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 loved our balmy November weather last week – but it looks like we will be getting some true November weather this week. I have enjoyed not needing to wear the one pair of mittens that fit over my wrist brace (gloves don’t work at all), and since I am a total wimp when it comes to cold temperatures I am thankful not to have had to navigate how to take photos without being able to wear my trusty “glittens” – the fingerless gloves that have a mitten overlay, that allow me to have just one finger sticking out to operate my camera.

Election night is always an all hands on deck occasion for those who cover government news, and thank you to Mia Jaworski for the heavy lifting in pulling together our late night election story. Congratulations to all of our winning local candidates, and thank you to all who ran seeking the opportunity to serve our community.

Last week I covered one of my favorite events – the Morley Red Wagon Food Drive! It’s always heart-warming, and a positive story all around. I’ve been posing for a photo with former WHPD Capt. Jeff Rose (and fellow Westhill High School alum) at this event every year for more years than I can remember – since long before his retirement from the police department.

This week is Veterans Day, and we will be covering the annual West Hartford Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday. It’s also CIAC state tournament time, and while a few of our teams have lost close contests, the Hall girls have moved on and travel to Staples on Tuesday for the second round. We’ll be covering Conard and Hall first-round home field hockey games this week, and wish good luck to the girls volleyball teams as they travel for first-round action this week.

The mild weather this week meant morning coffee on the patio, and even a glass of wine by the fire pit one night.

We went to the UConn vs. UNC game on Saturday, and while the weather was fine for tailgating (I managed to grill, and the right hand is now semi-useable) it turned nasty along with UConn’s fortunes by the third quarter. We did stick it out until the end though. And Saturday night was a perfect night for tacos – which Ted and I greatly enjoyed at El Santo.

We’ve cleared the queue of all of the recent comments submitted without full names. One person did respond to my email with their name, and thank you to all who comment with your full names, and avoid making personal attacks! 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.

While Business Buzz focuses on openings, closings, changes in operation, or other news that is related to West Hartford businesses, there are other stories to be told that extend beyond what we cover in this column. Perhaps you have seen some of the wonderful feature stories that Melissa Cole has written about interesting West Hartford businesses, including several who have made this town their home for decades. We are looking for the support of a sponsor to be able to do more of this work. Please reach out to Bob Carr at [email protected] if you’re intersted 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:

• I was very excited to connect with Asyria Judd and get a peek inside the future Smoke & Stone, which is opening at 140 Park Road, in the former Smoke Public House space. “I’m creating an intimate gathering house with seasonal small plates, smoked cocktails, signature smoked meats, and a signature hot stone dining experience,” Judd said, elaborating that the hot stone is something new to the area. The stone (lava rocks heated to roughly 500 degrees) is brought directly to the table and diners will have a chance to directly be involved in the preparation of their food with the addition of signature rub, butter, and a variety of house sauces. A variety of meats (Kobe filet, ribeye, strip steak) as well as fish and seafood (salmon, ahi tuna, lobster tail), and vegetables (wild mushrooms, cauliflower steak, marinated artichoke) will be among the offerings. In addition, Judd – who said she has been in the industry for 17 years and has worked at various local restaurants, has been cooking “since I could see over the stovetop,” and has experience running bar programs – said she will also highlight 16-17 small plates that will be “bright and in tune with the season.” High quality ingredients used in the farm-to-table scratch kitchen will be locally sourced from purveyors with whom she has developed a relationship. This particular site has had “smoke” in the name for the past several iterations (Beachland Smoke was the restaurant prior to Smoke Public House) and Judd plans to keep the popular smoked items on the menu, as small plates during the week and with more extensive smoked specialities (brisket, ribs, chicken) on the weekends. “I really love this community and this niche spot,” she said of the Park Road space. “I’m excited to bring something new, an intimate boutique-y space,” she added. Judd is pushing to open by the end of the month, and personally and with the help of her family has been busy with cosmetic updates to the interior (new high-gloss burnished bar with a darkened edge that’s a nod to the “smoke” theme and shelves that have a similar look), some new booths, etc. Additional wall decor, as well as tablecloths and candles will be added. There will be a full bar with six signature smoked cocktails and other specialty drinks, as well as wine and “cool craft beer” that will include their own brew being curated through the 12% beer project. Smoke & Stone will be open for lunch and dinner, Tuesday through Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., but with a planned closing at 11:30 p.m. on weekends. They plan to take reservations for the intimate space which will offer “awesome food, cozy space, anda. great experience,” Judd said. Visit the Smoke & Stone website for more information.

