Thank you for a great start to The Berlin Scoop!

After an increase in business news in Berlin during the past year, The Newington Scoop created an extension of their page to dedicate to Berlin for the latest scoops! We are growing slowly but remain committed to keeping you informed!

During 2024, Berlin welcomed several new businesses. Some of them include:
-Art Studio of Connecticut
-Dragon's Lair (2nd location)
-Co-Op Vale
-Fancy Sushi
-The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery
-Forthestars Barbershop
-Halal Munchies
-Jersey Mike's Subs
-Paragon Strength & Performance
-Parishes The Artisan Bite
-Pit Stop Gas
-Seed Coffee and Eats
-Starbucks
-T-swirl Crepe
-Cutting Edge CT and Zack's Burgers & Shakes moved to new locations within town, increasing their size and visibility.

Also this year, 2 new housing developments began construction, Riverwalk Berlin Apartments and The Apartments at Turnpike Ridge. Several new projects are in planning stages or nearing completion including a new storage facility, the shopping center proposed for the corner of Deming Road and Berlin Turnpike, with a McDonald's pad, a Chipotle Mexican Grill on Farmington Avenue, Mek Mek's Heavenly Hands in Ferndale Plaza among others.

What was your favorite scoop from 2024? What are you looking forward to in 2025? Did we miss anything? Let us know below!
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HAPPY NEW YEAR from The Berlin Scoop!

Aroma Joe's, a coffee shop, plans to open their fourth Connecticut location in Berlin!

The coffee shop chain would be located in the new Pit Stop convenience store at 458 Berlin Turnpike in Berlin! Pit Stop is part of the Riverwalk Berlin Apartments development.

Aroma Joe's has 2 CT locations currently, one in Bristol and the other in Waterbury, and has one location coming soon in Southington. This would be their fourth CT location.
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An opening date has not been annouced, though an article from Aroma Joe's mentions the location is planned to open by the end of the year. The coffee shop will feature a drive-thru. The chain is know for their hot and iced beverages; but also serve breakfast foods like muffins, sandwiches, donuts, and pastries.

The new Jersey Mike's Subs plans to open on October 23rd!

The new Jersey Mike's will be located in the vacant space next door to Starbucks at 1041B Farmington Avenue. Jersey Mike's has installed a countdown banner for the opening!

Jersey Mike's is quickly expanding around the country including many new locations opening around Connecticut. Another new location is planned for the area, stay tuned for those details soon!
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Starbucks opened in the space in March, replacing a paint store and Blockbuster before that. The building has been extensively renovated for the coffee shop to add a drive thru and modernize the entire building.

McDonald's is being proposed at the corner of Deming Road and Berlin Turnpike (466 Deming Road/337 Berlin Turnpike)!

The former Industrial Surplus site, currently comprised of two buildings, will be reused as a new mixed-use development site with retail and industrial/warehouse use as well as a restaurant pad site which will be built at the northwest corner of the site for McDonald's with a drive through.

The project was discussed at the 9/19/24 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and is in its very early stages. There was no mention on any known tenants for the retail/industrial portion at this time. The site is owned by 337 Berlin LLC.

Stay with us for further updates on this development and more projects coming soon to town!
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Seed kitchen & bagelry is NOW OPEN in Berlin!

The new location is called Seed Central Coffee and Eats and is located at 61 Chamberlain Highway. The coffee shop serves coffee, espresso drinks, teas, matcha, iced drinks, and for food they have bagels, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Check out the full menu here: https://order.toasttab.com/.../seed-bagel-berlin-61...
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They are open Tuesday thru Friday: 7am-2pm, Saturday & Sunday: 7am-1pm, Closed on Mondays!

T-swirl Crêpe is NOW OPEN at 224 Berlin Turnpike!

T-Swirl has moved into the space at The Shoppes at Turnpike Ridge most recently occupied by Pokemoto, which closed several months ago.

The menu features crepes several ways, with fillings that include everything from fruits, meats, eggs and more!

The new location will be run by Lingyan Ye and Ling Lin. Ling Lin is also listed as the franchisee for their Middletown location. The company also has other locations in New Haven and Fairfield.

Visit them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/tswirlcrepe_berlin/
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Check them out today!

Zack's Burgers & Shakes is NOW OPEN in their new relocated space at 797 Farmington Avenue!

Zack's has been a popular burger spot in town; originally located at 520 High Road. They offer several burger options, as well as wraps, soups, salads and milkshakes! Their new space was previously home to other restaurants including Cugino's and Even Stephens.
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Check them out in their new location! Let us know what you ordered (or want to) in the comments!

The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery is NOW OPEN in Berlin!

The new restaurant, located at 1241 Farmington Avenue in the former Arby's, offers soups, sandwiches, salads, ice cream and more! Ingredients will be made with their famous brand of local products which have been available in grocery stores for over 20 years!
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We will update this post when we know of an official opening/ribbon cutting event in the future. Until then, make sure to check them out!

We are saddened to report that The Encore Bar and Grill has closed their doors.

The restaurant opened on March 27 and featured several different menu options along with a full bar and live entertainment.
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The Berlin Scoop reached out to the owner directly, who confirmed the closure. A note on the door indicated the business was closed. All social media platforms are also no longer available.