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

Wishing a happy and healthy Rosh Hashanah to all who celebrate! The celebration of the Jewish New Year 5786 begins at sunset tonight. Due to the holiday, the West Hartford Town Council is meeting on Monday, Sept. 29 rather than this Tuesday.

Autumn officially arrives today at 2:19 p.m. Sigh. It’s not that I don’t like the beauty of the changing leaves, or the crisp mornings followed by warm days, or pumpkins and mums. I even like the woodsy smell of the leaves decaying on the ground. What makes me saddest about autumn is that it’s followed by winter – not the pretty snow globe type of winter, but the leafless trees and brown grass and diminished daylight.

In addition to the change of season, my mood is also very negatively affected by what I (and most people I know) view as the recent stifling of first amendment rights like the forced suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show. I like to use this space for a bit of editorializing – generally not political – and feel fortunate that We-Ha.com is not beholden to corporate or other interests that might seek to silence us. Yes, we are supported by advertisers and sponsors, but our focus is, and will continue to be, reporting the local news with as objective and unbiased an approach as possible. Freedom of speech is one of the most critical tenets of our democracy and current actions on a national level are extremely worrisome.

In the meantime, in addition to plugging along and covering the news of West Hartford and training for the half marathon, I will try to revel in the beauty of this new season – attending sporting events, running in the crisp morning air, and enjoying pumpkin chocolate chip muffins with my pumpkin spice coffee (the Trader Joe’s coffee that just has the spices added – no syrup for me).

Among the stories I covered this past week was the annual “Breakfast on the Bridge” – one of my favorite events to cover because it highlights the collaboration of so many who support our local children and their families.

I’m feeling stronger and fitter thanks to my training sessions with Jon Camacho at The Lift Effect, and honestly enjoyed my 12-mile run on the Simsbury rail trail on Saturday morning. It’s such a beautiful and shady (and flat!) place to run, and thanks to our Fleet Feet coaches for organizing a post race picnic. (Having a good run was also probably impacted by not attending a wine dinner the night before and instead eating pasta at home!)

We also enjoyed a great tailgate and a-bit-too-exciting-for-comfort UConn football game on Saturday afternoon (a win is a win!). Exhaustion set in by Saturday evening, but before I was fully swallowed up by the comfort of my couch we enjoyed some comfort food at Black Bamboo. The Kilwins ice cream photo is from earlier in the week.

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.

No trolls this week, and thank you to all who 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:

• Just two months ago I was excited to write about the plans unveiled by Journey Home to move forward with the launch of a social enterprise business, and I’m now even more excited to be able to share that the thrift store, Home for Good, will soon be a reality with the securing of what appears to be the perfect location. I got a tour of the new space on Friday morning, just after Sara Salomons Wilson, Journey Home’s deputy director, and Tina Heffernan, who will manage the store, picked up the keys after signing the lease the day before. And the location – 591 New Park Avenue – could not be more convenient since it’s just diagonally across the driveway of Journey Home’s existing space at 595 New Park Avenue. “There are so many reasons why this all makes sense for us,” Wilson said. Heffernan has an extensive background in retail and merchandise, including working with start-ups and new store openings, and has been a friend to and involved with Journey Home for many years. When she went to an initial launch event for the social enterprise thrift store in June, Heffernan knew this was the perfect next step in her career and a way she could use her skills to best help the organization. “It’s retail, but retail for good,” Heffernan said, and will create a revenue stream for Journey Home as well as an outlet for volunteers and a community gathering spot where they can also host DIY events, etc. Finding the space so close to the existing location which operates as a furniture bank – receiving furniture that is then chosen by and delivered to individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness – “was a win for us.” Heffernan said the proximity will give her the opportunity to be easily connected to both sides of the business, and can also introduce thrifters to the mission of Journey Home. “It gives me an idea of what the clients need when moving into their new homes, and what they can’t us,” she said – and those are the items that will be sold at the Home for Good thrift store. It could be decorative items such as artwork, plastic plants, antiques, and items that are donated but can’t be used – high-valued antiques, too-large dining room tables, sofas longer than 80 inches, sleepers, futons, recliners, desks, anything with a glass top, outdoor furniture, or large rugs. Heffernan is an employee (she started work a week ago), the business will otherwise be run by volunteers through a similar arrangement to the Village’s Second Chance Shops, and will be a good opportunity for those who would like to volunteer for Journey Home in a role that doesn’t involve moving heavy furniture. While the 2,700 square feet is smaller than what they were originally looking for, there are opportunities for expansion. It has a loading dock, and several large windows, and for a nonprofit that operates on a very lean budget, it “was an affordable option for us compared to other retail space in town,” said Wilson. The dream initially became closer to reality after Hartford Foundation for Public Giving chose Journey Home as one of four beneficiaries each eligible for a $30,000 match toward start-up capital. They are now about halfway to the goal of raising a total of $176,000, and Wilson is hopeful that having a physical space will spur a new flurry of donations. The space did not have an HVAC system, but that’s being installed this week, and there is other construction to be done including the removal of interior walls, but the goal is to have a soft opening on Dec. 1 and grand opening on Dec. 5.

