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

Autumn is definitely flying by, and as a night owl I really don’t like the end of Daylight Saving Time. It might mean I get out for a morning run a bit earlier, but I dread the early darkness. As I type these words it’s just 4:20 p.m. on Sunday, and I already had to turn the light on in my office. Sigh …

We had a fun Halloween seeing our grandkidlets dressed up to trick-or-treat, and seeing all the cute kiddos who came to our door. I think we had about 50 – but I heard that some neighborhoods where the houses were really decked out (like Four Mile and Sedgwick) had an estimated 800 kids trick-or-treating!

Saturday was our first morning tailgate of the UConn football season (the other games have been in the afternoon, but this week’s kickoff was at noon) which means egg sandwiches and hash browns (along with Bloody Marys and/or mimosas) – and my turn at the grill. I can probably count on one hand the times I have used our grill at home, but for some reason for years I have always done the breakfast tailgate cooking.

For Saturday night dinner, Ted and I went to León Restaurant & Bar and had a delicious dinner that included several of their new Peruvian dishes. See the bullet point below for details about the transformation.

Ted’s Pollo a la Brasa turned out to be the perfect fuel for a great 10-mile run he completed Sunday morning (came in second in his age group!) at the Western Mass 10-miler. It’s one of the Hartford Marathon Foundation events, with a route that starts at UMass Amherst and ends in Northampton. My sister’s boyfriend also ran (also a great time and placed third in his age group), but she and I decided to skip racing and instead enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Toasted in Northampton while the guys were running, and also decided to donate the money we would have spent on our race registration to the West Hartford Food Pantry.

The final day for early voting at Town Hall was Sunday, and the most recent update from the Secretary of the State’s Office, released at 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, indicated that West Hartford has had 3,057 early votes cast, and with more than 2,000 of those cast this week the town now has the eighth-most in Connecticut, up from 10th place last week. Stratford is still leading the early voting with 4,743. For more details about voting, including a list of Election Day polling places and links to candidate profiles click here.

We will not be accepting any more letters to the editor regarding the 2025 municipal election. Sunday was the final day so that the letters could appear in this morning’s newsletter.

I’ll have the election results published as soon as they are available on Tuesday night.

We had one troll among our commenters this past 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].

**************************************************

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

• A journey almost three years in the making is finally complete, and Viking Athletics has relocated to 433 New Park Avenue. Erik Castiglione, owner of Viking Athletics – and also the president of the Elmwood Business Association – had been looking for a new space for his fitness business when the lease came up for renewal at 635 New Park Avenue, and in 2024 purchased 433 New Park, which had previously housed the offices of Keystone Equipment Finance Corp., which relocated to Corporate Center West. “We’re in month 16 of a 90-day build-out,” Castiglione said. While the new space is actually a bit smaller in terms of square footage, “it feels bigger to a lot of people,” he said, because there is much more open space. After receiving his CO two weeks ago, Castiglione said the physical move took place last weekend – basically two straight days spent breaking down and setting up the new space for it to reopen last Monday. “We had lots of help from members,” he added, which number about 110. There is still work to be done, including the installation of turf flooring in the front area to accommodate sled pulling, adding rigging along the ceiling, and setting up some of the equipment, but they are fully functional for teaching classes, which is the bulk of the business, he said. In addition to classes, Castiglione said Viking offers small group training that is often tailored to a specific sport. As an example, he said currently he is working with a group of high school hockey players and will be also starting training for spring youth sports teams later this year. They also do a fair amount of personal training, he said, with a diverse clientele that includes runners, a 67-year-old who recently had hip replacement, and a Navy veteran who is trying to lose weight. The average age of members is probably early 40s, he said, and his own father is the oldest. Even for those doing group training, there is a personalized approach, he said. “Each program has its own specific focus, and all focus on the individual. I regularly meet with members to discuss their goals, and the goals shift over time,” Castiglione said. They are just beginning an affiliation with the fitness racing business HYROX, with a focus on training for events in New York and Boston.  Viking is able to incorporate wellness coaching – addressing stress, sleep, and nutrition, and they have a physical therapist on staff as well. Castiglione is very happy to be in the new space, which has its own locker rooms, ample parking, and much-improved climate control. A ribbon cutting will be planned for the future, probably in January, he said, to coincide with beginning-of-the-year fitness resolutions. Castiglione’s background was in CrossFit, and when he bought the business from the former owner of CrossFit Relentless several years ago they rebranded. “It’s like CrossFit, but smarter,” he said, with more structure. “Program design is my area of expertise,” he said. For more information, visit their website.

