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

What a beautiful weekend we just had! If only it could last …

Saturday was definitely a “Chamber of Commerce” day, and the perfect day for the Park Road Parade. The final parade was probably going to happen on Saturday unless there was a thunderstorm or tornado, but thankfully there was no need to make a weather-related decision. I took hundreds of photos, and you can find many of them here.

I had a week’s worth of activity take place on Friday – with seven events scheduled! I thought I was going to need a clone, but ultimately the events were timed perfectly so they did not overlap. A few bullet points below relate to the events I attended, and two or three more stories will be forthcoming early this week. The final event of the day was attending a very funny performance of “The Shark is Broken” at Playhouse on Park!

I caught up with a longtime friend for a drink and a light dinner at Artisan, on Wednesday, and am still thinking about that butternut squash soup.

Drinks at Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Trio of dips and credit at Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Butternut squash soup at Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Seafood chowder at Artisan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

I popped into Nero Kitchen on Friday in between events to grab an iced coffee, and was enticed to sample this blueberry lemon bread – very yummy! (In case you missed it, here’s the link to the article about Nero’s opening.)

Blueberry lemon bread and a cold brew from Nero Kitchen. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Saturday night, after a full day at the parade followed by tailgating (sandwiches from Harvey’s and side dishes from Hall’s that I forgot to photograph) and a very exciting UConn football game that didn’t end until around 7:30 p.m. – and with my having a football story left to edit – we opted for takeout from Birdcode for dinner. I know it’s not the healthiest, but it was delicious!

Takeout from Birdcode! Photo credit: Ronni Newton

It’s midway through the fall high school sports season, and you may have noticed that we have had a lot of sports stories lately. I want to give a special shout-out and thanks to Keating Agency Insurance for their sponsorship of our sports coverage! In addition to the articles and photos by our reporter, Paul Palmer (and the occasional sports coverage I provide), we are also very thankful for the great submitted content, allowing the hard work of the high school athletes to receive recognition even if we aren’t able to be at a game or meet.

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’re looking for news about West Hartford in print please note that many stories from We-Ha.com, as well as other local news, is published in the twice-monthly issues of the West Hartford Press.

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:

976-978 Farmington Avenue has been sold to Market Hospitality Group. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Note that the photo above, and the photo featured with this column, look slightly different from the photos shared with the feature story I published about 10 days ago. That’s because the property at 976-978 Farmington Avenue, previously occupied by CVS and still occupied by Max Zeller Furs, no longer has a “for lease” sign in the window now that it has been sold, for $5.25 million, to Market Hospitality Group. I was very excited last week to finally have the opportunity to speak with Eli Hawli, one of the owners of Market Hospitality Group, about the plans for the property. “I have been personally trying to get into West Hartford for the past seven to eight years. West Hartford is one of the best, if not the best, markets in Connecticut,” he told me. He praised the mayor and town leaders for helping support a “dining, shopping, walking destination that no other community in Connecticut has.” He’s also excited about the recently-announced upgrades that are part of the Town Center Infrastructure Plan. Market Hospitality Group, based in Newtown, currently owns and operates eight different concepts, the bulk of which are located in Connecticut. They also have two locations on the Hudson River and a fishery in Key Largo, Florida, and plans to expand by another seven or eight more locations within the next year. Hawli said that they originally approached the previous owner about leasing the former CVS space after it was vacated a year ago, but when that didn’t work out, asked to be notified if they ever wanted to sell – and that’s ultimately what happened. The nearly-9,200-square-foot space is large enough to accommodate two of their concepts, and while they have not made a final decision, Hawli said the decision about which two it will be should be forthcoming within the next four weeks. A full build-out will be required, and there isn’t a timeframe yet for how long it will take. “We love the hospitality industry,” said Hawli, adding that several of their existing concepts would be a good fit, but they also don’t want to duplicate the “existing incredible restaurants” that are located in West Hartford Center. (Their concepts include Blu Pointe, which is fine dining featuring beef and seafood; Market Place, which is modern American; Mercato, which is Italian; as well as the more casual Market Place Tavern and Beso Taco Bar.) For now, Max Zeller remains open (they have not responded to my request for details about their future plans), and there will be much more news to come. “We’re very excited about it,” Hawli said.

