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

By Ronni Newton

Happy Monday, and for those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah, L’shanah tovah as 5776 begins!

Now that Labor Day has passed and schools are back in session, the pace has really picked up. There’s so much business news that’s just about ready for publication (but not quite), so look for some exciting columns coming up in the next few weeks.

Thank you so much to several readers who provided tips for this week’s column. We love hearing from you!

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].

Youngs Oriental on Park Road is now Melo Minimart. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Here’s this week’s Buzz:

• We reported back in October that Young’s Oriental on Park Road was on the verge of closing, but at the last moment had been purchased by new owners who planned to keep the market open under the same name. It now appears as if Young’s, at 167 Park Rd., has closed for good and is in the process of becoming Melo Mini Mart. Thanks to one of our readers for the information!
• It’s Fall Fashion Week in West Hartford Center! Look for many of your favorite stores to be host special events, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There will be trunk shows as well as fashion shows and mannequins on display with the latest in fall fashion. Check the Center and Square Facebook page later this week for more details.
• If you’re into sewing, or are intimidated by sewing but would like to change that, you may want to check out Hartford Stitch. The West Hartford business opened in June and this fall is offering a wide variety of classes for adults as well as teens/tweens ranging from “Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine” to “Couture Decor.” Click here for the website and listing of classes.
• The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring “Healthy West Hartford” – the town’s first “healthy lifestle fair” – this Thursday from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. According to the Chamber, the event will highlight “25 local vendors in the Health and Wellness Industry presenting the latest in products and services for all ages to keep your family healthy and informed! There will be brief presentations and demonstrations on stage throughout the event, allowing attendees to get more detailed information about various topics.” The event also serves as the Chambers “Business After Hours” for the month of September, and will provide ample networking opportunities as well as healthy food and drink samples and prizes. Admission is free. Click here to register and for a list of event vendors.
• Here’s something fun, although maybe not quite as healthy as the event in the previous bullet. We’ve been informed that Besito, at 46 South Main St., will be celebrating Mexican Independence Day and National Guacamole Day on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The event will include “traditional dishes and a complimentary tequila tasting by Patron from 4 – 7 p.m.” according to a news release from Besito. Traditional Mexican specialties will be served. Also according to Besito, patrons are invited to enter a contest to win one of five $100 gift cards. Enter the photo contest on Instagram through Sept. 18 by using #BesitoGuac @BesitoMexican or sign up for emails to enter to win at www.BesitoMexican.com/Enter.
• ICYMI: The Best of West Hartford winners were revealed at a really fun event Thursday evening featuring the new comic due of Brad Drazen and Scott Slifka. Click here for the listing of winners. We’ll have a gallery of photos from the event coming in the next few days.
• Another ICYMI: The West Hartford Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance change this week that will pave the way for craft breweries to operate in West Hartford. And people will be able to bring their dogs to outdoor tasting areas. Any story that includes dogs and beer is almost perfect!

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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