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
April is coming to an end, but I do hope that we can hold onto the spring weather for a bit longer. Even when the temperatures topped 80 degrees one day last week, it was dry and still felt very pleasant.
There have been a lot of news stories to report in April, and I do hope there will be calmer times as summer approaches. I’ve covered multiple budget votes in depth this past month, attending both the Board of Education meeting where the budget was adopted (on April 1) and last week’s Town Council budget adoption meeting (April 22). In my reporting on those decisions, I think it’s important to highlight comments from each of the members – even though that makes the stories rather lengthy – because I believe it’s important for the community to know why their elected officials are voting a certain way.
The process of developing West Hartford’s budget is public, with multiple hearings and workshops – and this year the addition of community conversations. All of the elected officials (Board of Education and Town Council) are volunteers, and they spend hours delving into the budget details before casting their votes. There is typically a lot of “Monday-morning quarterbacking” by the community on social media once the budget is adopted, but it would be really great to see many more people providing constructive suggestions during the process.
It’s very easy to complain about taxes going up – and I don’t think I know anyone who relishes the idea of paying more taxes unless it’s clear that they are getting more for their money. There are a lot of very smart people in West Hartford who might have great ideas about ways the town or schools can lower its budget, and I would bet the elected officials would love to explore those suggestions. This was a very tough budget year, and keep in mind that while there is a lot of development underway in West Hartford, by statute the FY26 budget that was just approved is based on the Grand List as of Oct. 1, 2024. Over the next two years, the Grand List growth should definitely have a greater impact on the tax base.
Speaking of development, I’ll be covering the fourth installment of the public hearing on the Vessel Technologies application on Tuesday. I put my former risk management consulting hat (from my days as a client executive with Marsh & McLennan) back on for a bit over the past few weeks to explore some of the fire safety concerns that have been raised about Vessel’s unique construction. Click here to read the latest story in advance of Tuesday’s hearing.
On Saturday night Ted and I went to Encore, Playhouse on Park’s signature fundraiser. It was at the brand new Bristol Event Center, which is a beautiful facility with a great lobby area for the cocktail hour. The theme was “Pop Rocks,” and since I was going to be toting around my camera anyway, I decided to dress as “paparazzi,” which wasn’t really much of a challenge. Ted Newton decided to go as Ted “Nugent.” (Many years ago I was picking up a prescription for him at the drug store and the pharmacy tech mistakenly thought I said my husband was Ted Nugent!) It was a great event, and I’ll have the full story with my photos once I get the details about the fundraising results. In the meantime, here are a few photos of us, and some of the food that was served at the event. I regret not taking a photo of the flan that was served for dessert, but by the time I thought about it I had devoured half of it.
“Ted Nugent” and paparazzi.
Raspberry Beret was one of the signature cocktails at Encore! Pop Rocks. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Buffet dinner at Playhouse on Park’s Encore! Pop Rocks event. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Buffet dinner at Playhouse on Park’s Encore! Pop Rocks event. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Buffet dinner at Playhouse on Park’s Encore! Pop Rocks event. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Other than Encore, and a takeout poke bowl one day for lunch, we didn’t eat out last week. But I did take some photos of dishes that I prepared, including this lamb and rice bowl made with leftover roast lamb from Easter, and Sunday morning’s scrambled eggs and fresh pumpkin chocolate chip muffins!
Lamb and rice, with peppers, mushrooms, and onions and harissa. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Scrambled eggs and pumpkin chocolate chip muffins. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
I’m not going to use the troll photo this week, but will mention that as of Sunday afternoon we had one reader who wanted to comment using only a first name. I sent that person an email, and they responded and said they were not comfortable using their full name. The comment wasn’t inappropriate, but it is our policy 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 several years ago.
