West Hartford Business Buzz: November 14, 2016

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

By Ronni Newton

It’s been a heck of a week, and a very challenging week as a journalist.

Last week in the introduction to this column I wrote that most people were probably going to be glad once Election Day was over, and while many are very happy to leave the vitriol of the presidential campaign in the rearview mirror, there are still many people on all sides of the political spectrum who are extremely upset. In West Hartford, the Democrats swept the local and state races, but their celebrations were tempered by the national results. And Republicans may have been happy about the presidential election, but disappointed about the local races.

There’s a lot of raw emotion, but there’s also so much opportunity to channel that emotion in a positive direction.

At Wednesday night’s Town Council meeting Mayor Shari Cantor made a brief but impassioned speech that included these words: “These are unsettled times … but we are the United States of America and our system works. I am so proud to live in a community that is strong, resilient, and respects its citizens.”

West Hartford is a great town, and there were so many good, positive stories this week. On Wednesday morning the Morley School kindergarten, first grade, and second grade students brought 53 full wagons to help restock the West Hartford Food Pantry. On Thursday I reported on Santa’s arrival at Westfarms. On Friday there were Veterans Day celebrations in all of West Hartford Public Schools. I covered the event at Charter Oak International Academy, where students spoke about bravery. Later in the morning the town held its annual Veterans Day ceremony – a moving tribute to all who have served.

The holiday season is here, and Thanksgiving is in just 10 days. I hope that holiday spirit will have a positive impact.

There’s also plenty of business news to share – and this week it’s all good news!

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].

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Waypoint Spirits, a new local distillery, is part-owned by a West Hartford resident. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sometimes I discover business news completely by accident, and that was the case Saturday night. I had recently heard of Waypoint Spirits because it was the site of a fundraiser for Jonathan’s Dream Reimagined, but I had no idea it had anything to do with West Hartford until I happened to be standing near their table at the War-Chief Sports Council’s Tailgate fundraiser on Saturday night and recognized Conard parent Sabrina Mock-Rossi who was manning the table with her husband, Dave Rossi. Rossi co-owns the business with Doug Bowie of Bloomfield and John Taylor of Granby, and said that Waypoint Spirits actually launched two years ago, and opened the distillery in Bloomfield, next door to Foodshare, in January 2015. In addition to the three majority partners, Rossi said that there are about 40 other owners, 10 of them from West Hartford. Waypoint Spirits currently produces five products: two vodkas (one is spicy and tastes just like a Bloody Mary), Wintonbury Gin, Man Overboard Spiced Flavored Rum, and Special Batch Whiskey. Rossi said that distribution has been growing, now averaging about 60 cases or 700 bottles per month. The product is currently available in about 150 restaurants and package stores throughout Connecticut, and Rossi said that as of Dec. 1, they’re adding a new distributor that will expand the territory to Fairfield and Litchfield counties. Rossi recently sold his medical malpractice business and is devoting himself full-time to Waypoint. “This is much more fun,” he said. Waypoint Spirits offers tours and tastings every Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-5 p.m. It’s also available for events for up to 150 people, and can accommodate food trucks. The distillery is located at 410 Woodland Ave Suite C, Bloomfield, CT 06002 (860-858-1446).
Goldberg’s Gourmet of Blue Back Square will hold its grand opening today, kicking off a new seasonal menu! Food is half off all day (yes, all day), and there are also special events planned. A kids fest will be held from 3-5 p.m., and there will be a DJ (Darth Fader) and giveaways from 6-8 p.m. Goldberg’s Gourmet is located at 38 Isham Rd. in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square.
Noble & Co. is opening next week! In a recent interview owner Mike Ladden said the restaurant would be open before Thanksgiving, and has announced that on Monday, Nov. 21, for its opening day, the chef-inspired “roaring 20s” style cosmopolitan restaurant at 43 LaSalle Rd. will host a VIP event to benefit the Ron Foley Pancreatic Cancer Foundation. The event will be held from 7-10 p.m., and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. The cost is $75 per person, and tickets are limited. Click here for more information or to purchase a ticket.
Jean Camilletti is the new owner of Blo Blow Dry Bar in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Blo Blow Dry Bar in West Hartford has a new owner as of last month, and she is looking to build on and expand the success of the Blue Back Square business. Jean Camilletti already owned two Blo locations – one in Long Island and one on 49th Street in New York City – when corporate reached out to her and told her the West Hartford franchise was available. “Life is funny sometimes,” said Camilletti, who was already very familiar with West Hartford’s location because it was now-former owner Stacey Cohen who had advised her before she opened her first location. Camilletti said she has inherited an “amazing team.” Plans include an expansion of the bridal business, which is very successful in her New York locations. Adding a page on theknot.com is also a “big initiative,” Camilletti said. She’s excited about the location, and especially looking forward to the opening of the Delamar West Hartford Hotel next year. Blo is located at 59 Memorial Rd. in Blue Back Square.
West Hartford resident Alex Paiuk loves being an editor. He discovered his gift for editing back in college when he was the associate editor at the Harvard Business School student newspaper. Soon, all of his friends would come to him for help with their term papers. After graduating, he found himself helping family and friends with their college and graduate school application essays. “I earned a reputation for successfully helping others realize their academic and professional dreams with people accepted into prestigious programs including Harvard, Wharton, NYU, INSEAD, and the White House. Thus, Distinguished Essays was born,” Paiuk said. He has already landed a handful of customers applying for college this cycle, but said he can add more – including those who may be procrastinating or having trouble with their application essays. Paiuk can be reached at [email protected] or 718-510-7319. For more information visit DistinguishedEssays.com.

Coldwell Banker is helping replenish the shelves of the West Hartford Food Pantry. On Wednesday, Nov. 16, they will hold an open house at their new location, 992 Farmington Ave. Wine, beer, and cheese will be served, and donations of non-perishables are appreciated. Food donations can also be dropped off prior to the event.
Some Members of the Filomeno Team, Including (From Top Left): Tim Rooney, CPA; Anthony DeLucia, Jr., CPA; Mike Maksymiw, CPA; Mark Piatkowski, CPA, Principal; Tina Faggaini, Principal; Dominique Senah; April Schaefer; Anne Harney, CPA; Kat Plourde; Ruth Brown; George Thomson, CPA/CVA, Principal; Tom Filomeno, CPA, President; Judie Saunders, CPA, Principal; Julie Castro; Mary-Anne Baldassarre; and, Giustina Lamoureux, CPA. Submitted photo
Filomeno & Company, P.C. recently celebrated five decades as a leading provider of world class assurance, tax, wealth management and consulting expertise for individuals, families and businesses in the region during its 50th anniversary celebration on Nov. 1 at the New Britain Museum of American Art. Filomeno & Company, P.C., located in West Hartford, has been providing Certified Public Accounting and Business Advisory services to the Connecticut area since 1966.

According to a news release, West Hartford resident Carolina Cudemus has been awarded Gilbane Building Company’s 2016 Project Manager of the Year by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Connecticut has awarded. The Project Manager of the Year Nominee is evaluated on his or her level of leadership, understanding of construction principles and theory, personal accomplishments, skill level, experience and adherence to fair and responsible business practices.
Don’t forget to get your WE CARE Card to support Foodshare! Discounts at participating merchants in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square are available through Nov. 20. For rules and a list of participants, click here.
Finally, ICYMI, the major business story last week was the official announcement that REI will move its Blue Back Square store to Corbin’s Corner. Sears and Sears Auto Center will be closing in January, and the space will be redeveloped for multiple tenants. So far REI and Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th have signed leases. Click here for the details.