• Another recent relocation – also in the New Park Avenue area – is FemCare Medspa, which has moved from renting a room at SOLA Salons in Blue Back Square to a suite at 20 Jefferson Avenue (behind 485 New Park) where they opened in late September. Owner Julian Grant said the move to the larger and more private space will allow for the ability to expand her business beyond aesthetics into holistic wellness that includes treatments for women’s intimate health. “My goal is for you to look good, feel good … and enjoy more intimacy,” she said. Grant moved to Connecticut in January 2020, and initially continued to work in the Bronx. When she first launched FemCare Medspa just after the pandemic, the focus was IV infusions, but now “it’s complete health,” she said, adding that it’s important for women to be comfortable with and talk about all parts of their bodies. In addition to Grant – who performs most of the procedures – FemCare Medspa has a medical director and a nurse practitioner. For more information, visit the website.

• I had seen a few Facebook posts about some changes at León Restaurant & Bar (45 Raymond Road, on the second floor) that also included praise for how great the food is – and last week I connected with Ulises Vera, who is one of the owners and now the executive chef. According to Ulises, the menu at León – “a bold, modern take on Latin cuisine” according to their website – is now about 70% Peruvian with the new focus a nod to his own background as well as the background of co-owner Miguel Rivadeneira, who is also Peruvian. Daniel Chavez, the third partner, is Mexican, and the menu retains some of the Mexican dishes that were featured when León first opened as 100% Mexican last November. Before León, Ulises spent 10 years at the Golf Club of Avon and also has expertise in baking wedding cakes and hosting private events. He told me his favorite dish on the León menu is ceviche, and when dining there on Saturday night Ted and I also sampled some of his absolutely delicious Peruvian specialties including Lomo Saltado and Pollo a la Brasa. I’m also still thinking about the Alfajores (Peruvian cookie explosion) that we tasted devoured. It may seem a bit out of the way, but the doorway to León is right across from Whole Foods on Raymond Road, and it’s definitely worth a visit. They also have happy hour daily. Click here to see the menu.

• Construction on LaSalle Road as part of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan is coming to a close for the season. I’ve been there taking photos so often (at least twice a week) that I’m now on a first-name-basis with the Gerber Construction manager, and he’s been giving me updates on the tree planting and paving every time I walk by. By the end of the week the final section of sidewalk on the east side (in front of Bricco) was being completed, and the curbing on the west side (at the corner of LaSalle and Ellsworth) as well as storm drainage was being installed. Many of the trees and shrubs have been planted – and while some have already lost their leaves for the season others still have red leaves. According to the contractor, final paving will be completed for the section of LaSalle between Ellsworth and Arapahoe, and grading and paving will take place on the rest of the roadway in as well. In an email update, the town said the paving is scheduled to take place on Wednesday (weather permitting) and drivers should expect parking and traffic to be disrupted throughout the day with alternating one-lane traffic during the process. Pavement markings will also be painted during that day and will also disrupt parking temporarily. Within the next week, all of the orange construction fencing will be taken down. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFD) have been installed at pedestrian crossings and should now be operational. (They were being completed Friday morning when I last checked.) Below are some photos from Thursday and Friday!

• When I was checking on the road and sidewalk work on LaSalle Road, I also noticed that the windows for the future Insomnia Cookies at 70 LaSalle Road have now been papered over with their branding!

• I also had a chance to check on the progress of Center Park Place, viewed from the alley next to Fleet Feet. The groundbreaking was held on Sept. 19, and it appears to be full steam ahead on the construction!

• Progress continues on the new Animal Control facility as well!

