West Hartford Business Buzz: November 4, 2024 – We-Ha | West Hartford News

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

We actually had a weekend with a November feel to it – but bookended by some summery days last week and a few more coming up this week. I am NOT complaining.

The weather was amazing for Halloween, and I think it’s the first time ever I sat out on my front porch to greet trick-or-treaters without even needing to wear a sweater! West Hartford certainly went all out for Halloween this year, too, and I enjoyed driving around taking photos of some of the fantastic decorations.

Tuesday is Election Day, and I’ll be reporting all day about how things are going at the polls in West Hartford as well as the local results as soon as they are available. As of Thursday, Oct. 31, more than 28% of registered voters in West Hartford had taken advantage of the early voting option, which ended on Sunday evening. I’ll share the final details as soon as I get that information, but I’m sure it will exceed a third of West Hartford voters who cast their ballots before the traditional Election Day. To see the most recent update, that also includes candidate profiles provided by the League of Women Voters, click here.

After seeing the last UConn home game of the season on Friday night (another great tailgate, and another win; we have season tickets and are 5-0 for the games we have attended, and the only one they lost was the one we couldn’t attend!), I again didn’t have a normal Saturday night in West Hartford because Ted and I went to Boston to spend the day with our son, Sam, and his fiancé, Kate. It was a wonderful visit that included viewing Boston from the observation deck of the Prudential building (where we could see Sam’s office building, their apartment, and Brigham & Women’s Hospital where Kate is a nurse!), lunch on Newbury Street, and dinner at Trillium Brewing Company in the Seaport. Walking to Trillium, we passed by quite a few restaurants that we also have in West Hartford – including Boqueria, Caffe Nero, bartaco, and Mecha Noodle Bar!

Colossal pretzel at Trillium. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Beers at Trillium Brewing Company in Boston. My beer was called “Boat Under Train Under Car Under Plane”! Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hot chicken sandwich at Trillium. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Soppressata bar pie at Trillium. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Smashburger at Trillium. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Stephi’s chunky chicken salad at Stephanie’s on Newbury. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Smoked salmon flatbread at Stephanie’s on Newbury. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Braised short rib hash at Stephanie’s on Newbury. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

I did support several local restaurants last week, including at the friends and family event for Crush Wine Bar (full story and lots more photos can be found here and is also in the bullet points below) and with a poke bowl from Pokeworks.

My favorite poke bowl from Pokeworks. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

“Don’t Call It Sangria” ruby red (left) and orange wine at Crush. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Charred broccoli. Crush Wine Bar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Scalded lettuce with smokehouse bacon. Crush Wine Bar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Calabrian sausage. Crush Wine Bar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Potato and black truffle au gratin. Crush Wine Bar. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

A final note this week: Congratulations to my sister’s boyfriend, Carmine Mancini, on finishing the New York Marathon (his first ever marathon) in just over 3:30!!

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].

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Here’s this week’s Buzz:

Light tunnel at Level99. Courtesy of Level99

• I shared the news in this column in late August that Level99 has officially signed their lease to open a new facility offering games and dining in The Corbin Collection after getting approval from the Town Council for changes to the Special Development District, and the business shared some additional information this past week through a press release indicating that they plan to open in West Hartford in late 2025, after opening their third location in Tysons Corner, Virginia (near my previous home!) earlier in 2025. It doesn’t appear as if construction has started yet (and I did not see any permit applications on the town winsome). Level99 owner Matt DuPlessie had previously told me they were targeting October 2025 for West Hartford, so they’re not far off from that goal with the current announcement. They plan to hire approximately 100 employees. Level99 also announced in the news release that they will be partnering with Two Road Brewing Company for the dining aspect of the business which will feature Detroit-style pizza as well as a seasonally-inspired scratch-based menu and beers and innovative cocktails at the Two Roads Kitchen & Tap. Level99 will include more than 50 “mental and physical challenges set in immersive artistic environments” in the 41,426 square foot space that can accommodate up to 600 players plus 250 diners. In the most recent news release, DuPlessie, an engineer who attended MIT and Harvard Business School and has worked for Disney and Universal Studios before forming the company 5 Wits, said, “Level99 offers social, physical, mental, and skill-based challenges in an open-world environment. Players are encouraged to explore the art-saturated environment and chart their own play path. Whether for date night, getting together with a group of friends, or a whole-facility rental for corporate team events, the combination of memorable, active fun, delicious dining and craft beverages has generated a lot of excitement in our first markets of Boston and Providence. We look forward to welcoming residents and visitors from the West Hartford area to discover all that Level99 has to offer.” DuPlessie founded the Massachusetts-based production company Box Fort, which is now part of Level99, which currently has locations in Natick, MA as well as Providence. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Level99 as they bring their dynamic experience to West Hartford,” Brad Hittle, President and CEO of Two Roads Brewing, said in the news release. “Their commitment to adventure, innovation, and delivering a truly unique consumer experience aligns perfectly with our ‘Road Less Traveled’ philosophy. It’s a natural fit, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead.” A spokesperson for the owner of The Corbin Collection also expressed their excitement about Level99 and their partnership with Two Roads. “We look forward to welcoming Level99 to The Corbin Collection, as this dynamic entertainment venue is exactly the type of tenant we look to partner with to drive meaningful activation and engagement at our shopping centers. Level99’s unique and playful approach provides an appealing experience that we believe will keep visitors engaged and drawn to the shopping center for many years to come,” said Emily Gagliardi, Senior Vice President at First Washington Realty. The entrance to Level99 will be through the doors next to Crumbl Cookie, where guests will enter a 785-square-foot lobby and vestibule before heading to the second floor. This space has been vacant since the shopping center that replaced the former Sears store opened roughly six years ago. The Town Council adopted an “experiential retail” ordinance back in 2017 to accommodate changes in the national market, and with the hope of attracting businesses – like this one – to large vacant spaces. More information about Level99 can be found here.

