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
Wow, it’s Dec. 16. I’ve got a lot of Christmas shopping left to do, but at least my house and tree are finally fully decorated.
Winter officially arrives next Saturday, Dec. 21, at 4:21 a.m. – the longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. While the latest sunrise (due to Daylight Saving Time) is actually the morning of the end of Daylight Saving Time (in November), the amount of daylight is shortest at the winter solstice. On Sunday in West Hartford, the sun rose at 7:11 a.m. and set at 4:21 p.m. – giving us 9 hours and 10 minutes of daylight. During this coming week, the sunrise gets a bit later, but sunset doesn’t actually get any earlier. In fact by Saturday, Dec. 21, sunset is at 4:23 p.m. – but sunrise is at 7:14 p.m. – so we have one less minute of daylight earlier in the week. Sunrise will actually continue to get a bit later following the solstice. (to 7:17 a.m.), but we start gaining minutes at the end of the day and eventually will have noticeably longer days.
It was a week full of holiday celebrations, including parties on Friday and Saturday night, but we also took the time to participate in what I thought was a really meaningful holiday experience – Wreaths Across America at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. It was the first time I had ever been part of the laying of wreaths on the graves of veterans, and it was heartwarming to see hundreds of volunteers of all ages involved on a frosty cold morning (there may have been well over a thousand people there, but it was really spread out). My sister’s boyfriend, Carmine, organized our group that included his siblings and their families, as well as Katie and Matt and our grandson. The cemetery looked starkly beautiful after the wreaths were in place. My dad is buried at the Veterans Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida, and I hope volunteers place wreaths there as well.
Wreaths Across America at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Most of us warmed up over lunch at Concentric Brewing Co. (right across the bridge in Portland) where I had never been – but I definitely want to return.
Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Burger at Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Chicken sandwich at Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tacos at Concentric Brewing Co., Portland. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Since we knew we were going to be at parties both Friday and Saturday nights and haven’t had much opportunity lately to support our local restaurants, Ted and I enjoyed a fabulous mid-week dinner at Treva in the Center. I am still thinking about both the calamari we split and my scallops (and the taste of Ted’s gnocchi).
Chef’s Calamari Saute at Treva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Pettini at Treva (scallops, wild mushroom, crispy shallots, polenta). Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Gnocchi at Treva (sausage, broccoli rabe, calabrian chili, pecorino). Photo credit: Ronni Newton
We’ve got a number of events this coming week as well – and lots more eating to do – but I’m still trying hard to keep up with my exercise routine, too!
We will have our regular schedule of newsletters this week, but the following two weeks we will only send out newsletters on Monday (Dec. 23 and Dec. 30) and Friday (Dec. 27 and Jan. 3), since Christmas and New Year’s Day fall on Wednesdays. Also, as of now I am not planning to write a Business Buzz column on Dec. 30.
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 have information to share about local businesses, please provide details in the comments or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].
**************************************************
Here’s this week’s Buzz:
Sam Wilder is the new owner of the Elmwood Pastry Shop. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- I’m going to start this paragraph by urging readers not to be alarmed. Yes, Elmwood Pastry Shop has been sold – but while there is a young, new owner, he has great respect for the 75-year-old business and its loyal clientele, and does not want to do anything to disrupt those relationships or the legacy. Sam Wilder – a lifelong West Hartford resident – is the new owner of Elmwood Pastry Shop as of earlier this month. Wilder wasn’t too familiar with Elmwood Pastry Shop because he grew up in the north part of town, attending Aiken Elementary School and then Watkinson, but when he learned that longtime owners Richard and Caroline Winalski were looking to retire he was intrigued, and after gathering additional information and shadowing the Winalskis for a few days, he decided to move forward. “I really wanted to own a business at a young age,” said Wilder, 22, who graduated from the restaurant entrepreneurship program at Johnson & Wales a year ago. While he’s young, Wilder already has years of experience in the food and hospitality business. During the entire seven years he was at Watkinson, he helped out in the dining room, and considers the former dining manager to be one of his mentors and friends. He interned at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in New York – in all five of their restaurants – and worked as the kitchen manager at the Cadillac Ranch in Southington. And for the past five years, he was the chef at the Ferry Grill & Chill, which is open seasonally on the Rocky Hill side of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury ferry. Richard Winalski took over the Elmwood Pastry Shop from his father, who started it in 1948, and after moving a block from the parking area of the former Elm Theater, it’s been in the same spot at 1136 New Britain Avenue since 1955. The employees are remaining – and the Winalskis are staying on for now as well, with Richard supervising the baking of doughnuts, bread, and other items that are all baked fresh, daily. Any changes Wilder is planning are going to be very subtle, like implementing a new POS system (which he did immediately), and maybe some minor modernizing of dining room and updating the exterior sign. “As of right now the menu will stay the same,” he said, and although he is not a baker and has no plans to change the bakery offerings, he said at some point early next year will will put his own culinary twist on the food side, “enhancing and adding some new culinary items,” and taking advantage of the sandwiches that are all made on the bread that’s baked onsite daily, from scratch. “I want to keep it mostly the same. Consistency is important,” said Wilder, who fully respects that this is an “old school, family-style bakery” with loyal patrons – whom he has already been getting to know – who stop by for a pastry or muffin and a cup of coffee. The busiest hours are currently 8 a.m. to noon, but they are open daily, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. “I want to continue the great legacy of Elmwood Pastry Shop, so it can continue for another 75 years,” Wilder said. It was late Friday afternoon when I met with Wilder for this interview, so the shelves weren’t as fully stocked as they would be earlier in the day. I did procure that box of muffins, however, which we have been enjoying all weekend! And I will be going back to sample the sandwiches soon, too!
Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Interior of Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Muffins from Elmwood Pastry Shop. 1136 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- This is starting off as quite the sweet column, with a transition from pastry to candy! I caught up with Becky Baran, owner of Candy Time, for an update on the opening of her candy store at 1049 New Britain Avenue. I first met Baran in May, when I noticed a small sign in the window of what was formerly Estate Buys, and also received a message from a reader that the sign said “Candy Time.” She happened to pull into the parking lot while I was taking a photo, and at the time was hoping to open by the end of the summer. Turns out there was an issue with the electricity in the building, and now that everything has been resolved with the utilities, following some upcoming inspections it will be full speed ahead with the build-out. “Once the walls go up … I hope to be fully up and going by Valentine’s Day,” she said. Two new doors have already been installed, and the double door – replacing what was a garage door – on the right, will lead straight into the retail area. The other door will lead to the workshop, where she plans to host birthday parties as well as events for adults – tied to candy and sweets, of course. In the meantime, Baran is relying on her online operations. “I’ve turned my website right now into a holiday shop,” she said, and is offering gift baskets (ideal for teacher and hostess gifts, she said), stocking stuffers, and even dog treats. There’s a “road trip” basket as well, that includes toys like fidgets to keep kids occupied. Candy doesn’t take up much space, and Baran will also be offering a toys and games. Without her store being ready, the inventory has taken over her house – she has lots of Swedish candy right now – but she is delivering locally and can also ship anywhere in the country. Click here for the website, where orders can be placed. You can also sign up for email updates.
Candy Time will be opening in early 2025 at 1049 New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Candy Time logo. Courtesy image
- Congratulations to Billy Grant and Restaurant Bricco on the very well-deserved honor of being named the Hartford Country Restaurant of the Year at the 2024 Connecticut Restaurant Association’s CRAZIES last Monday! Eli Hawli and his business partner Sam DeVellis of Market Hospitality Group – who are planning to open two restaurants (Mercato and Blu Pointe – news I broke in this column last week) were also honored at the CRAZIES as Restaurateurs of the Year!
Restaurant Bricco owner Billy Grant at the 25th anniversary of his West Hartford restaurant on Jan. 18, 2021. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
- Congratulations to Sichuan Alley (627 New Park Avenue) on their ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town officials last week. In case you missed it, I wrote a full feature story about the “modern” Chinese restaurant that opened this fall (click here). The food and cocktails are great, and the transformed space is beautiful!
Sichuan Alley ribbon cutting. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- The West Hartford Center Business Association raised $20,650 for the Ron Foley Foundation this year, funds that will go toward awareness and fighting pancreatic cancer. This is the third year The Center has partnered with the Ron Foley Foundation for the We Care Card program, supporting the West Hartford-based organizations mission to advocate for early detection, support innovative research, and provide compassion and resources to those affected by pancreatic cancer. Those who participated in the fundraiser, which took place in November, donated $50 to the Ron Foley Foundation and got up to 20% off at the participating West Hartford Center businesses for the entire 10-day duration of the We Care card event. In addition many of the West Hartford Center landlords contribute to the total funds raised. Barbara Foley, Founder and President of the Ron Foley Foundation, spoke about partnering with The Center, saying, “From the day the Ron Foley Foundation opened our doors in West Hartford, we have felt a part of an amazingly warm and supportive community. What an honor it is to again be the We Care Card partner in 2024.” West Hartford Center and the Ron Foley Foundation would like to thank everyone who purchased a We Care Card this year, said Kimberly Moster, owner of Kimberly Boutique and Kimberly Gift, and president of the West Hartford Center Business Association.