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:
The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
I’ve been hoping for a while to have a tour of The Byline (920 Farmington Avenue), and was so excited to have that opportunity last Wednesday. Development partners Avner Krohn and Brian Zelman provided were preparing to host prospective tenants that evening, and while the model unit was still being staged and some other items still on order, many of the spaces are complete and according to Krohn, leasing is underway, with the building about 15% leased at this time and occupancy planned for June 1 on the first three levels with the fourth floor expected to be complete sometime in July. The building has 48 units, 36 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom, with multiple floorpans, and two of the units are designated and deed-restricted affordable for those earning 80% or less than the area median income (AMI). “We’re hoping to be pretty much leased up in the next 12 weeks,” Krohn said. On the west side of the building there’s a large patio, made from poured-in-place concrete, which will be shaded by a 40-foot pergola as soon as the order arrives. Most of the units have their own balconies as well, and those on the west side of the second floor also have access to an upper-level deck. Inside, the finishes are high-end, with custom millwork accented by gold and brass finishes, and even custom-wallpaper with The Byline’s logo in one area of the lobby. The lobby also includes a lounge with a kitchen, a mailroom, and pets are very much welcome, Krohn said, as he pointed out the dog wash station that’s equipped with hot water sprayers, shampoo, and conditioner. “The idea here is for it to feel like the Upper East Side of Manhattan,” Krohn said, and to create a small, niche community the building with an urban aesthetic feel. Smart technology is in place, with tenants able to use their phones to control the HVAC and other systems. The finishes – quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, floor-to-ceiling tile in the expansive bathrooms, and closet systems – are “condo-level finishes,” Krohn said. The target market is young professionals, as well as people downsizing who may want to retain a residence in West Hartford. Krohn said his favorite units are the four on the southeast corner of the building, which feature floor-to-ceiling windows supported by structural steel. The project took more than two years to complete, complicated by supply issues for some of the exterior façade materials, but they are pleased with the results. The Byline is offering a curated package for future residents that includes discounts at area businesses (include preferred rates at the Delamar for their out-of-town visitors), and designer services and discounts from Jordan’s Furniture, which is also supplying the furniture for the model unit. “They already have all of the floor plans,” Zelman said, and are ready to assist with furnishing units. One or more commercial tenants will eventually occupy the roughly 10,000 square foot ground floor space, and there are several prospective tenants looking at it, said Krohn, who confirmed it will not be a restaurant. For more information, or to schedule a tour or receive details about rental rates, visit the website.
Developers Avner Krohn (left) and Brian Zelman in the kitchen of one of the 2-bedroom units at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
View of Trout Brook Trail from the balcony of one of the units at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
View from the balcony at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The patio on the west side of The Byline is poured-in-place concrete, and cushions and other amenities will be added. Photos credit: Ronni Newton
Corner units have floor-to-ceiling windows at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Kitchens have stainless steel appliances and high-end finishes The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Bathrooms are spacious and include high-end finishes at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
All apartments have full size washers and dryers at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A model apartment in the process of being staged The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
View from one of the balconies at The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Custom millwork and high end finishes can be found throughout The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Wallpaper custom-made with the logo in the lobby of The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Custom millwork and high end finishes can be found throughout The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Byline, 920 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The torch has been passed, with the launch of the new law firm, Franklin & Frankel LLC. At a ribbon cutting on Thursday, April 24, the transition was celebrated outside their 68 South Main Street office by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce and other town leaders with the passing of the torch by now-retired founder Scott Franklin. Now led by West Hartford attorney Aaron Frankel, Franklin & Frankel LLC, is dedicated to serving businesses and individuals throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts. The firm builds on the remarkable legacy of attorney Scott Franklin’s practice, Scott B. Franklin & Associates, which served clients in the region for nearly 40 years. “I grew up in this community and have served it for much of my professional career in both government and as a lawyer. I trained as a lawyer at two big firms in Boston working for both innovative startups and publicly-traded companies, but I’m thrilled to be launching this new firm right here in my hometown,” said Frankel. “I’ve had the privilege of working with and being mentored by Scott Franklin in his firm and I’m honored to carry on his legacy into the future.” Franklin will continue to be of counsel, ensuring that Franklin & Frankel continues to benefit from his knowledge and experience. “I couldn’t be happier knowing that Aaron will be taking extraordinary care of my clients for many years to come, and that he will help move the law practice technologically into the 21st Century,” said Franklin. Franklin & Frankel will continue to benefit from the skill and experience of longtime paralegals Terri Dolecki, Kelly Finlay, and Krysta Menard-Tanguay who each worked with Franklin for many years. Rounding out the team, the firm is pleased to announce the addition of attorney Suzanne Neville, who will serve the firm’s estate planning and real estate clients, and Tess Gagnon, who will be managing the firm’s marketing and operations. Franklin & Frankel LLC provides personalized legal counsel in the areas of business, estate planning and probate, and real estate law. Whether representing business owners as they form, grow, and negotiate key transactions, or working with individuals as they buy and sell real estate or plan for and protect their legacies through estate planning, the firm’s approach is always tailored to the unique needs of each client. “We love working one-on-one with clients and coming up with personal and creative solutions to problems large and small,” said Frankel. For more information about Franklin & Frankel LLC or to schedule a consultation, please visit www.franklawllc.com or contact (email protected).