Guests at one of Level99’s existing locations. Courtesy of Level99

Current rendering of Level99 prepared by Phase Zero Design. Screenshot from Town of West Hartford website

• The West Hartford Center Business Association‘s annual We Care Card fundraiser returns this Thursday, Nov. 7, and runs through Nov. 17. For a donation of $50 or more, you can receive savings of up to 20% and/or specials at more than 30 businesses shown on the flyer below. Proceeds from the donations to obtain the cards are in support of the West Hartford-based nonprofit Ron Foley Foundation. Present your card for discounts and special offers as often as you like during these 10 days. Last year the WHCBA raised $22,700 to help the Ron Foley Foundation with their mission to advocate for early detection, support innovative research, and provide compassion and resources to those affected by pancreatic cancer, and they’re hoping to beat that number this year. Barbara Foley, Founder & President of the Ron Foley Foundation, spoke about partnering with The Center. “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. We want to thank everyone for helping us raise awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer patients in need. With discounts in most participating businesses at 20%, this is the best time to shop, dine, stroll, and GIVE in West Hartford Center,” she said. “It seems everyone knows families devastated by pancreatic cancer. This is a great way for all of us to give back, work toward a cure, and help people in need,” said Kimberly Moster of Kimberly Boutique. We Care Cards are currently available online, and will be available at Kimberly Boutique and many of the participating businesses as of Nov. 6. This is the seventh year of the We Care Card, and the third year that the Ron Foley Foundation – which supports pancreatic cancer patients and their families – is the beneficiary.

2024 We Care Card details. Courtesy image

• Also related to the Ron Foley Foundation, November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. The organization said a candlelight vigil is planned for later this month (Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m.at Veterans Memorial Park in West Hartford Center) in remembrance of loved ones, and there is additional information coming this month related to an expansion in their mission, but happening right now is the “Drink Purple for a Cause” at Artisan West Hartford as well as the Southport location. Throughout November, patrons can support pancreatic cancer awareness by enjoying a purple cocktail at Artisan West Hartford and Artisan Southport. This signature drink was specially created to symbolize support for pancreatic cancer awareness, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Ron Foley Foundation’s programs.

Signature purple cocktail at Artisan to support the Ron Foley Foundation. Courtesy photo

• I’m still hoping to connect with the owner soon, but in the meantime don’t want to hold up the news that a new restaurant concept has taken the place of 1001 Mexican Bites at 134 Park Road. Babe, which has the tagline “Where Taste and Aesthetic Collide” featured on their Instagram page (@babewehact) had a soft opening about a week ago, and offers a menu focused on Peruvian food as well as creative and artfully-served cocktails. They’ve also taken over the adjoining hookah lounge, which is accessible through the side entrance on Troy Street. I have peeked in the window, and also located the menus through the QR code (see below). More to come!

Babe is now open at 134 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Babe is now open at 134 Park Road. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Babe menu. Screenshot

Babe menu. Screenshot

Babe menu. Screenshot

• I’m excited to be joining others from the local community modeling some of the fashions from Good Cause Gifts (973 Farmington Avenue) in the Annual Fashion Show and Gala that benefits Futures Inc. The event will be held on Nov. 7, 2024, at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. “This highly anticipated event promises an evening of elegance, excitement, and philanthropy, featuring a silent auction, a pop-up shop from Good Cause Gifts, and a bourbon and cocktail tasting experience. All proceeds go to supporting Futures Inc.’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities,” the news release states. Tickets ($95 each) include two free drinks of your choice and hors d’oeuvres. The doors open at 4 p.m. and the event runs through 9 p.m., with the “stunning fashion show, showcasing the latest trends and designs from Good Cause Gifts, modeled by the Futures Inc. community members” and presentations beginning at 7 p.m. Emcees will be News8’s Laura Hutchinson, Eva Zymaris, and Brian Spyros, there will be a silent auction with “an array of exclusive items and experiences such as a Jimmy Fallon Experience in NYC,” a Good Cause Gifts Pop-Up shop, and a Bourbon and cocktail tasting as part of the event. “We are incredibly excited for this year’s gala, which has become a cornerstone event for Futures Inc.,” said Pam DonAroma, Founder, President & CEO of Futures Inc. “The funds raised during this evening are vital to our mission, allowing us to continue providing essential services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. It’s a night of celebration, community, and generosity, and we are grateful for the unwavering support from our attendees and sponsors.” Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

