West Hartford Business Buzz: October 6, 2025
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Bella Roni pizza at Zephyr's Street Pizza, 968R Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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
Happy October! Now that we’ve turned the calendar and to an undeniably autumn month I was getting ready to fully embrace the new season – but this weekend had felt just like summer so I am not quite there yet and am not ready to retire my sandals.
I had my last training run on Saturday with Fleet Feet before next weekend’s Hartford Half Marathon. At some point during over the past few weeks I finally decided to go ahead and run the race since I had already completed the 10-, 11-, and 12-mile runs. Although I have followed my own “plans” for the workouts in between the long runs – and done so many things that would be frowned upon by those who are faithful to the training program, such as attending a wine dinner the night before an 11-mile run – I’m fairly confident that I can complete the 13.1 miles next Saturday even if it won’t be even close to my best time. I think the personal training with Jon Camacho of The Lift Effect has been making a positive difference in my running, too. Also, it’s been great making new friends on the Fleet Feet group runs, and it’s a great feeling of accomplishment to have put in those miles.
Ted and I were still in Colorado for the first fews days of last week, and had a great hike in Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday morning. We were much more acclimated to the altitude, and while a 6.3-mile round trip hike to an altitude above 10,000 feet was still a challenge, we felt a lot better than we did a few days earlier. We spent the afternoon in Estes Park and had a great lunch at a local restaurant.

Ronni and Ted on top of Deer Mountain, elevation just over 10,000 feet.

Post-hike lunch at Claire’s Restaurant and Bar in Estes Park, CO. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
While we were (I was) very determined to find the herd of elk that populates the town and walked several extra miles in search of them, we were (I was) sad as we left to head back to our hotel thinking we had failed in the quest. Then, on our way out of town, suddenly there were elk in the roadway! I’m pretty sure I hopped out of the car before Ted even pulled over and got some great photos of the adult females, the calves, and then the bull who had just charged at a small car! While I watched, the bull herded his “family” across the street, and appeared to be waiting patiently for a safe crossing in this photo.

This elk in Estes Park, CO, helped his family cross the road, and is waiting for a break in traffic to join them. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Back in West Hartford late Tuesday night (we changed planes at Midway in Chicago where we saw so many people from West Hartford on the plane!), it was quickly back to normal. I ran (literally) to photograph Matt Warshauer’s Halloween display first thing Wednesday morning (great chance to combine work and exercise) and got there as he was setting up the phoenix! You can read the story and see the photos here.
On Friday night we saw “Million Dollar Quartet” at Playhouse on Park. I can’t say enough great things about this truly amazing, don’t miss show. It runs through Oct. 19, and the music especially is fantastic.