• The long-awaited groundbreaking for Center Park Place was held on Friday morning, and construction is underway for the 58-unit luxury condominium development being developed by the Arapahoe Group that will completely transform what is currently an under-utilized asphalt parking lot behind 27-43 and 53-65 LaSalle Road and 1001 Farmington Avenue in the heart of West Hartford Center. The development team includes Bruce and Harris Simons, Manafort Brothers, and Lexham Private Investors. “This project represents something deeply personal to us,” Bruce Simons, who along with his brother is a lifelong West Hartford resident, said at the groundbreaking as he thanked all of those who have helped get the project to this point. “Today marks a historic milestone for West Hartford Center,” Simons said. “Our vision has been simple but ambitious, to bring elevated condominium living to West Hartford’s vibrant center, redefined by world class amenities … at a crossroad between the bustling and vibrant area of the Center and the town’s beautiful residential neighborhoods.” It will be a transition, “a juxtaposition between the buzz of nightlife and these quiet neighborhoods that give us a sense of home and belonging,” said Simons. Cantor said this is a landmark project and a transformational development and investment by a team with a long-time commitment to the town. West Hartford is not where it is nationally by chance, she said, but rather “because of the incredible work we have done balancing vibrancy with quality of life.” Connecticut’s rental costs are going up at one of the fastest rates of any place in the country, because of supply, and “this is an important piece of the puzzle,” Cantor said. It’s part of the town’s strategic plan to develop underutilized parcels, to bring in people to support existing businesses, and to form a link between the residential and commercial areas of town. Also, she said, it’s an important way of “getting rid of some of the stickiness of housing.” There are residents who may be ready to give up their larger homes but want a luxury option in town that doesn’t otherwise exist. It’s a way to impact the chain of availability and lack of supply for people at various phases in their lives, to be an option so they can “sell their homes to a family that might live in a more modest home and free up a home that could be a starter home for somebody else,” Cantor said. Kate D’Addabbo, the listing agent with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, said Friday that Center Park Place is a “landmark addition to West Hartford Center,” that “opens the door to a new standard of luxury in West Hartford Center,” and provides a rare option to live in the Center. “Opportunities like this are truly scarce,” she said, to have a modern home in a location that offers a luxury pool, deck, concierge lobby, onsite fitness, and private parking, with the benefits of the Center right outside the door. According to D’Addobbo, they are currently in the process of converting reservations into sales for the units, and she is looking forward to the first residents moving in during 2027. Pre-construction pricing begins at $1.2 million. I’ll be following the progress of the construction, and more information about Center Park Place can be found on their website.

• The Blue Back Burger Bash (say that five time fast) return this Thursday, Sept. 25, from 5-7 p.m. in Blue Back Square! I’m excited to return for the third year as one of the guest judges of the burgers – and not only is it a chance to taste some delicious food, most importantly, the event benefits Connecticut Foodshare. Tickets are $15 each (click here to purchase in advance) for a sample from each participating restaurant and a chance to also vote for the “peoples’ choice” best burger. The rain date is Friday, Sept. 26.

• Congratulations to West Hartford resident Dan O’Brien, the founder and former owner of UBERDOG Dog Playcare & Hotel (which he sold in 2023), who is the new owner of Fatty’s Skis and Boards. For 58 years, Fatty’s, located in Canton, has been a prominent name in the Connecticut ski and snowboard scene, stated a press release announcing the acquisition. “Dan brings with him an immense passion for the ski and snowboard industry along with 16-years of previous small business expertise …” the news release states. “Fatty’s is a third generation shop with a full-service boot fitting floor, full-service tuning shop, walls full of different brands of skis and snowboards, apparel for all ages and styles, and a staff unlike anywhere else.” According to O’Brien, “What makes Fatty’s really special is its commitment to providing the very best customer experience, having the most knowledgeable staff, and offering the latest in gear. Fatty’s is unlike any other ski and snowboard shop in the area and that’s why customers come back season after season.” There are not planned changes to staff or daily operations. “We are thrilled longtime owner/operator, Bruce Freedman, will stay on at the shop to ensure that this transition happens smoothly. Bruce’s commitment to his business and his community is nothing short of inspiring,” O’Brien said.