Ribbon cutting for Franklin & Frankel, 68 South Main Street. April 24, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Ribbon cutting for Franklin & Frankel, 68 South Main Street. April 24, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tags has returned with their pop-up thrift store at 70 LaSalle Road, in the former Exclusive Furs space, and I stopped by on Sunday afternoon and met Kali Ryder, who co-owns the business with her boyfriend, Nicholas Taglianetti. “We’re a pop-up, just filling the space temporarily until they fill it out permanently,” Ryder said. The majority of their inventory, which changes weekly and which they find themselves, is second-hand clothing as well as some accessories. She and Taglianetti live in West Hartford, and he is also a bartender at Sparrow and Le Mazet, and when the space first became available for use last fall, and then again this spring (they reopened a month ago), they were excited to “provide clothes to West Hartford at affordable prices, to bring thrifting to the West Hartford area,” Ryder said. Tags is open Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. “We’ll be open as long as we can be,” she said. They also sell clothing on the site DePop, and more information can be found Instagram @tags.thrift.
Tags is back at 70 LaSalle Road, with the pop-up offering second-hand clothing and accessories on weekends. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tags is back at 70 LaSalle Road, with the pop-up offering second-hand clothing and accessories on weekends. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tags is back at 70 LaSalle Road, with the pop-up offering second-hand clothing and accessories on weekends. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tags is back at 70 LaSalle Road, with the pop-up offering second-hand clothing and accessories on weekends. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Tags is back at 70 LaSalle Road, with the pop-up offering second-hand clothing and accessories on weekends. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
West Hartford’s newest cannabis retailer, Fine Fettle, (1232 Farmington Avenue) opened on April 18 but on Friday celebrated a grand opening with a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town leaders. This will be West Hartford’s third (and final, based on the conditions of an ordinance adopted by the Town Council in May 2024) retail establishment, and the ninth in Connecticut (and sixth social equity establishment) for Fine Fettle, which is owned by West Hartford native Ben Zachs, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Fine Fettle’s motto is “comfort in cannabis,” and their employees are trained to help customers decide what product might work best for them. Fine Fettle was featured in this column a few weeks ago, and more details can be found here.
Fine Fettle had its grand opening and ribbon cutting on April 25, and is located at 1232 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Fine Fettle had its grand opening on April 25, and is located at 1232 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Fine Fettle had its grand opening on April 25, and is located at 1232 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Vendors have displays inside Fine Fettle, now open at 1232 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Vendors have displays inside Fine Fettle, now open at 1232 Farmington Ave., West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
As the West Hartford Center Infrastructure reconstruction progresses, I’ll continue to provide regular updates, including photos, in this column. It’s now been four weeks since the project commenced (see project details here) and the street trees on LaSalle Road have been removed (52 new trees will replace the 36 that were taken down), and there is more evidence of excavation in the Phase 1A and Phase 1B areas (the east side of LaSalle from Ellsworth to the Memorial Road Connector and the west side between Farmington Avenue and Central Optica). While access to all businesses remains open, over the past week there has been much more work done in the area between Starbucks and Central Optica. There’s also a poster in front of the LaSalle Road side of the Arapahoe parking lot, providing some information about the project and a QR code that will bring you to the project webpage. Updated photos are below. Click here to see the phasing schedule provided by the town.