Million Dollar Quartet at Playhouse on Park. Photo by Meredith Longo
We saw an exciting and high scoring UConn game Saturday on what felt like a mid-summer afternoon, and grabbed dinner at Pepe’s on New Britain Avenue on Saturday night. The photos are part of the featured bullet point below, and when you get there you’ll see why.
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We had one troll this past week, whose comment is still pending. My email to them didn’t bounce back so it was a legit email address, but I’m not confident that this particular commenter will supply their full name. 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 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:
- It’s been all over the news that the state officially unveiled the Connecticut Pizza Trail — the first-ever statewide trail celebrating the pizzerias, makers, and partners that earned the state its title as the “Pizza Capital of the U.S.” aCcording to organizers, there were more than 13,000 votes and the state’s top 100 vote-getters are now highlighted on the trail. “Pizza is one of America’s most beloved foods, and nowhere does it better than Connecticut,” Anthony Anthony, Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut, said in the announcement. “For more than a century, our apizza has been a source of pride, community, and economic strength. The Connecticut Pizza Trail brings that story to life – and this new experience for residents and visitors alike shines a global spotlight on the people and places that make this state the undisputed Pizza Capital of the U.S.” While the launch event took place at Modern Apizza in New Haven – the number one vote-getter in the statewide survey – and the pizza bus tour visited New Haven and some shoreline towns (I was honored to be invited but could not justify the time away from town after having been on vacation), I am very excited to report that there are several West Hartford restaurants on the trail! Congratulations to local businesses Zephyr’s Street Pizza and Savoy Pizzeria & Craft Bar (part of Max Hospitality) for earning a star on the trail. Also included on the trail are all of the Pepe’s locations (including West Hartford), and all of the Sally’s locations (including the restaurant at Westfarms, which I count as part of the West Hartford community). “We’re pumped … I think it’s pretty darn cool,” Dante Cistulli, owner of Zephyr’s, told me when asked about being part of the Pizza Trail. “It’s exciting for Connecticut from a real wide lens, but also exciting to be included,” he said. “I’m also glad to see so many of our friends on [the Trail].” Cistulli said he has spoken with Anthony about the marketing of Connecticut as the pizza capital, and said this is a great part of the “playbook” to get the word out. New Haven tourism has already increased 22% since the pizza marketing campaign launched, and there has been a 50% surge in pizza-related searches on CTvisit.com. Zephyr’s is now celebrating their 4-year anniversary at 968R Farmington Avenue, and they have managed to succeed on the “lot” where he initially opened the fourth pizza place that had been there in five years. Getting an 8.1 rating from Dave Portnoy helped, he said, but Cistulli has also worked hard to build his brand and said last January was the real test. “Now it’s just normal business stress. People have a reason to find us.” Being on the Pizza Trail will give more reason to find Zephyr’s, as well as many other great spots, and he said the world needs more “playful” in it. “Now you’re going to get all the haters, but it’s a blueprint,” Cistulli said of the Pizza Trial. “Any way you slice it, it’s going to get people talking.” At Savoy, General Manager Chelsea Lozier said on Friday there hadn’t been much talk about the Pizza Trail yet, but it had only been two days. She’s also looking forward to the buzz it should create.

Courtesy image

Dante Cistulli, owner of Zephyr’s Street Pizza, with a Bella Roni pizza. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Zephyr’s Street Pizza, 968R Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Zephyr’s Street Pizza, 968R Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Zephyr’s Street Pizza, 968R Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Executive Chef Brian Didden with a margarita pizza at Savoy Pizzeria and Craft Bar, 32 LaSalle Road, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Margarita pizza at Savoy Pizzeria and Craft Bar, 32 LaSalle Road, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Savoy Pizzeria and Craft Bar, 32 LaSalle Road, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Oven at Savoy Pizzeria and Craft Bar, 32 LaSalle Road, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana, 1148 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Patata Rustica (mozzeralla, potatoes, bacon, three cheeses, grated pecorino Romano, olive oil) at Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The addition is underway at Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sally’s Apizza is now open at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Angel Fire pizza at Sally’s Apizza. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
- Continuing with the topic of food, the honorees and finalists were announced last week for the 2025 “CRAZIES” Awards, which will be presented at the annual Connecticut Restaurant Association gala and ceremony on Dec. 8. 2025 at Foxwoods. “Connecticut’s hospitality industry continues to be one of the strongest economic engines in our state, and the CRAZIES Awards celebrate the people and stories that make our culinary scene among the most vibrant and diverse anywhere,” Connecticut Restaurant Association President & CEO Scott Dolch said in a statement. “Congratulations to our 2025 honorees and finalists, and a special thank you to our nominating panel for their dedication and insight in this year’s process.” A committee has already chosen the honorees (Restaurateur of the Year Esaul Rodriguez of Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Group; Hospitality Hall of Fame inductees Spartan Restaurant & Bar (Waterbury) and Willimantic Brewing Company (Willimantic); and Friend of the Industry Anthony Anthony, the Chief Marketing Officer for the State of Connecticut. The finalists – chosen by public nomination with input from industry experts throughout the state – have also been identified, and included are several from West Hartford. Max’s Oyster Bar is a finalist for “Service Team of the Year,” James Arena of DORO Restaurant Group is a finalist for “Pastry Chef of the Year,” and Ashley Flagg of The Laurel is a finalist for “Chef of the Year” – while The Laurel is also a finalist for “Restaurant Newcomer.” In addition, Le Mazet is a finalist for “Hartford County Restaurant of the Year.” The full list of finalists is available online, and the public can now vote by clicking here through the end of November for the winner in each category.

