the new Starbucks inside Macy’s at Westfarms with Amanda Sirica after our visit with Santa, I once again didn’t have a chance for dining out in West Hartford. I was around during the day over the weekend, but Ted and I met his brother, sister-in-law, and his cousin and wife for a fun and delicious dinner at Nancy’s Rosemary & Sage in Old Saybrook on Saturday night.

Holiday-themed drinks at the new Starbucks inside Macy’s at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Calamari at Nancy’s Rosemary & Sage in Old Saybrook. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken Milanese at Nancy’s Rosemary & Sage in Old Saybrook. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Rueben at Nancy’s Rosemary & Sage in Old Saybrook. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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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:

The space at 1046 New Britain Avenue is in the process of being transformed into The Laurel. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• There have been a few posts recently about the status of the former Corner Pug space at 1046 New Britain Avenue – perhaps prompted by the change in color of the building – and I reached out to Ashley Flagg, who will be opening The Laurel in the space. She said they are “working away at our renovations and upgrades and we are on track for our goal of opening early 2025.” I peeked in the window when I took the exterior photos, and in the few short weeks since the previous lease expired and she took over the space, plenty of work appears to have been done. Flagg also provided the following update: “We hired my Executive Sous Chef Jetzel Cruz, our beverage manager Michela Zurstadt, my wife Rebekah Flagg will be our general manager and of of course I will the chef. We put out a post this week that we are looking to hire our assistant general manager. This will be the last member of our management staff.” Flagg said hiring of the rest of the staff will be announced in the next few weeks and urged everyone to follow them on social media (@thelaurelct) for updates. You can also sign up on their website to receive email updates. For more information about Flagg’s vision for The Laurel, click here for the article I wrote back in July when they announced the plans.

The space at 1046 New Britain Avenue is in the process of being transformed into The Laurel. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Another restaurant preparing to open in León, which has taken over the former Birdie Lounge space at 45 Raymond Road. There’s a new sign up (although owner Xiomara Zamudio said it’s a temporary sign and the permanent sign is due to be installed this week), and she’s excited to be open in the next few weeks. We announced the plans for León in the Sept. 30 Business Buzz column and they are pretty much on track with the timing of the opening. The Facebook page for León states that they will be “serving up authentic Mexican cuisine made with traditional recipes and the finest ingredients. From rich, flavorful salsas to mouthwatering entrees, every dish is a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage,” and also states it will be “Where modern Mexican flavors meet bold, exotic drinks. A new culinary adventure awaits!” I’ll continue to update and can’t wait to check it out when they open!

Leon will be opening soon at 45 Raymond Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Also preparing to open, likely with a soft opening at the end of this month, is Yemerica Coffee at 1000 Farmington Avenue on the western end of the the Center. I’ve gotten a few sneak peeks at the interior (no photos allowed yet, but it looks beautiful) and the new sign has been installed. There’s also a sign in the window now indicating that they are hiring baristas. Yemerica will offer Yemeni coffee, sweet treats, and more, and will be open daily, well into the evening. Much more details to come as they prepare for the opening.

The new sign is up and Yemerica will be opening soon at 1000 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Work has been progressing on Candy Time, the new candy store that will be opening at 1049 New Britain Avenue. I’ve reached out to the owner for an updates (the website and Facebook page say “coming soon”) and when I stopped by there on Sunday I saw that what had been a garage door on the right side of the building has now been replaced with a regular door that will be the main entrance. The plans were first announced in May. More to come!

