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
I hope everyone enjoyed their springtime weekend – which apparently included quite changeable weather.
I say apparently because I wasn’t in town, but every time I checked the weather forecast at home something different was happening. Ted and I have been away for the past few days, visiting his mom on Nantucket for a belated Mother’s Day celebration and doing spring cleaning, flower box planting, and other tasks necessary to get the house ready for the summer season. We thought it was going to be raining much of the time we were here, but although we had some fog the weather was actually beautiful, and we enjoyed some beach walks, beers outside at Cisco Brewers, biking, and running.
Millie, of course, did some intense seagull chasing and ran through the tide pools.
Millie scared all of the seagulls off the beach within moments of arrival. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
In honor of Millie (although we didn’t take her with us), on Thursday we had dinner at the restaurant on Nantucket that, like our dog, is also a namesake to Madaket Millie’s. We went on the night that Millie’s opened for the 2025 season, and had a great meal with a coveted corner table view of the sunset.
Frosty beers at Millie’s in Madeket, Nantucket. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Grilled swordfish kebabs at Millie’s in Madeket, Nantucket. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Starbuck Road (seared scallops and tomato corn salsa) quesadilla at Millie’s in Madeket, Nantucket. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Canyons (rare tuna, mandarin oranges, sugar snap peas) salad at Millie’s in Madeket, Nantucket. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
On Tuesday, before leaving West Hartford, we had a chance to attend the soft opening night at Jersey Mike’s Subs. There’s more information in a bullet point below, but I wanted to show some photos of our subs and report that everything tasted very fresh and delicious!
Roast beef and provolone. Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Buffalo chicken. Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
A stop at Cisco Brewers is almost always in the plans when we visit Nantucket, and we enjoyed some great draft beers – including a new IPA that I had never had before – and live music on Sunday.
Scattering Haze IPA at Cisco Brewers. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Ted and I enjoying beers at Cisco Brewers. Photo credit: Chip Newton
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Here’s this week’s Buzz:
ChoccoDiva is opening on May 23, 2025 at 282 Park Road. Photo credit: Priscilla Pedrosa
ChoccoDiva, which announced plans to open a shop in the former Edible Arrangements space at 282 Park Road, was planning an official opening on May 23, but announced Sunday night that the opening has been pushed back to Friday, May 30, owner Priscilla Pedrosa said. ChoccoDiva has been creating “confections for all occasions” for quite some time, but this is their first brick and mortar location. If you have even the slightest sweet tooth, you will be drooling when you take a look at Pedrosa’s chocolate creations – which look almost too beautiful to eat. The grand opening celebration, on Friday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, will include tastings. Follow them on Instagram (@choccodiva) for updates and to see photos of those confections!
ChoccoDiva is opening on May 23, 2025 at 282 Park Road. Photo credit: Priscilla Pedrosa
ChoccoDiva is opening on May 23, 2025 at 282 Park Road. Photo credit: Priscilla Pedrosa
ChoccoDiva is opening on May 23, 2025 at 282 Park Road. Photo credit: Priscilla Pedrosa
Thanks to my sister for grabbing the photo of the new GreenDrop donation center that opened on Thursday (we were already out of town) in the parking lot of Stop & Shop, Crazy Bruce’s, and Dollar Tree at 176 Newington Road. The plan was approved by the Town Plan & Zoning Commission in January 2024.The trailer is now located in the parking lot, and will be staffed and open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., serving as a convenient site for collection of unwanted and lightly used clothing, shoes, blankets, kitchenware, and household items. A GreenDrop attendants will collect the items and provide the donor with a tax-deductible receipt. Donations are picked up regularly from the trailer, and transported to another site where they will be sorted for distribution to Savers (which owns GreenDrop) where they are resold to benefit GreenDrop’s nonprofit partner, the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation. “We are thrilled to bring our sustainable services to West Hartford and provide another easy, earth-friendly way for residents to support the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation,” Brooke Evans, Director of GreenDrop Donations, said in a news release. “We look forward to continuing to be an integral part of the community, with the West Hartford site marking our first in the region.” Stephen Ruckman, Chief Executive Officer for The Purple Heart Foundation, said, “Working with GreenDrop has helped raise tremendous funding to help courageous individuals who have fought for our country and deserve to be recognized and supported for their sacrifices.” For more information about GreenDrop, visit their website at www.GoGreenDrop.com.
GreenDrop is now open in the Stop & Shop plaza at 176 Newington Road in the Elmwood section of West Hartford. Photo credit: Debbi Zimbler
GreenDrop is now open in the Stop & Shop plaza at 176 Newington Road in the Elmwood section of West Hartford. Photo credit: Debbi Zimbler
Residents at Aviva now have their own community store. A resident of the senior/assisted living facility at 1 Hamilton Heights Drive took the initiative in working with management to open the store, which offers candy and other snacks, as well as toiletries and other necessitates, so residents can have the opportunity to get what they need without relying on others. A ribbon cutting with Mayor Shari Cantor and the Chamber of Commerce was held on Monday afternoon.