The Laurel. 1046 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

Ashley Flagg, executive chef and co-owner of The Laurel, gives a tour of the new kitchen. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

DORO Marketplace at the corner of New Britain Avenue and South Main Street. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
- All 4 Paws is getting set to open at 84 Custer Street. At Friday’s Elmwood Business Association meeting, Economic Development Manager Kristen Gorski said the opening of the facility – which will include full pet boarding, daycare, training, grooming, and nursing services – could come later this month or early next month. The property that was formerly Fox Laminating, had been vacant for quite some time, and from the exterior it appears that there has been quite the refresh of the exterior of the 10,000 square foot building. According to previous information shared by All 4 Paws Pet Care owner Pat Tramontana, the business was launched as a mobile veterinary nursing service in September 2020, but having the brick and mortar location will allow for a considerable expansion of their services. For more information, visit the All 4 Paws Pet Care website, which states: “Your pets deserve the best, and we’re here to provide it! From day care to luxury boarding, nurse services to full grooming services, our expert pet care services are designed to keep our furry friends happy, healthy, and pampered in our NEW 10,000 sq ft facility.”

All 4 Paws will be opening soon at 84 Custer Street, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- Play It Again Sports is getting close to being ready to move from 15 South Main Street in the Center into their new space – which is three times larger – in the former Wagging Tails space at 635 New Park Avenue, Building 5. The building looks great from the outside, and the move should be happening within the next few weeks.

Play It Again Sports is preparing to move from 15 South Main Street to 635 New Park Ave., Building 5. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Play It Again Sports is preparing to move from 15 South Main Street to 635 New Park Ave., Building 5. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Play It Again Sports is preparing to move from 15 South Main Street to 635 New Park Ave., Building 5. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- “Costumes, candy, and fun” will return to Westfarms for this Halloween season. On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. until noon (event lines closes at 11:45 a.m.), the shopping center will host the sixth annual Mall-O-Ween event. Children are invited to dress in costume and collect candy at Westfarms. The event is open to the public and free of charge, and families will be greeted by fun entertainment and delightful surprises from Westfarms retailers and its partners, the shopping center said in an announcement. Each participant will receive a Mall-O-Ween bag from presenting sponsor, Xfinity, which they can use to collect candy throughout the shopping center. “Mall-O-Ween is part of Westfarms larger Community First initiative to thank our local community for its ongoing support of Westfarms and its retailers,” a spokesperson said.

Westfarms Mall-O-Ween 2024. Courtesy photo
- Many West Hartford residents (myself included) have been photographed area photographer Michael Fiedler as part of the “Working Journal” – a documentary-style anthology that includes portraits and the subjects’ hand-written descriptions of the work they do. Fiedler has recently launched another project called “Who We Are,” and he spent much of last week in front of Westfield Bank on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center taking photos and getting handwritten statements from passersby who are invited to share their personal story in their own words. “It’s a photographic and handwritten journey across America, starting in West Hartford,” Fiedler said. The anthology will be a sister project to “Working Journal,” but rather than going into people’s workspaces for the interviews, all of the photographs will be stark black and white portraits taken against a white background which serves as a clear canvas in the style of portrait photographer Richard Avedon. “It’s about who they are and how they’re interconnected to the fabric of the country and society,” highlighting the diversity and individuality as well as the commonality and community of an eclectic group of people from all walks of life. I asked Fiedler how he chooses who will be the subjects from the many people strolling along the Farmington Avenue sidewalk, and he said it could be based on how they’re dressed (he’s partial to hats) or just the vibe he gets when he sees someone and makes eye contact. Examples of Fiedler’s work can be found on his Instagram @theworkingjournal.