• The Seniors Job Bank, a nonprofit organization based in West Hartford that connects people over 50 seeking work with businesses, municipalities and individuals in need of their skills, has elected six new members to its Board of Directors. The new Board members bring diverse expertise and deep commitment to supporting mature workers and the community. Joining the Board are: Beth Bolton who brings both corporate and entrepreneurial experience to SJB, with a career spanning 25 years in human resources. Passionate about helping others find purpose, she offers compassion, empathy, and a deep appreciation for how meaningful work can transform lives; Larry R. Carr, a retired dean and executive, who brings extensive experience in adult education, leadership development, and strategic planning. His expertise in talent development, organizational growth, and community service – including volunteer mentoring with SCORE – positions him as a strong contributor to SJB’s mission of empowering mature workers; Laura Hoffman currently serving as the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, brings more than 20 years of leadership and fundraising experience to her work. Deeply committed to advancing age-friendly initiatives, she is passionate about creating opportunities for mature adults to thrive in their communities. Laura is eager to support the Seniors Job Bank in increasing awareness, strengthening engagement, and driving forward its mission; Meg McCrudden, currently a business services representative at Capital Workforce Partners, works to connect job seekers with employers to strengthen workforce inclusion and economic growth. With prior experience in executive search, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing job seekers, particularly mature workers: Dr. Claudia Oakes, a gerontologist and faculty member at the University of Hartford, specializes in promoting autonomy and quality of life for older adults. Her expertise in aging, combined with her commitment to dispelling myths and stereotypes, aligns well with SJB’s mission to advocate for mature workers; Richard Voigt is a retired attorney with expertise in workplace, labor, and employment law. His legal career has given him strong familiarity with human resources practices, governance, and organizational management. In retirement, he continues to teach continuing education courses in social history and American art. “We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding individuals to our Board,” said Jeffrey Ferketic, Seniors Job Bank’s Co-President. Yvonne Matthews, Co-President added, “Each brings unique talents, perspectives, and dedication to our mission of helping older adults remain engaged, productive, and valued in the workforce.” For more information about SJB, visit their website.

• This week’s sad news is the announcement that Kilwins will be closing their store in Blue Back Square as of Nov. 30. I’ve been following their journey since the very beginning – even before the actual opening in February 2023 – and am very thankful that owner Kathleen Allen called to tell me before the news was posted on social media on Saturday. It was the “perfect storm” of factors that led to the difficult decision that she and her husband, Jay, had to make, and included the rising cost of cacao and declining foot traffic. On Facebook, Allen posted the following: “This decision was not easy, as being part of this community has been such a joy. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for welcoming us, supporting our store, and allowing us to be a part of your celebrations, big and small. From birthdays and anniversaries to spontaneous sweet treats, it has been a privilege to share in your special moments. Please redeem any free ice cream cone vouchers before November 30, as they are only valid at the West Hartford location. Gift cards will continue to be valid and can be redeemed at any Kilwins location. You can find a list of stores here: https://store.kilwins.com/stores/all. Your kindness and loyalty have meant the world to us. While our doors may be closing, the memories and connections we’ve made here will stay with us forever. Thank you for making the past three years so sweet. With gratitude, Kathleen and Jay Allen”

• Click here to listen to an inspiring episode of the On The Scene podcast with host Tom Hickey. Listeners are invited to celebrate the incredible 95-year journey of The Jewish Ledger — a true testament to dedication, resilience, and community spirit. Joined by editor Judy Jacobson and Digital Marketing Manager Hilary Pasternak Sarrasin, Tom explores how the Ledger has endured through decades of change, from the Great Depression to the digital era, while remaining a trusted voice for Jewish life in Southern New England.

• Time to vote for Best of West Hartford! The following is a note from the organizers at 2020 Media: We listened to YOU! NEW this year… After 10 years of the Best of West Hartford, there are a few NEW things about VOTING you’ve been asking for. We think you will enjoy these enhancements to our 11th Annual Contest!” organizers of the event from 2020 Media shared: Advertise YOUR BUSINESS in YOUR CATEGORY! There is a BUTTON at the top of the ballot home page, (AD PROMOTE). This allows you to submit your own AD to be shown in your CATEGORY. Register Your Business to appear in the category! IF your business has NOT placed in the TOP 3 in the prior year then go ahead and ADD IN your business (First click AD PROMOTE, then Register). ADD a NEW Category! You can email Hillary ([email protected]) to have a NEW CATEGORY added! This is the PEOPLE’S VOTING platform so we value you being involved.” Click on the image below or go straight to the site here to cast your vote.

• ICYMI, Big Y has announced plans to construct a store on the Westfarms property. They have shared a site plan with We-Ha.com and you can find the most current details here.
• ICYMI, West Hartford Community Interactive has a bird house art exhibit and auction underway. Click here for details on how you can support our local community media partner.
• 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].

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.