We Care Card check presentation. Courtesy photo
- Progress continues on Sally’s Apizza inside the Jordan’s Furniture store at Westfarms! I’ve requested an update from my contact at Sally’s on the opening plans, and hope to have that for next week’s column.
Build-out underway at Sally’s Apizza at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- Just Salad, which is building out their space in Bishops Corner, now has the West Hartford location listed among the locations “coming soon.” I’ll be watching for news of an opening date!
Just Salad will be opening at 2538 Albany Avenue in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- Chick-fil-A doesn’t seem as far along with their build-out in the former McDonald’s in Bishops Corner. I’m continuing to check on that project as well.
Construction at future Chick-fil-A in Bishops Corner. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
- The status of Salsa Fresca in Bishops Corner remains questionable, and the company has not been responsive to questions from me, or from the town. But since the property owner shows the 6,437 square foot space as available on their leasing plan (thanks to CT Scoop for the tip), the fast casual restaurant is likely not reopening.
Salsa Fresca. 345 North Main Street, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
- According to a report in CT Insider last week (note that I am properly giving credit to the news organization that first reported on this story), the JCPenney at Westfarms is one of three of the company’s mall stores in Connecticut going up for sale in January. The article indicates that the stores plan to remain open. As I reported in an article about Westfarms’ 50th anniversary in October, JCPenney is one of two original stores at the shopping center.
JCPenney, one of the original tenants at Westfarms. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
-
The Bridge Family Center has welcomed West Hartford resident Caitlin Arnold to its Board of Directors. According to a news release, for the past 10 years, Arnold has worked at Bank of America Private Bank. She began her career as an officer, philanthropic administration and is currently senior vice president, senior trust officer. In this role, Arnold focuses on the complex financial needs of wealthy individuals and families – as well as institutions – helping to manage and preserve wealth across generations. “The Bridge is very excited to welcome Caitlin to the Board. Her extensive experience in philanthropic management will be a tremendous asset as we raise funds for our vital programs and services,” Bridge Family Center Executive Director Margaret Hann said in a statement. Arnold has a degree in history and economics from the College of the Holy Cross.
Caitlin Arnold. Courtesy photo
- Vinny DiNatale of West Hartford has been a Big Brother with nonprofit mentoring agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut (BBBSCT) for the past 14 years, having mentored three children and helping them reach their fullest potential. Since 2013, DiNatale has led the Cram the Van Toy Drive, a donation event held out of the Richard’s Irving gas station in South Glastonbury, where the community drops off new and unwrapped toys and gift cards for youth ages 6 to 18 enrolled in BBBSCT’s mentoring programs. “It’s all about the kids,” DiNatale said in a news release. Along with Glastonbury Public Schools bus drivers and volunteers from Glastonbury High School’s key club, he helped countless children in need receive toys on Dec. 7. A volunteer dressed as the Grinch greeted kids and parents as they arrived to donate toys to Little Brothers and Sisters. “Everyone appreciates that they can give back through volunteering,” said DiNatale. “They come out and see that it’s real and makes an impact. Our bus drivers believe in it and they know the cause. For me, it fills my heart to know I can help, especially seeing the gratitude that families have when they bring their kids or grandkids to come pick out a toy. Knowing that BBBSCT has made a positive impact on DiNatale’s life by giving him the opportunity to be a role model through one-to-one mentoring relationships, he was inspired to make a similar impact on youth and support the organization through his toy drive. “Everybody is happy with this event,” he said. “I frequently stop and think about how people who may not be able to afford toys otherwise are grateful. It means a lot to me. With everybody’s help, it goes a long way to give back. I think it was my calling.” This holiday season, BBBSCT is seeking more adult mentors to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youth. For more information about becoming a Big, visit Be a Big – New – Big Brothers Big Sisters of CT.
Vinnie DeNatale at Cram the Van for BBBSCT. Courtesy photo
- Repeating this blurb: If you’re looking for West Hartford-related holiday gifts, we’ve got you covered! “We have it all” is our tagline, and We-Ha.com is offering t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, blankets, tote bags, water bottles, coffee mugs, and stemless wine glasses that all have the name of our favorite town and the tagline. And they’re affordable. (And, we know some of you hate the “WeHa” nickname which we did not create, but don’t worry – West Hartford is spelled out on all the merchandise.) A sample is in the photo below, and you can click here or on the photo, or on the ad on the site to browse and purchase. I don’t have any of these items yet – hint, hint …
West Hartford merchandise!
On the Scene podcast logo
- Yemerica is now open in West Hartford Center! I had to try it as soon as possible, and loved the change of pace from my usual plain black coffee. Here’s the complete story!
Remember, if you have any business news to share, add it in the comments section below or email Ronni Newton at [email protected].
Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.