Ribbon cutting for the community store at Aviva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The community store at Aviva is now open. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Ribbon cutting for the community store at Aviva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Ribbon cutting for the community store at Aviva. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Congratulations to Central Eye Care, which had a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and town officials on Friday, May 16. Located at 28 North Main Street, Suite 102, Central Eye Care opened this winter and welcomes patients of all ages. The provider, Dr. Jennifer Raska is a board certified optometrist with more than a decade of experience caring for patients in West Hartford. She is a mom and neighbor who is passionate about providing care to patients from babyhood and beyond. As a clinical instructor at her alma mater, The New England College of Optometry, she has unique experience in complex contact lens fittings and is dually certified in myopia management. “Central Eye Care values convenient scheduling, inclusive insurance coverage and approachable optical collections. Located in the center of town, with the convenience of free patient parking. Evening and Saturday appointments available. Your vision matters. Come see the difference!” Raska previously told We-Ha.com. For more information, visit the website CentralEyecare2020.com or follow on social media @central_eye_care.
Ribbon cutting at Central Eye Care. May 16, 2025. Courtesy photo
Jersey Mike’s Subs also had its ribbon cutting last week, on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. As noted in the introduction above, I was thrilled to be able to attend the soft opening on Tuesday night. Jersey Mike’s is located in Prospect Plaza (the address is 255 Prospect Avenue) at the corner of Prospect and Kane, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. See last week’s column for more details about Jersey Mike’s, as well as Teriyaki Madness, which also opened last week. (I plan to sample their food this week and will report back.)
Jersey Mike’s Subs had its official grand opening on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Courtesy photo
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Jersey Mike’s Subs soft opening, May 13, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Teriyaki Madness officially opened on May 15, 2025. 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 seven 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 excavation work for the installation of the soil cells for the new trees continues 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 Crush Wine Bar). Access to all businesses remains open, but in some cases the sidewalks are narrowed by construction fencing, and there are a few areas where sidewalk access is temporarily closed. Updated photos are below. Click here to see the phasing schedule provided by the town.
Construction on the east side of LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Construction on the east side of LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Construction on the west side of LaSalle Road in West Hartford Center. May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
Construction on LaSalle Road in front of Union Kitchen and Crush Wine Bar. May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
I’ve been purposely trying to frequent businesses on LaSalle Road more than ever during the constriction, but unfortunately the work has kept patrons away. “Business has unfortunately taken a huge hit since the wine bar as a concept was primarily dependent on walk-ins for a glass of wine and small plate,” said Vish Badami, managing partner of Crush Wine Bar and Union Kitchen, which are both dealing with the impact of the construction and a narrow sidewalk bordered by construction fencing. Union Kitchen still has a few outside tables on the patio, but there’s presently no space for any outdoor dining at Crush. “We’re trying to make lemonade out of lemons at this moment,” he said. Crush, which opened in October (see feature story here) has made some changes to its menu. “Crush is now doing a 3-course dinner prix fixe for $45 everyday, half off bottles with live music every Sunday, and a fried chicken and champagne special every Thursday,” Badami said.
Construction is underway LaSalle Road in front of Union Kitchen and Crush Wine Bar. May 14, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
The Pride crosswalk 0n Isham Road in Blue Back Square is looking good – with a paint refresh completed last week!
The Pride flag on Isham Road has had its paint refreshed. Photo credit: Ronni Newton
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From a news release: Long-time West Hartford resident, Dr. Jane Thierfeld Brown, has just had the second edition of her book, Neurodiversity & College: A Parent’s Guide for Autistic Students, published by Future Horizons (www.fhautism.com). Along with colleague, Dr. Lorre Wolf and other contributors, the book focuses on the changes and challenges for parents in their student’s college application process, looks at college programs for autistic students, and discusses the role of parents in the transition from high school to college. “The changeover from high school to college is difficult for everyone.” says Brown, the author of four books on neurodiverse college students. “For Neurodiverse students, the changes can be challenging and exciting. Parents can assist their children in being prepared for this transition to a more independent setting, but starting early is important. We hope this book will help give parents and students some direction.” Brown, a retired Director of Student Services at the University of Connecticut School of Law, has been in the disability and higher education field for over 40 years. Through her website CollegeAutismSpectrum.com, she conducts workshops and consults with colleges and universities across the country. “Faculty and staff have not received much training in working with Neurodiverse/Autistic undergraduates or their parents,” stated Brown, a former Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale Child Study, Yale Medical School. “This book will help parents, administrators and the transition professionals as the population of Neurodiverse students rapidly expands on campuses.” Currently, Brown is the Transition Consultant for Farmington High School. She has appeared on Good Morning America, CBS News, and NPR. The West Hartford native is married and has three adult children, the youngest being a 33-year-old son with Autism/Fragile X.
