West Hartford Business Buzz: June 5, 2023

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

It certainly didn't feel very summery this weekend – but Thursday was the start of meteorological summer. I am really craving the lazy days of summer and the chance to enjoy the weather a bit. There has been so much activity packed into the past few weeks, and so many events coming up during the next few weeks, but then I am hoping we all get some downtime.

Last week was a short week for some people, but the We-Ha.com team (I am so grateful for all of the hard work of intern Bridget Bronsdon, as well as the always-productive sports reporter Paul Palmer) covered the Memorial Day parade and ceremony on Monday, and I also put together a rare Wednesday edition of Business Buzz last week.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz closed out Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Wednesday with a visit to Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli in West Hartford's Blue Back Square. She was joined by Mayor Shari Cantor, and both also shopped – as did I! I enjoyed the spicy tuna rolls for Wednesday's lunch and they were were delicious!

Spicy tuna rolls from Maruichi Japanese Food & Deli in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Thursday was one of those days where nothing went as planned – including the proper operation of my car (thanks to Modern Tire for the new ignition coil and spark plug!) – but it was great to have an impromptu dinner with Linda Geisler at Gran Gusto. Definitely a much better place than Town Hall for a Celebrate! West Hartford discussion!

White sangria at Gran Gusto. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sorrentino pizza at Gran Gusto. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Rughetta salad at Gran Gusto. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Mediterranean salad at Gran Gusto. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The final eating experience of the weekend (other than a wonderful Sunday night celebration with family at home, with dinner prepared by Ted) was a birthday dinner on Saturday night at Salute in Hartford. It was my first time there, and we very much appreciated the recommendation (and gift card) from Katie and Matt. Everything was delicious and the service was wonderful, and we will definitely return! We were so stuffed that we had to take the tiramisu to go.

Drinks at Salute. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Garlic cheese bread at Salute. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Chicken gnocchi at Salute. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Pasta Alla Vodka with chicken at Salute. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Tiramisu at Salute. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

No more COVID-19 updates here, because the state has phased out reporting as of June 1. Going forward, the state's plan is to report on COVID-19 seasonally, like the reporting of influenza.

If you’re looking for news about West Hartford in print please note that many stories from We-Ha.com, as well as other local news, is published in the twice-monthly issues of the West Hartford Press.

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:

Refill Vintage has opened a showroom at 485 New Park in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Refill Vintage is owned by Sam Waszkelewicz (seated) and Dominika Tanaka. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Refill Vintage has opened a showroom at 485 New Park in West Hartford. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

I had to take a photo of this panther at 485 New Park because we had the exact same one in our house growing up. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Refill Vintage's showroom has a great assortment of vintage juice glasses and other glassware. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Refill Vintage's showroom has a great assortment of vintage juice glasses and other glassware. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

The 70s showroom at Refill Vintage at 485 New Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

70s-style lamp at Refill Vintage at 485 New Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

An authentically vintage lava lamp at Refill Vintage at 485 New Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Refill Vintage's showroom has a great assortment of vintage juice glasses and other glassware. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Entrance to Refill Vintage's showroom at 485 New Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Laura Keever (left) and Mary Kate Doyle have turned over ownership of WIP Fitness. Facebook photo

Paul and Julia Ducey are the new owners of WIP Fitness. Facebook photo

Bohdii owner Justice Pellegrino and Mayor Shari Cantor together cut the ribbon on June 2. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Sydney Lyons (right) holds up the shirt she purchased – the first sale at Bohdii. At left is owner Justice Pellegrino. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Bohdii at 968 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Bohdii at 968 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Bohdii at 968 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Bohdii at 968 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Bohdii at 968 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Interior of Bohdii at 968 Farmington Avenue. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Little Owls Bakery made cookies for the Bohdii grand opening. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

There's a sandwich called the WeHa! More Than Just Sharkbite is now open at 1037 Boulevard. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

More Than Just Sharkbite is now open at 1037 Boulevard. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

More Than Just Sharkbite is now open at 1037 Boulevard. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

More Than Just Sharkbite is now open at 1037 Boulevard. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

More Than Just Sharkbite is now open at 1037 Boulevard. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Tuna tartare at RAW* Courtesy of The Statement Group

Raw Dog at RAW* Courtesy of The Statement Group

A variety of creative cocktails at RAW* Courtesy of The Statement Group

Interior of RAW* Courtesy of The Statement Group

Champagne and lobster at RAW* Courtesy of The Statement Group

With the $10,000 donation are (from left): Angela Burton, Safeco Senior Territory Manager; Jennifer Mann, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Personal Lines Account Manager; Paula Christie, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Personal and Commercial Lines Account Manager; Mary Beth Murphy, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil President; Susan Lemkuil, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Executive Vice-President; Dan Tapper, Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance Board President; Chris Cusano, Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance Executive Director; Derik Whalen, Safeco Senior Territory Manager; Jaynie Valentin, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Personal Lines Account Manager; Tom Murphy, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Vice President; Nicole Wawrzonek, Liberty Mutual Senior Territory Manager and Carl Van Doren, Shimkus, Murphy & Lemkuil Commercial Accounts Manager. Courtesy photo

The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) has received national recognition for its public awareness advertising campaign – "Because of a Teacher, Every Profession is Possible" – highlighting the positive influences of teachers on the personal, academic, and professional achievement of students. The campaign has won a prestigious Telly Award, the CEA announced last week. Connecticut residents featured in the ad campaign include tax manager Christopher Bortolan, of Newington; attorney Michael Brown, of Wethersfield; nurse practitioner Marina Creed, of West Hartford; diversity, equity, inclusion, and engagement coordinator Jackie Davis, of Portland; photographer's assistant Noelle Esposito, of Northford; paralegal Melissa Janick, of Suffield; nurse Alice Lam, of West Haven; town councilman and auto sales general manager Shamar Mahon, of Bloomfield; pediatric physical therapist Danielle Novak, of Southington; sports account executive Anthony Sanders, of West Hartford; real estate agent Jessica Starr, of Simsbury; and former State Treasurer Shawn Wooden. "It's because teachers make every profession possible," said Creed. According to the CEA, the ad includes students from West Hartford as well as current students attending public schools in East Haddam, Glastonbury, Hartford, Marlborough, Stamford, Suffield, and West Haven. "Winning the Telly award has brought national recognition and respect for Connecticut's educators at a time when it is so badly needed," said CEA President Kate Dias. "With a worsening teacher shortage and attacks against them, the emphasis on celebrating educators and enhancing the teaching profession is more important than ever."

Cha Papi Tea and Sweets will be opening soon in the Shield Street Plaza. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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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