• The WeHa Whiskey Festival, presented by West Hartford-based Maximum Beverage, returns for its 12th year on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Tumble Brook Country Club (376 Simsbury Road, Bloomfield). According to the website, this year’s event will feature “over 200 different kinds of Whiskey, Bourbon, Single Malt Scotch as well as Rum, Tequila, Gin, Vodka, Cocktails and more! The upscale menu will be created and catered by the chef at Tumble Brook along with live entertainment.” Live entertainment will be provided by Pangea Worldbeat, “a 7-piece genre-bending ensemble that weaves psychedelic textures into a swirling fusion of Afrobeat, Funk, Soul, and Psych-Rock.” Proceeds from this year’s WeHa Whiskey Festival will benefit Maximum Charities, a newly-formed organization that supports local nonprofits including Friends of Feeney. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

• All day brunch spot The Friendly Toast is partnering with popular singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. On Sept. 15, The Friendly Toast debuted a new fall specials menu at all locations, including the West Hartford restaurant at 36 LaSalle Road, featuring items inspired by Noah Kahan songs and lyrics, with proceeds benefitting The Busyhead Project, an initiative aimed at raising money for organizations specializing in mental health awareness and resources that since 2023 has raised more than $4 million for 164 community-based organizations. “Our new fall specials were each crafted to highlight all the best flavors of the season – and what makes them even more meaningful is they help us give back to an incredible nonprofit organization,” Staci Pinard, CEO, The Friendly Toast said in a news release. “Partnering with The Busyhead Project allows us to connect our communities with important mental health resources and remind people they are never alone, which is an important message to spread always, but especially now, as September is National Suicide Prevention Month. We’re excited for our guests to experience these creative menu items inspired by New England’s very own Noah Kahan, while joining us in helping to end the stigma around mental health.” As part of the partnership, The Friendly Toast will also feature The Busyhead Project Community Wall in each of its restaurant locations, giving guests the opportunity to choose from five mental health-inspired prompts and to add their own handwritten notes to the Community Wall in an effort to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Special menu items include ‘Stick Season’ed Stack, Waffle Be Here Forever, She Calls Me BBQ, ‘Northern Attitude’ Breakfast, and the Don’t ‘Dial Drunk’ Flight. For more information on The Friendly Toast’s menu, operating hours or locations, visit www.thefriendlytoast.com.

• I finally heard back from someone at Paris Baguette about the opening of the Corbin’s Corner location, but unfortunately there weren’t any details other than “no set opening date yet but coming soon!” When I went to Trader Joe’s last week the door happened to be open, and there is definitely more left to be done with the build-out.

• While in Corbin’s Corner I checked on two Corbin Collection build-outs – the progress of Level99 (slated to open late this year or in early 2026) and to see if there was any work yet on Angel Land (Special Use permit approved by TPZ in August). There does not appear to be anything happening yet in the former Buybuy Baby space (which will be Angel Land), but from below I could see that construction appears to be well underway on Level99.

• The roadway reclamation phase of the West Hartford Center Infrastructure Master Plan is well underway, and last week LaSalle Road was temporarily converted to one-way only headed southbound while work takes place on the east side of the roadway. As soon as that’s complete – in another week, perhaps less since town officials said things are going well – work will shift to the west side, and traffic will be northbound only for the next two weeks until the project is completed. Some business owners in the Center are very upset about the disruption – which has also delayed the sidewalk work on the east side of LaSalle – so please support our local retailers and restaurants as much as you can during this time. Also, parking is free for now on LaSalle Road and Farmington Avenue!

• Great progress on the construction of the new Animal Control facility on Brixton Street. The contractor indicated last week that walls would soon be rising, and indeed that’s the case!

• 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 the confusion and for not immediately having the answers. 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.

Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].

• Did you know …

• ICYMI, the good news, several West Hartford arts and culture organizations were thrilled to receive grants from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving – unrestricted funds that they didn’t apply for and didn’t expect. Read all about it here.
• ICYMI, the not-so-good-news, Gina Luari, a West Hartford resident and owner of multiple local restaurants including The Place 2 Be, was arrested last week on felony charges related to writing bad checks totaling more than $10,000. She’s not only facing criminal charges, but many other lawsuits are in progress, most connected to nonpayment of rent at various locations. Click here for details.

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