Jane Thierfeld Brown. Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
Congratulations to former West Hartford resident, television writer Michael Schur, who will be honored with the 2,812th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, May 21, at 11:30 a.m. PT at 6150 Hollywood Boulevard. Thanks to Geoff Forgione, also a former West Hartford resident who now lives in Los Angeles, for sharing this news tip. Schur will receive his star in the “Television” category. His longtime friends, Ted Danson and Amy Poehler, will join emcee Steve Nissen at the celebration. The following is from a news release: “The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is honored to welcome creator and writer Michael Schur to the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” stated Ana Martinez, Walk of Fame producer. “Michael’s outstanding contributions to television have earned him a well-deserved place among the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His creative genius continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.” The critically acclaimed comedic titan created last year’s hit Netflix series, “A Man on the Inside,” starring Ted Danson, which is currently in production on its second season. Schur also created multiple hits under his long-running deal at Universal Television, including The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and currently serves as an executive producer on MAX’s critically acclaimed Hacks starring Jean Smart, whose star will be located next to his. Schur made his move to Hollywood when he joined NBC’s hit The Office, where he spent four years as a writer/producer and actor. His first TV writing job began in 1998 on Saturday Night Live, where he spent seven seasons, including three as the producer of Weekend Update with Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon, marking a twenty-plus year legacy at NBCUniversal. Coming up, he will be reuniting with Amy Poehler on the new comedy series, Dig, for Peacock. Schur and Poehler will co-write the pilot episode and executive produce the series, with Poehler set to star. Throughout Schur’s successful career in Hollywood, he has earned multiple awards, including Peabody, Producers Guild, Writers Guild, and Primetime Emmy Awards. Schur’s philanthropy work includes the L.A. Regional Food Bank, and he has raised money for several other charities such as the International Rescue Committee and the Brennan Center for Justice. All of the proceeds from his book, How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question, were donated to charity as well.
Michael Schur. Photo credit: Marlene Holston
Two West Hartford residents have been elected to the Board of the Aurora Women and Girls Foundation, and a third has been named the chair of the organization that is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the organization announced in a news release. The new Board Chair is Amy Miller, a Senior Vice President and Advisor at Wealthspire Advisors, a financial planning firm in West Hartford. A graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she earned an MBA from the UConn School of Business and worked for Webster Bank for 16 years before transitioning into individual wealth management. She succeeds Meghan Burns, also of West Hartford, who is a partner at Ruel Ruel Burns Feldman & Britt and served as Chair for three years. She will remain on the Board. “I am so proud to be named chair of this amazing Board of Directors,” Miller said. “The Aurora Foundation is a wonderful organization that gives so much to so many – I am excited to partner with Jenny and the fantastic Aurora team to continue to be a pillar of support for women and girls in the Hartford region.” The two new Board members from West Hartford are Samia Ameur and Trisha Pitter. Ameur immigrated from Algeria in 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from CCSU and is completing a Master’s in business analytics at Syracuse University. Ameur works at RTX as a senior analyst specializing in international tax compliance. She was introduced to Aurora when she participated in one of its grant-funded College Success programs, “Launch Your Leadership Journey,” at CT State-Tunxis. Pitter is the Director of Community Learning and Engagement/Instructional Designer at the UConn Health Disparities Institute, a research and advocacy unit within the UConn Health system dedicated to addressing and eliminating health disparities, particularly among minority and medically underserved populations. She is also a Fellow of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) E-Learning Institute. Pitter holds bachelors and Master’s degrees from Quinnipiac University. She volunteers for the West Hartford Community of Concern; serves as Vice President of the Board for the Connecticut Oral Health Initiative; and is a member of the Black Giving Circle at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and Aurora’s Luminary Celebration Committee. Two other women, Heather Lashway of Southampton, MA, and Teesia Renée Williams (Chef Renée) of Hartford, were also elected to Aurora’s Board. “We are thrilled to strengthen Aurora’s already strong Board with the addition of outstanding community leaders with deep ties in our community,” said Executive Director Jennifer Steadman, PhD., another West Hartford resident. “On the heels of our incredible growth last year, we are committed to increasing Aurora’s impact and building even more opportunities for women and girls.” The new Board members were installed at Aurora’s Annual Meeting, where outgoing Board members Samantha Castillo-Davis, Evelyn Johnson, and Stephani Roman were recognized for their service to the organization. Aurora is grateful to the following Community Partners who have committed operating support for 2025: Ares Management; Barnes Group; Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO); Green & Blue Foundation; Hartford Yard Goats Foundation; Liberty Bank; Lodestar Energy; NBT Bank; Jennifer W. Pennoyer, MD; Reid & Riege; Robinson + Cole; Ruel Ruel Burns Feldman & Britt; Tokio Marine HCC; UConn Health Disparities Institute; The Village for Families and Children; Wealthspire Advisors; Whittlesey; and the YWCA Hartford Region.
Amy Miller. Courtesy photo
Samia Ameur. Courtesy photo
Trisha Pitter. Courtesy photo
ICYMI, congratulations to the developers of The Camelot, which celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting on Monday, May 12. Read the complete story here.
Pool tables – and jukeboxes – are now permitted as accessory uses in West Hartford businesses. Details of the Town Council vote on the new ordinance can be found here.
The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce will honor its Spotlight and Beacon Award winners at the annual meeting and awards dinner on Tuesday, June 24. Click here to see the details.
Thanks to Michelle Bonner for this great article about The Laurel owners Ashley and Rebekah Flagg, and the fundraiser they are holding for West Hartford Pride.
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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