Courtesy image

• Best of West Hartford is coming up, too! The winners in all categories will be announced on the We-Ha.com site tomorrow, but in the meantime the link to purchase tickets to the event, scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Mandell JCC, is live. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

• Thanks to the CT Scoop for the scoop that Starbucks is now open in the Macy’s store at Westfarms! I have not had a chance yet to check it out personally.

Ribbon cutting at Starbucks inside the Macy’s at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

Starbucks is now open inside the Macy’s at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

Starbucks is now open inside the Macy’s at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

• Also now open at Westfarms are MINISO (mentioned in this column a few weeks ago) and Just Cozy. Thanks to CT Scoop and Amanda Sirica for the info/photos!

Just Cozy is now open at Westfarms. Photo courtesy of Jean-Luc Dube

MINISO is now open at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

MINISO is now open at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

MINISO is now open at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

MINISO is now open at Westfarms. Courtesy of Amanda Sirica

• I spoke to a contractor working at Park Lane Pizza when I stopped at Hall’s Market to get some tailgate items. Other than the sign on the South Quaker Lane side of the building, he said there are only very small items remaining to be completed before the reopening. He said it would be soon. I’ll keep checking!

Park Lane Pizza, progres continues. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

• For those wondering about the status of the new Animal Control facility, the bid process is underway, with RFP responses due on Dec. 5. An award should be made in early 2025. I’ll be continued to follow this process as well.

The bidding process is underway for the new West Hartford Animal Control facility, which will be constructed on land cleared next to and behind the existing facility. Photo credit; Ronni Newton

• Insight & Illumination, a woman-owned holistic energy healing practice, is excited to announce its move to a new, larger space at 2446 Albany Ave., Suite 302, in West Hartford. Since its beginning in February 2022, Insight & Illumination has become a trusted sanctuary for women seeking emotional healing and spiritual growth. Now, with a more spacious and accessible location, owner and practitioner Chel Benyair is offering new services and support groups designed to deepen healing and foster community. “West Hartford has been incredibly welcoming, and this move allows me to better serve my clients with more space, new offerings, and a convenient location in the heart of a bustling area,” Benyair said in a news release. “My practice, and my life, have always been about continued growth and expansion, and this move is both the physical representation and support of that work. Women support families, business, and community, and the ripple effect is real. Being surrounded by popular shops and restaurants makes it easy for clients to find and access their sessions while feeling connected to the vibrant energy around them.” In addition to her well-established Reiki energy healing, Chel is now introducing 13th Octave LaHoChi, a potent hands-on healing modality that channels high-frequency light into the body to facilitate deep physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. The expanded office space will also host monthly support groups and spiritual circles, providing women with a supportive community as they navigate their healing journeys, and will also be hosting one-time events like an upcoming “Full Moon Release Ceremony” in December, helping participants connect with their inner wisdom and release what no longer serves them. Visit the website for more information.

Insight & Illumination. Courtesy photo

Insight & Illumination. Courtesy photo

• I realize it is taking longer than expected, but I reached out to West Hartford franchise owner Irene Luaices last week and assured me that Donut Crazy (993 Farmington Ave.) “should be opened again very very soon.”

Donut Crazy is closed temporarily. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

• I know Salsa Fresca in Bishops Corner remains closed as well. I don’t have any more details about that situation, other than that there had been an issue with a great duct, and permits filed with the town for its replacement.
• West Hartford-based Northstar Wealth Partners (NSWP) along with LPL Financial announced last week the addition of a new Wealth and Investment Advisor Representative to their expanding enterprise. Buddy Hartmann is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA – NY and CT). Hartmann has over 25 years of experience in the public accounting with a focus on taxation and 10 years in the financial services and insurance industry. He holds the following registrations: Series 63 (Agent), Series 7 (General Securities), and Series 66 (Combined State Law). Hartmann is also joined by his Administrative Assistant Mary Banh who is also an Accountant with a bachelor’s from UConn in chemistry and a master’s from the ECSU in Accounting. Mary has experience in tax accounting, bookkeeping, and administration service. She brings years of experience, and we are excited to have her be a part of Northstar. More information about Northstar Wealth Partners can be found here.
  
• ICYMI, Crush Wine Bar is now open at 37 LaSalle Road! I was there four times before publishing the complete feature story (gotta do the research) which you can read here.
• The Holiday, which was a retirement community at 39 Highland Street, is for sale, listed by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, and being marketed as a prime property for redevelopment. Click here for the details.

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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