• The developer of The Residences at Heritage Park – Garden Communities – sent out a press release on Thursday with an update on the progress of the 322-unit luxury multifamily development they are constructing on the east side of the former UConn campus, at 1360 Trout Brook Drive. According to the announcement, they expect leasing to launch in the late spring of 2027. “It’s exciting to see The Residences at Heritage Park taking shape,” said Garden Communities’ Eli Pechthold, managing director, in a statement. “This new community reflects our continued focus on delivering high-quality multifamily housing in sought-after locations, and brings a new residential option to one of central Connecticut’s most active and in-demand housing markets.” The release notes that The Residences at Heritage Park features one- and two-bedroom apartments, some with dens and balconies. Future residents will enjoy a range of included amenities and conveniences at no additional cost. Thoughtfully designed community spaces will include an amenity-rich clubhouse with a tasting kitchen, fitness center and office workstations; a rooftop gathering area; and an outdoor swimming pool. On-site management, covered and surface parking, EV charging stations, and a dog park are also among the community’s highlights. For more information and to join The Residences at Heritage Park interest list, visit RentHeritageParkCT.com. For more details about the development, click here.

• The lobby of 977 Farmington Avenue (Westfield Bank is the ground floor tenant) has been turned into a small art gallery, and will be showcasing local talent on the two large white walls that Shane Mulready, President & CEO of property management firm RM Bradley, said was very much in need of some decorative finish. LaSalle Road Partners II owns the property and RM Bradley manages the portfolio, and Mulready said the lobby was recently renovated. Asset Manager Mike Moran of Soundwater Properties and Brandon Best of LAZ Investments were eagerly on board with Mulready’s idea of contacting the West Hartford Art League to present the idea of a rotating gallery for artists. “Both were excited about the idea of showcasing local talent. The West Hartford Art League helped us previously find the artists for both the mural on the outside of the 977 Farmington property, and for our planters along the Memorial Road Connector,” Mulready said. West Hartford Art League Executive Director Kristina Oschmann put out a call for artists to gauge their interest. “We were both pleasantly surprised at the response and in our conversations decided that instead of featuring multiple artists at once with differing styles, themes, and colors, it would be a better opportunity for individual showcases that will run for two months at a time. The WHAL also guided us toward the hanging system that they use in their gallery for ease of the rotating environment.” Edith Skiba LaMonica is the first artist on exhibit, and several of her works were installed last week. She has exhibited at the Artworks Gallery at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, as well as multiple local galleries, and her bio and further information is available in the lobby – which is open to the public for viewing of the artwork between the hours of 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. “We hope that they will continue to stop in every few months as we showcase different artists and their works,” said Mulready.

• Owners of two micro-businesses that are supported by Futures Inc. were celebrated at ribbon cuttings on Thursday at Good Cause Gifts, 973 Farmington Avenue. Cody, whose business is Fidget City, and Ben, whose business is SHREDs Fire Starters, attended the ribbon cuttings with their proud families, town officials, and members of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. “Employment isn’t always easy for people with disabilities, especially those who require more significant support. As a parent, I often feel that this group gets left behind when we talk about employment opportunities. So when we find a formula that works—one that gives someone a sense of purpose, pride, inclusion, and the opportunity to contribute – it deserves to be celebrated!” said Darlene Borré, who happens to be Ben’s mother as well as the vocational innovator and director of the MicroBusiness Program for Futures Inc. Both Cody and Ben have worked hard to develop their products and build their businesses, Borré said. Good Cause Gifts is a social enterprise mission of the West Hartford-based nonprofit Futures Inc. The shop offers the products of other micor-businesses – and a fabulous assortment of giftware, clothing and accessories, including many “West Hartford” branded items.

• Congratulations to Emerest Home Care of Connecticut on their ribbon cutting with the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and town officials on Thursday. The 127 Park Road space is company’s fourth location in Connecticut, administrator Isaac Schwartz said, and provides home care services, primarily to the elderly. For more information, visit their website.

• Santa has returned to Westfarms, and will be resident in Center Court through Christmas Eve. “This year, guests are invited to make memories with Santa photos, festive programming and holiday experiences designed for families, friends and the local community. From shopping and dining to center-specific events throughout the season, Westfarms offers a welcoming holiday destination where every visit can become part of a cherished tradition,” states an announcement. “New this year, select photo packages include Pixie Post digital greeting cards, which are personalized greetings you can share instantly via text or email, or schedule for future delivery.” Click here for hours of operation, to make reservations (which are encouraged), or for special events such as pet photos and “caring Santa.” I’m hoping to visit with the big guy this week!