Work is progressing on the east side of LaSalle Road. April 27, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Work is progressing on the east side of LaSalle Road. April 27, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Work is progressing on the east side of LaSalle Road. April 27, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Work is progressing on the east side of LaSalle Road. April 27, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Excavation now underway on the west side of LaSalle Road from Central Optica north to the corner of Farmington Avenue. April 27, 2025 Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Excavation now underway on the west side of LaSalle Road from Central Optica north to the corner of Farmington Avenue. April 27, 2025 Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Excavation now underway on the west side of LaSalle Road from Central Optica north to the corner of Farmington Avenue. April 27, 2025 Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Excavation now underway on the west side of LaSalle Road from Central Optica north to the corner of Farmington Avenue. April 27, 2025 Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Excavation now underway on the west side of LaSalle Road from Central Optica north to the corner of Farmington Avenue. April 27, 2025 Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Also in the Center, there are signs of spring everywhere you look! Maurice Kaoud sent me this photo of the flowers that have just been planted to beautify the area near the back door of Caffè Nero and leading into the apartment building at 11 South Main Street.
Flowers lead to the entryway of 11 South Main Street. Courtesy photo
April is National Volunteer Month, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut is recognizing its great volunteer mentors and seeking new volunteers, the organization announced in a news release. Volunteer mentors play a vital role in shaping the future of Connecticut’s youth by offering guidance, friendship, and support. One such volunteer is Big Brother Jack Del Coro of West Hartford, a senior at UConn, who has exemplified this commitment since October of 2022, when he began mentoring Little Brother Brayden, a fifth grader at Putnam Elementary School in BBBSCT’s Site & School-Based Program. “Without a doubt, being a mentor for Brayden has been a highlight at my time at UConn,” said Del Coro. “Being able to go to Putnam, spend that time with him every week, and form that bond makes me happy. It elevates my mood and brings me joy to get away from the stress of school. Seeing him grow into the person he has become has made me very proud of him.” Del Coro mentors Brayden every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in Putnam. He helps Brayden with homework, and the two enjoy playing board games, card games, and basketball together. “Watching the bond between Big Brother Jack and Little Brother Brayden grow over the past three years has been truly inspiring,” said Susan Black, Site-Based Program Manager. “What started as weekly homework help and afternoon chats has blossomed into a meaningful connection that’s had a real impact on Brayden’s confidence and motivation in school. … Their story is a powerful reminder of how just one hour a week can make a lasting difference in a child’s life,” said Black. “During National Volunteer Month, we’re especially hopeful that more people will step up—like Jack did—and become mentors. The need is great, and the rewards are even greater.” Del Coro encourages adults to become Bigs for the meaningful bonds and positive impact they can have on a young person. “You get to be a true role model. There’s nothing transactional; you’re just being there for someone,” he said. “You don’t know the impact you could potentially have on someone’s life. It’s a very fulfilling feeling.” For more information on becoming a Big, click here.
Jack Del Coro of West Hartford with his Little Brother, Brayden. Courtesy photo
Congratulations to Martin Smith, LMFT Clinical Director for Outpatient Services and Andrew Halpern, LPC Elmwood Site Supervisor at the Bridge Family Center, who were presented with the Chi Sigma Iota Award for Outstanding Clinical Supervisors by the University of Saint Joseph’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program. At a recent awards ceremony at the University of Saint Joseph, Smith and Halpern were recognized as “phenomenal assets” to the Saint Joseph’s students in the clinical mental health counseling program. Smith and Halpern lead the Bridge’s counseling internship program, providing students with a well-rounded, supportive, and educational environment in which to grow and learn during their time at the Bridge. The internship program is tailored for each student’s needs and allows them to work alongside the rest of the Bridge’s clinical team, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. The Bridge Family Center has three Counseling Centers located in Elmwood, Farmington, and West Hartford. A team of experienced, empathetic therapists works with adults, children, couples, and families to provide personalized therapy that respects the individual’s journey. To schedule an appointment to see a therapist, please call 860-313-1119.