976-978 Farmington Avenue has been sold to Market Hospitality Group. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I don’t want to pre-empt a story that I am looking forward to writing very soon, but below are a few photos that provide a sneak peek at Crush Wine Bar, which will be opening next to Union Kitchen in the former Halfway (and prior to that Wurst Haus and McLaddens) space at 37 LaSalle Road. Kerri-Lee Mayland, along with Peter Robbin of LCR Interiors (formerly in West Hartford, now in Avon) designed the French- and Italian-inspired space for the soon-to-open wine bar, which is also part of Bean Restaurant Group and the sister business to Union Kitchen next door. Vish Badami, who is the general manager of Crush and remains overall manager of Union Kitchen, said Crush will be opening as soon as the town completes a few more inspections. If you ever went to McLaddens, or either of the concepts that followed it, you will be absolutely shocked that it’s the same space, particularly if you recall anything about the back room at McLaddens. Crush appears much larger, although there are still distinct spaces and nooks within those spaces – and includes a lounge, the bar area, and two additional rooms that can host private events – each with its own take on the overall style. The furnishings are all hand-picked, and intended to invoke the feel of each individual space, including the doors to the larger of the private rooms, which were repurposed from a historic country club in northern Maine. “We get so many requests for private events [at Union Kitchen],” Badami said, and with the two private spaces (one seats 28 and the other seats 12) they will be able to accommodate those events at Crush, and also host wine tastings. Badami’s wife, Jill Feldman – a West Hartford native who has been the assistant general manager at Union Kitchen for about a year – has taken his place as Union Kitchen’s general manager, and chef Tim East has moved to Crush where he has curated a menu of sharable, seasonally-inspired, reasonably-priced small plates (more on that when it opens) that complements the rotating wine list. “I’m very excited – anxious to get going,” Badami said.

The green subway tile in the entryway sparked the color scheme for the entire space. Crush Wine Bar is opening at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crush Wine Bar is opening at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Kerri-Lee Mayland of LCR Interiors shows off the space in the center of Crush Wine Bar, which includes a French chandelier, an olive tree, a vintage wine jug, and custom drapery. Crush Wine Bar is opening at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The back room, which seats 12 and can be rented for private parties. Crush Wine Bar is opening at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crush Wine Bar is opening at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Crush Wine Bar is opening at 37 LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• NBT Bank has donated $10,000 to Futures Inc. to support their upcoming fashion show. Andreas Kapetanopolous, regional president of NBT Connecticut, presented a very generous donation of $10,000 to Futures Inc. on Friday in front of Good Cause Gifts at 973 Farmington Avenue in West Hartford Center. Good Cause Gifts – which also has stores in Berlin and at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain – is a social enterprise business supporting Futures Inc., which is an ARC affiliate providing services and opportunities for people with disabilities. NBT is the title sponsor of Futures Inc’s annual fundraiser, The Fashion Show Gala, which will be held this year on Nov. 7, 2024 at the Aqua Turf in Southington. Futures Inc. is headquartered in West Hartford, and operates multiple programs including a school.

NBT Bank has donated $10,000 to Futures, Inc. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Walking back to the car after the Park Road Parade I spotted a contractor working on the Park Lane Pizza property. “Two weeks” was the estimate he provided for when the work will be done. There is definitely visible progress with the replacement of the siding.

Park Lane Pizza on Oct. 6, 2024. Getting close! Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• I drove by the future Dollar Tree location at 940 South Quaker Lane on Sunday. The parking lot is being paved and there is a “coming soon” banner on the door. I have not been able to find anyone who knows whether or not the existing location at 176 Newington Road will remain open. I am working on getting details about the mystery of the “ELM” sign and will share that as soon as I can.

Dollar Tree is getting ready to open soon at 940 South Quaker Lane. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• A loyal reader shared with me that Donut Crazy had a sign on the door indicating it was closed temporarily – and I have confirmed it is just temporary. West Hartford franchise owner Irene Luaices said they should reopen by the end of next week.

Donut Crazy is closed temporarily. Courtesy photo

• All three Delamar Hotels in Connecticut – including the Delamar West Hartford – have been recognized in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 as part of the Top 25 Best Hotels in New England. “Delamar Hotels are the only properties in Connecticut to make this prestigious list, exemplifying our commitment to providing outstanding hospitality and guest experiences. This recognition reinforces Delamar’s position as a leading luxury hotel brand in the region,” Delamar announced in a news release. The company is preparing to open hotels in Mystic and Westport in the coming months as well.

