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

Blue Back Square is decked out for the holidays. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Several weeks ago I was walking through Blue Back Square and it was really sunny and warm outside – shortsleeves warm – and I took a bunch of photos of the holiday decorations that had already been put up. Now that Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away (yikes!) and I have already done some holiday shopping (amazing!), I’m thinking it’s fine to acknowledge that the decorations are in place.

Anyone care to comment about the snowflakes or the red color of these banners, or the message?

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:

NoRA Cupcake Company will open soon in Blue Back Square. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Are you drooling yet? NoRA Cupcake Company is getting close to opening its doors at 103 Memorial Rd. in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square. Owner Carrie Carella said there is one more inspection left to pass before the store can officially open, and she is hopeful that will happen sometime this week. We will certainly keep you posted!
• Cuvée update: In a September Business Buzz column we reported on a rumor that Cuvée was under new managment and would be changing its name to “Tipsy Girl.” The part about new management is true, and although Cuvée is featuring “Tipsy Girl” wines, the new name for the restaurant at 37 Raymond Rd. in Blue Back Square will apparently be “37 Blue.” According to an unnamed employee who confirmed the name change but not when the change would become official, renovations to the restaurant will begin in January. Managing Partner Peter Guimaraes has a recurring role on Real Housewives of New York City (aka RHONY) and there are apparently plans to do some filming at the West Hartford restaurant.
• West Hartford businesses are great in so many ways, including generosity in raising money for charitable organizations. WIP Fitness will hold a fundraiser for JDRF next weekend. It’s a cause that’s very near and dear to owner Mary Kate Doyle’s heart because she has not one but two children with Type 1 diabetes. Read her story of a quest for a normal life by clicking here.
• BK&Co. is also hosting a fundraiser this week. On Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 5 – 8 p.m., the West Hartford Center store (64 LaSalle Rd.) will hold an “evening of shopping and fundraising” with a portion of all sales donated to the Children’s Law Center, an organization that, according to its website “provides legal advocates to children in highly contentious family court cases.”
  

  Pictured at this year’s contribution to Interval House are, from left, Joe Kask, BlumShapiro Firm Managing Partner Elect; Cecile Enrico, Executive Director of Interval House; and Carl Johnson, BlumShapiro Firm Managing Partner. Submitted photo

• West Hartford-based BlumShapiro recently presented a check for more than $4,000 to Interval House as a result of the firm’s employee giving through its Jeans for Charity Program. Acccording to a news release, “BlumShapiro holds Jeans for Charity Day on Fridays which focuses its giving over the course of the year to a variety of organizations doing good work in the community. Interval House is dedicated to providing services to prevent and break the cycle of family and intimate partner abuse.”
• Junior Achievement of Southwest New England and the Junior League of Hartford will collaborate on a half-day program entitled “Career Inspirations for Young Women” this Wednesday at Hall High School. The program “will feature a dynamic panel of women business leaders from the region, followed by breakout sessions to engage students in exploring skills that can strengthen their career preparation.” Click here for more details.

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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