Andrew Halpern, LPC (left) and Martin Smith, LMFT of the Bridge Family Center receive the Chi Sigma Iota Award for Outstanding Clinical Supervisors by the University of Saint Joseph’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. Courtesy photo
West Hartford-based Lux Bond & Green has been chosen as the official jeweler of the Connecticut Sun. According to a news release received last week, as part of the agreement, the Sun and Lux Bond & Green will work together to promote player self-expression and fashion, with an emphasis on equity and access to luxury brands for the players. One of the key activations will include an editorial content series where players will be styled in their basketball gear alongside Lux Bond & Green jewelry. The series will highlight the intersection of sports and fashion, showcasing that players are multifaceted individuals with unique styles both on and off the court. This campaign will offer fans an intimate look at the players beyond the game, further enhancing the connection between the team and its supporters.”Partnering with the Connecticut Sun and the WNBA is a tremendous honor for the Lux Bond & Green family,” said Lux Bond & Green President and CEO, John Green. “As a family-owned luxury business with over 125 years of experience in fine jewelry, watches, and gifts, we know the value of excellence, dedication, and creating unforgettable moments. That’s why teaming up with Connecticut’s own successful professional women’s basketball team feels like a perfect match. Together, we celebrate quality, value, and the power of passion—on and off the court. Women’s sports are finally getting the recognition they deserve, and our team of 100 professionals is thrilled to be part of this exciting journey. We’re proud to stand with the Connecticut Sun at the Mohegan Sun – here’s to a season of unforgettable memories. Let the games begin!”
West Hartford-based Lux Bond & Green is the official jeweler of the Connecticut Sun. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
We-Ha.com has been collaborating with CTNewsJunkie for about five years, and we want to congratulate veteran journalist Donald Eng on becoming the new managing editor of the independent news site that has been covering the Connecticut Capitol since 2005. We look forward to continuing our arrangement into the future! Doug Hardy had been serving as interim managing editor, but will now be focusing on his other duties with the news site. Click here to read the complete story.
Donald Eng, CTNewsJunkie’s new managing editor, works on a story in the newsroom at the state Capitol in Hartford on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Photo credit: Mia Palazzo, CTNewsJunkie
MAC Cosmetics has closed their store on the second floor of Westfarms (thanks to Jean-Luc Dube of the Connecticut Scoop for the scoop), but there are some good news Westfarms stories that will be ready to be shared with the public next week. Look for updates in this column!
Westfarms entrance facing New Britain Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)
Brian Zelman gets a second mention in today’s column! Zelman, who is a West Hartford resident and principal in the team that is developing The Byline (see featured story above) is a founding member of the annual Building Foundations Breakfast which was held on Wednesday morning. This event is the premiere event for the commercial real estate and building industry in Greater Hartford, and proceeds from the event support United Way’s efforts to prevent and address homelessness across central and northeastern Connecticut (including West Hartford). This April marked the fifth year of this event, which according to the United Way, since its inception has raised more than $2.5 million dollars to provide more than 1,500 people with emergency shelter; prevent more than 4,300 people from becoming homeless by providing direct financial assistance; and has sponsored 10 scholarships to Covenant Preparatory School in honor of Jeff Digel. Zelman is a leader on the event planning committee and Avner Krohn, has been an avid supporter of this event every single year. This year’s event raised $565,000, according to the United Way.
Brian Zelman (left) at the Building Foundations breakfast. Courtesy photo
Brian Zelman (left) at the Building Foundations breakfast. Courtesy photo
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.