Delamar Hotel. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• Excel Fitness, which has been in its current location at 589 New Park Avenue since 2007, is moving its services to 9 Tolles St., West Hartford, CT 06110. The company shared the following announcement: “In business for 17 years, Excel Fitness has been committed to providing a clean, friendly environment for all fitness levels. It is a locally owned company that gives back to the community of West Hartford through fundraising and donations. Excel Fitness owner Jeff Roux and trainers Neda Raouf, Colin Massie and Matt Guerrera will work closely with and within Plus One Defense Systems fitness center and its owner Darin Reisler. Excel will continue to focus on delivering the highest quality in-person personal training services while growing its online and in-home personal training sessions. Silver sneakers, Active and Fit and Renew Active will be available at this location. An Open House to see the facility and meet the staff is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 11, 1-2 p.m. Excel will continue operating its business as usual, until its last day of operations at the 589 New Park Ave. location on Dec. 31, 2024. Anyone interested in purchasing fitness equipment and furnishings should contact Jeff at 860-922-0786.

Jeff Roux opened Excel Fitness in 2007. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• The former Bank of America building at 1161 New Britain Avenue in Elmwood has been vacant since the branch closed in 2021 is finally up for sale. The roughly 2,200-square-foot building, constructed in 1963, is listed by CBRE, and does not specify a price. “The subject property is located in a BC zone, with permitted uses including a wide variety of retail, personal and professional services, restaurants and educational services, as well as general and medical office and municipal buildings,” the listing states.

Former Bank of America building, 1161 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• While on the topic of banks, the Santander Bank in the Boulevard Shops (1040 Boulevard) has closed, but there is a new location for the ATM. According to one of our loyal readers, the ATM is now located on the Prospect Avenue side of the shopping center, next to the smoke shop and H&R Block. It’s available daily from 7 a.m.. to 11 p.m.
• And speaking of H&R Block, the sign for Block Advisors has been relocated from 60 LaSalle Road two spaces up to 56 LaSalle Road. As of Friday, the office seemed to still be at the former location.

H&R Block Advisors is in the process of moving a few spaces north on LaSalle Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

H&R Block Advisors is in the process of moving a few spaces north on LaSalle Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• Westfarms will be hosting the fifth annual Mall-O-Ween event on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Bring children dressed in costume and walk the Boo-levard at Westfarms. Open to the public and free of charge, families will be greeted by a clown, magician, princess, and more delightful surprises along the route. Each participant with receive a Mall-O-Ween bag from our presenting sponsor, Comcast Xfinity, to collect candy from Westfarms retailers and its partners. 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,” the shopping center announced in a news release. The event line will close at 12:45 p.m.

Courtesy image

• Connecticut Home Interiors has sold their warehouse building at 453 New Park Avenue. The Hartford Business Journal, which first shared the news, reported Friday on the sale at just over $1 million through the site Ten-X, but online records with the town show that it was sold to New Park Gem LLC for $960,000. We reported in July that Tom Hall, 81, the owner of Connecticut Home Interiors, is looking to wind down operations and retire. He will be leasing back the 453 New Park Avenue space for the next year, and HBJ reported that the main Connecticut Home Interiors location, at 830 Farmington Avenue, will also be auctioned on Ten-X with live bidding set for Nov. 18.

Connecticut Home Interiors warehouse, 453 New Park Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• West Hartford United Methodist Church, 1358 New Britain Avenue, will be holding its annual Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. “Indulge a little in the Bakery Booth featuring a mouthwatering selection of breads, cakes, cookies and more! Other features include beautiful handmade items from local crafters and church members, including miniature Christmas trees! The popular Online Silent Auction Bidding is Oct. 12-20 (www.biddingowl.com/pumpkinfestival) to browse and register.” There are free booths available for crafters for 10% of the day’s sales, maximum $50. Call/text 860 798-7123 for more information.

‘Pumpkins with a Mission’ of all shapes and sizes are now for sale at the West Hartford United Methodist Church on New Britain Avenue. photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

• MakerspaceCT celebrated its fifth anniversary in downtown Hartford on Saturday night Sept. 28 with a well-attended gala that featured live music, dinner, a Robot Battle Royale, opening remarks by State Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, and a panel of program participants highlighting MakerspaceCT’s growing array of educational programs for youth and adults. The Robot Battle was hosted and emceed by News 8 Meteorologist Ashley Baylor and the master of ceremonies was WTIC Radio’s Brian Shactman. The music – to enthusiastic, rave reviews – was provided by four outstanding musicians from Hall High School – Chloe Madrak on sax, Catherine Zher on bass, Julia Wickless on piano, and Nathan BenAri on drums. MakerspaceCT – the second largest in New England – is a skills development center for makers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, members and students. The 28,000 square foot workshop in the iconic G. Fox Building in downtown Hartford is a place for area residents, students, hobbyists, aspiring innovators, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs to access the tools, technology, resources and educational opportunities they need to succeed in the state’s manufacturing and technology workforce.www.makerspacect.org.