A new door has been installed to replace what was a garage door in the building that will be the home of Candy Time at 1049 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Congratulations to Table of Zen, which had their ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town officials last week on the lower level of 998 Farmington Avenue. I rarely slow down and relax unless I am asleep (cue laughter and eye-rolling from family and friends who will no doubt agree), but just walking into Table of Zen is calming. Owned by Licensed Massage Therapist Joel Arroyo, according to its website, “Table of Zen LLC is a premier massage and wellness business located in West Hartford, Connecticut. We specialize in providing rejuvenating massage services that promote relaxation and overall well-being. Our skilled therapists are dedicated to creating a tranquil and serene environment, where clients can unwind and experience deep relaxation. Whether you are seeking relief from muscle tension, stress, or simply want to indulge in a moment of self-care, Table of Zen LLC is here to cater to your needs. Let us guide you on a journey of tranquility and inner harmony.” For more information or to make an appointment, visit the website.

Ribbon cutting at Table of Zen. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• In addition to the arrival of Santa (click here for complete details), there are some other seasonal updates at Westfarms. Holiday staple See’s Candies will have not just a pop-up kiosk this year but is getting set to open in a store space right outside Macy’s on the upper level. And on the lower level, there is a kiosk now open offering personalized ornaments.

A kiosk featuring personalized ornaments is now open at Westfarms for the season, just outside Center Court. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• The annual “Craft Festival & Marketplace to Benefit Medical Aid to Haiti” will be held this coming weekend at St. Peter Claver parish hall (47 Pleasant Street). “Presenting 45 regional artisans and their handcrafted wares. Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 9:30-4. Café featuring homemade soups, chili, and baked goods. Live music! Live Alpacas to pet!” the announcement states. Visiting with the alpacas is always a don’t miss for me, and I always buy a few holiday gifts, too!

Alpacas at the MATH craft fair, November 2023. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Many organizations collect food, toys, and other gift items during the holiday seasons, but during the months of November and December 2024, the West Hartford United Methodist Church will be having a diaper drive to support the West Hartford Food Pantry. In addition to diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6, and pull-ups are most needed), they are also collecting wipes, feminine hygiene items, and toiletries, that can be placed in the bin by the front door of the church at 1358 New Britain Avenue. For those who might not recognize the actual name of the church – it’s the pumpkin church!
• Click here to listen to the latest installment of the “On the Scene” podcast, where On The Scene hosts Tom Hickey and Bob Carr talk about the Best of West Hartford event, which is coming up a week from today, on Monday, Nov. 18, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC. Podcasts can also be found at the bottom of the home page on the revamped We-Ha.com website!

On the Scene podcast logo

• The winners of the 2024 Best of West Hartford were announced last week, and you can view the complete list here. There’s also a link to purchase tickets to attend the event on Nov. 18. I am honored to be a runner-up for “West Hartford cheerleader” – but also very apprehensive about my role in the event itself, where I will be dancing with Dennis House in the first-ever “Dancing with the WeHa Stars” competition that will take place during the Best of West Hartford event next Monday. There are four couples “competing,” and I am pretty sure Dennis and I were the last to start learning our dance since we started just last week. Learning choreography quickly has never been one of my talents – I need to practice enough to commit it to long-term memory – but the instructor from Arthur Murray is wonderful and very patient! It will be fun in any case!

• [Updated] Reminder that outdoor dining corrals in West Hartford Center are being removed this week. I initially reported that all patios throughout were closing at the end of this week as well, but was later advised that patio dining has been extended through Dec. 2. “However, if at any point between now and December 2nd, winter weather is forecasted, we have requested that restaurants please take all necessary steps to clear your outdoor dining fixtures from all sidewalk areas,” Economic Development Coordinator Kristen Gorski advised. I drove through the Center on Sunday and it appeared that most of the corrals had already been cleared of their furniture. Plans are for construction to be underway in 2025 as part of the implementation of the Town Center Infrastructure Master Plan, so there will not be in-street dining next year. There has not been any final decision made about expanding outdoor dining beyond patios once the project is complete.

Outdoor dining corrals on LaSalle Road have been cleared of most furniture and will be removed this week. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• ICYMI, another great holiday shopping opportunity will take place at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, which will hold its fifth annual Holiday Market – this year on two weekends! Click here for complete details.

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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