Michael Fielder, standing in front of the white backdrop he is using to photograph people in front of Westfield Bank on Farmington Avenue as part of the “Who We Are” project. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- Congratulations to Little Caesars, which celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting at 1032 Boulevard (in the Boulevard shops) on Saturday. The first 50 people in line were awarded free pizza for a year, and the next 50 had a chance to spin the prize wheel and also perhaps receive free pizza for a year. There were additional offers, as well as live music, face painting, and other entertainment. According to the news release, “headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars was founded by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1959 as a single, family-owned restaurant. Today, it is the third-largest pizza chain in the world, with restaurants in each of the 50 U.S. states and 29 countries and territories. Known for its HOT-N-READY pizza and famed Crazy Bread, Little Caesars uses quality ingredients, like fresh, never-frozen mozzarella and Muenster cheese and sauce made from fresh-packed, vine-ripened California crushed tomatoes. The brand is known for innovation and is home of the exclusive Pizza Portal pickup, a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station. Little Caesars is also the Official Pizza Sponsor of the National Football League. “

Little Caesars ribbon cutting at 1032 Boulevard, West Hartford. Courtesy photo

Little Caesars ribbon cutting at 1032 Boulevard, West Hartford. Courtesy photo

Little Caesars ribbon cutting at 1032 Boulevard, West Hartford. Courtesy photo

Little Caesars ribbon cutting at 1032 Boulevard, West Hartford. Courtesy photo
- Tokyo Sushi, which was located at 846 Farmington Avenue, closed for good last week, news met with sadness by dozens of loyal customers who commented on Facebook on a post about the closing. The sign on the door, dated Sept. 28, reads: “Thank you so much for supporting us for 15 years.”

Tokyo Sushi at 846 Farmington Avenue has closed. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- The Panache sign is down at 270 Park Road, but there is no indication of a replacement business taking over the space.

270 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- There has been plenty of disruption on LaSalle Road as the roadway reclamation continues as part of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan construction, but the worst of the disruption should be coming to a close by the end of this week. Last Monday, the construction shifted to the western side of the roadway this week with traffic permitted in a northbound direction only. There may be some driveway access temporarily unavailable during the process (and also you could not turn from LaSalle onto Arapahoe as I learned) the contractor reported, but they will make every effort to minimize those disruptions. Some business owners in the Center are very upset about the disruption, but work is starting up again on the sidewalks on the east side of the road, and hope everyone will please support our local retailers and restaurants as much as you can during this time. Don’t forget, parking is free for now on LaSalle Road and Farmington Avenue!

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving and other construction work underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

On a portion of the east side of the road, the sidewalks are fully reopened. Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

From Union Kitchen north, the sidewalks on the west side of LaSalle are fully reopened. Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Roadway reclamation and repaving underway on LaSalle Road. Oct. 3, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- More progress on the Animal Control facility construction! These photos was taken on Friday, and while I couldn’t actually walk onto the site because they were working, there definitely appears to be more progress when compared to last week’s photo!

Progress on the construciton of the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, Oct. 3 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Progress on the construciton of the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street, Oct. 3 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- Did you know …
- I’ve been getting numerous questions about the Top Dog contest. I am not personally involved in the details of this contest (and Millie is just on the poster, not a contestant), but I apologize for any confusion. Contest organizer 2020 Media is testing out a new contest platform, and unfortunately there have been some frustrations among all parties. It is not possible to open voting while submissions are still being permitted, and the submission period has now been extended to Nov. 1, when voting will begin. Voting will be open through Nov. 30, and the winners will be announced on Dec. 1. You can submit your dog through this link, or by clicking on the image below.
- ICYMI, The Bakery by The Place 2 Be will not be opening in Blue Back Square. After years of delays and dozens upon dozens of legal actions, the business has been evicted without ever opening. Click here for complete details.
- Check out the new community mural in Blue Back Square! Thanks to Mia Jaworski for this story and photos – completed just hours before she departed to teach in Spain through the end of the academic year!
- West Hartford photographer Virginia (“Ginny”) Kemp has an exhibit opening this week at the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, and an accompanying book of her documentary project “We the People” is also for sale at the museum gift shop, Good Cause Gifts, and River Bend Books. Details can be found here.
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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