Hall High School musicians perform at MakerspaceCT. Courtesy photo

• On Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, Golden Aged Homecare – located at 324 Prospect Avenue (right across the line from West Hartford on the east side of the street) of will be hosting a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Leading up to that date, the team will be pounding the pavement with what Office Coordinator Nadien Burrell said is the “promotion extravaganza!” Each Saturday (it began on Saturday, Oct. 5), the will be showcasing their services to the community in a “fun-filled, but informative fashion. We have a wide, open, and inviting front yard, which is strategically located near the corner of Prospect and Park avenues. On each of these Saturdays, we expect to have on our grounds, tents where persons can walk in, sit with members of our team, and be provided with information about the services we offer. We are currently working on getting a health truck to also be on location. The hope is that this health truck will be able to administer flu vaccines, as well as hemoglobin A1C, and blood pressure checks. There will be prizes and surprises.” Among the expected guests at the ribbon cutting on Oct. 26 will be West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Christopher Clarke, Pastor Norman Swaby, of the Calvary Church of God, and Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam. “With humility, we embrace the story behind this location. We believe the story itself is symbolic of what can arise from love and caring intervention. This sounds like US. It sounds like what G.A.H.C is about. Our mandate is to, through compassionate, professional care, improve the lives of those we serve. We care deeply about restoring our clients’ sense of independence. We understand that many individuals; especially our treasured geriatric population, are more inclined to contribute to their own care if this care is administered within their own homes. For more than a decade, 324 Prospect Ave has been an eyesore to passers-by of this busy thoroughfare. Its dilapidated remains covered with graffiti, held no hopeful prospect. However, today, this same location is now home to a new and attractive structure, Golden Aged Homecare. This transformed, newly renovated building, now houses a clean and inviting main office where individuals are welcome to sit with our courteous team, to discuss unique packages that are best suited for their specific needs. Included in our space is a simulation room that is designed to provide immersive learning experiences for our caregivers. Golden Aged Homecare, coupled with the services we provide is our gift to Hartford and neighboring communities.  Therefore, with great pride, we invite the public to join us in cutting the ribbon as we officially open our doors to a new chapter of community development on Saturday, October 26, 2024.”

Golden Aged Homecare at 324 Prospect Ave. Courtesy photo

“Before” view of 324 Prospect Avenue. Courtesy photo

The Golden Aged Homecare team at the new location. Courtesy photo

• The West Hartford-based Aurora Women and Girls Foundation announced in a news release that they are delighted to announce that Anisah Colón-Simon has joined the staff as the part-time Program Officer for the Young Women’s Initiative, a new leadership-development program for high school girls of color based at the New Britain YWCA. It is the first of its kind in Connecticut. Colón-Simon, a Hartford native, has extensive experience in community service, program coordination, and youth engagement in Hartford and in Middletown, where she is a senior at Wesleyan University majoring in American Studies with a concentration in Racial & Ethnic Politics. She is also double minoring in Caribbean Studies and Human Rights Advocacy. Since 2022, she has served as Local Interagency Service Team Coordinator, Grant Coordinator and Project Manager for the Middletown Youth Service Bureau. She has also been a Board member of Hartford Promise since 2023. And, this past summer she juggled two different internships: one as a Teaching Assistant at the Wesleyan Center for Prison Education, and the other for FRESH New London, a food justice non-profit. “We are thrilled to welcome Anisah to the Aurora team. She brings experience with youth education and community organizing, as well as a passionate commitment to leadership development for young women. She will be a fabulous role model and mentor,” said Aurora Executive Director Jennifer Steadman, Ph.D. “I am so happy to be working at Aurora,” said Colón-Simon. “As a Puerto Rican woman who grew up in a low-income neighborhood, it was opportunities like the ones Aurora provides to young women that helped me get to where I am today. I’m inspired by Aurora’s commitment to supporting women, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to contribute to their mission.”

Anisah Colón-Simon. Courtesy photo

• ICYMI, I recently met with the manager and checked out the new beem Light Sauna in Blue Back Square. Read the complete story here.
• The Next Chapter, the used bookstore at 13 South Main Street that is operated by the West Hartford Public Schools post-secondary students, had a celebration Friday of its third anniversary and launch of a book written and illustrated by students in the program. Click here for the details.

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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