• The West Hartford-based Ron Foley Foundation has multiple campaigns taking place this month as part of National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month – initiatives that raise awareness, support local businesses, and provide financial assistance to pancreatic cancer patients in need. Throughout the month, the Foundation’s purple banners will be displayed around West Hartford Center to raise awareness. The Foundation will also share helpful information about pancreatic cancer on social media and encourages the public to follow along and share these educational posts. Events include the Battle of the Bars taking place all month at Artisan West Hartford and Artisan Southport, featuring signature purple cocktails and mocktails in honor of Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of sales will benefit the Ron Foley Foundation’s mission to raise awareness and provide financial assistance to pancreatic cancer patients in need. The restaurant that raises the most money wins the battle. The We Care Card (click here for details) is another fundraiser taking place in West Hartford from Nov. 5-15. Sponsored by the West Hartford Center Business Association, the program offers an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local businesses and proceeds from card sales going to The Ron Foley Foundation. The 4th annual Hot Wings Challenge on Tuesday (I am excited to be a participant this year) is Tuesday at Luna Pizza, and you can learn more about this unique fundraiser for the Ron Foley Foundation here. Finally, in recognition of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, the Foundation will host its annual Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. at Veterans’ Memorial Park in West Hartford Center. Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to gather to shine a light on pancreatic cancer, remember loved ones, and honor those facing the disease. To include a loved one’s name in the ceremony, please email [email protected]. For more information about November events and ways to get involved, visit www.ronfoleyfoundation.org and follow the Ron Foley Foundation on social media.

• During the months of November and December, West Hartford United Methodist Church, 1358 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, will be having a Diaper Drive to support the local food pantry. The community is asked to please drop off donations in the bin by the front door of the church. Diapers of all sizes, especially sizes 4, 5, and 6 are needed along with wipes, and feminine hygiene products. There is also a need for toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, soap, shampoo, shaving necessities, and other related items. Single rolls of toilet paper, single boxes of tissues, and the like are also needed. Additionally, WHUMC is collecting new socks, through March 31, 2027, for local shelters. “While men’s sizes are particularly needed, we’re grateful to accept all new socks,” organizers said.

• The latest episode of the “Only in Connecticut” podcast hosted by West Hartford resident Amanda Elgie has just been released, and can be found here. The following is the description: In this episode of Only in Connecticut, The CT Traditions Episode, we’re celebrating the local traditions that bring us together, with plenty of good food along the way. We’ll visit the Mashantucket Pequot Museum to learn about living Pequot traditions and the annual gathering honoring veterans, then follow the CT Grown Trail for a little holiday-table inspiration. We’ll stop at Ekonk Hill Turkey Farm, find out what keeps people coming back to the Manchester Road Race, and of course, make time for pie and cider. Then we’re heading to independent shops across the state to turn holiday shopping into an outing worth repeating year after year. As usual, we’ll talk with the people who know, including museum educator Erin Hall, Manchester Road Race’s Dr. Tris Carta, Manchester Town Manager Steve Stephanou, and Connecticut Main Street Center’s Michelle McCabe. Bring your appetite and your Connecticut tradition to share!

• I took advantage of the beautiful weather on Wednesday to grab some photos of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction – including the planting of trees along Farmington Avenue! While much of the work is complete and the number of orange barriers has greatly decreased, the sidewalk area in front of Luna Pizza is currently under construction, as is the roadway in front of Fleet Feet. Probably the biggest disruption right now is the condition of the Farmington Avenue (milled, not yet paved, with parking a bit random). “Overlay paving of Farmington Avenue is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, November 10. Similar to the pavement milling operation, the roadway will be closed to traffic, and a signed detour will be in place,” the town said in email update last week. The driveway from Farmington Avenue into the Farmington Avenue lot was still closed as of Thursday, but due to reopen late last week.

• As noted last week, the former St. Brigid School building at 100 Mayflower Street is now gone and the rubble has been removed as can be seen from the below photos I took on Sunday afternoon. The West Hartford Dog Park is back open – but right now accessible only from Beachland Park‘s main entrance on South Quaker Lane, or you can walk through the right-of-way on Mayflower that leads to Beachland Park. More on the dog park can be found here.

• ICYMI, Melissa Cole caught up with Bare Life owner Ali Lazowski, whose products are now available at Whole Foods as well as many other locations. Click here for the complete story.
• 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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