LaserMaxx will open their doors on Monday, April 8 at 3005 Berlin Turnpike in Newington!

We were "first on the scoop" back in January with their intent to open a new laser tag experience in a space that once was home to Laser Quest for years!

LaserMaxx has picked Newington for their first US East Coast location. The location is expected to open early this spring! The location will feature a HUGE multi-level maze, new arcade and the best laser tag equipment in the world!

Check out their website here: https://lasermaxxnewington.com/

Will you be there when they open? Who are you taking? Let us know in the comments!

Stone House By Temponi opened a new showroom on March 16, just over the town line at 1912 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield!

They are an established family-owned business of over 20 years. They had been in their original location in Meriden at 1979 North Broad Street (Route 5/15). It will be retained as a remnant yard and fabrication shop until the neighboring property in Wethersfield at 1900 Berlin Turnpike (which they also acquired) is ready.

Stone House By Temponi specializes in granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz countertops, shower walls, fireplaces and much more! Everything is custom fabricated. They serve all of New England and surrounding states. The newly constructed showroom joins the neighboring Atlas Commons just two doors down among others on the turnpike!
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Join them for an official Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting with the Wethersfield Chamber of Commerce on April 11 at 4:00pm!

-The Portuguese Club of Hartford will be holding their reopening of the club this Saturday, March 30, just over 6 years after a fire devastated the facility on December 23, 2017. The rebuilding of the venue has been years in the making. They will be holding a gala to celebrate on Saturday beginning at 6:30pm! Then join them and the Newington Chamber of Commerce for a soft opening/ribbon cutting on Friday, April 5 at 5:30pm. They are located at 730 North Mountain Road in Newington.

-Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates has expanded in Connecticut to Newington! They will be located at 505 Willard Avenue, Suite 1-C. They will be having a ribbon cutting with the Chamber next Monday, April 1 at 5:00pm!

To learn more about the Portuguese Club of Hartford, visit their website at
https://www.hartfordportugueseclub.com/
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To find more information on Middlesex Orthopedic and Spine Associates, visit them at
https://middlesexortho.com/

Continuing the positive trend of business openings, The Encore Bar & Grill has officially announced their opening date!

The Encore will open next Wednesday, March 27 at 3PM! They are located at 1861 Berlin Turnpike in what was the former Barrel and Vine!

The owners of Encore launched the restaurant's new website and just yesterday, their new menu! They will be open for dinner every night, as well as Sunday brunch! Check out their menu on the website: https://www.theencorebarandgrill.com/menus
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Will you be trying this new restaurant option? What looks good on the menu? Let us know!

Haven Hot Chicken will be officially opening their Newington location on Saturday, April 13 at 9AM! They will be located at 12 Fenn Road.

This will be the restaurant's 7th location. They serve tenders, sandwiches, bowls and more! Haven Hot Chicken is the latest in several new eateries of its kind to open in Connecticut towns.
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To view their menu, visit them at www.havenhotchicken.com

We promise it is for real this time! Starbucks officially opened this morning at 1041 Farmington Avenue in Berlin / Kensington! The new Starbucks opened in the former paint shop.

The space was once home to a Blockbuster before the chain closed, Painter's Edge moved in shortly after before closing themselves.
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This is Berlin's first Starbucks, with the next closest location being 3579A Berlin Turnpike in Newington near Stew Leonard's. We had originally reported that the coffee shop planned to open on Monday, the plan changed at the last minute with the opening delayed until today.

Quinceanera Dresses has just opened a storefront at 196 Berlin Turnpike, next to the new Sherwin Williams!

Quinceanera Dresses sells gowns for every glamorous occasion! This is their first and only location in CT. The new showroom is beautiful. Check them out!

Visit them on the web at www.myquincedress.com and on Instagram at
https://www.instagram.com/quincedressesofficial

Are you happy to see a new dress shop on the Turnpike? Do you feel we need more options like this in the area? Let us know below!

The upcoming Atlas Commons at 1862 Berlin Turnpike (just over the Newington line) in Wethersfield has added a second tenant to the new plaza!

Our friends at The Scoop Wethersfield reported that Wingstop has leased the right endcap space! They are a fast-food restaurant specializing in wings of several variations and flavors. They have existing locations in CT, with Hartford and Vernon being the closest.

So far, they are joining Starbucks which leased the left endcap. Two additional spaces are available in between both confirmed tenants. Wethersfield Town Planning and Zoning will meet next Tuesday 3/19 to hear the application for the proposed restaurant.
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Do you like Wingstop? Have you been to their other locations? What would you like to see take the remaining two spaces at Atlas Commons? Tell us below.

A comprehensive recap since our last edition of openings, closings, ribbon cuttings, and other news including updates on the latest development projects, and more in the latest Business Brief. We have news for Newington and Berlin, and more. There is sure to be something for everyone!

The following businesses recently opened:
-Flash Car Wash Newington (16 Fenn Road, Newington) opened on January 27.

-Hey You Tattoo! (127 Fenn Road, Newington) opened on February 2. Check them out on Instagram to see examples of their work: https://www.instagram.com/heyyoutattoos/

-Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill (12A Fenn Road, Newington) opened on February 19.

-Shah's Halal Food (26 Fenn Road, Newington) had a soft opening on February 24.

-Hartford Therapeutic Massage & Wellness Center LLC recently moved from their Vernon facility at 500 Talcottville Road to 1268 Main Street in Newington.

-Studio 10 Hair & Nail Salon, LLC (10 Steele Boulevard, Suite 5, Berlin) recently opened.

-Popeyes (587 Hartford Road, New Britain) recently opened.

Ribbon cuttings were recently held at the following businesses:
-Civility Home Care (81 Market Square, Newington) had a ribbon cutting on February 16.

-The Pearson Events Venue (2590 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin) hosted a ribbon cutting on February 22. They hosted their first event back in October. See their feature story by The Newington Scoop here: https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02rR6s9xwWAMQ78p8XNcQD4Mzfbv9MBLwzMbQG7qnA5beYeCiae7LeNSXFpsA9tJaml

-Hop Häus Berlin (9 Steele Boulevard, Berlin) had their ribbon cutting recently. They opened last year.
F45 Training Newington (30C Fenn Road) has once again postponed their opening/ribbon cutting. The new date has not been announced.

-Halal Munchies is coming soon to Berlin at 1943 Berlin Turnpike. No opening date has been announced yet. Check them out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/halalmunchies786/

-The Encore Bar and Grill (1861 Berlin Turnpike) is still finalizing their space in the former Barrel and Vine. They will let us know when their opening date will be. Stay tuned for that announcement!

-There is still no definite timeline on the opening of Starbucks at 1041 Farmington Avenue in Berlin. We have reached out to corporate but have not heard back.

-Haven Hot Chicken (12 Fenn Road) is close to making an announcement on their pending opening. The sign is up on the building. The restaurant joins Jersey Mike's Subs, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Salsa Fresca Mexican Grill in the new strip mall part of the Fenn Plaza which also includes the Stop and Shop parcel, as well as Flash Car Wash, Starbucks and the future WoodSpring Suites which is also set to open later this year.

-We had first reported back in January that LaserMaxx will be coming to the space vacated by Laser Quest at 3005 Berlin Turnpike. They were originally scheduled to open in late February. In a recent Facebook post, they announced a few setbacks had delayed the opening. They hope to be operational by the end of this month. See their Facebook post in the attached photo.

-In neighboring Wethersfield, Raising Cane's will be opening at 1298 Silas Deane Highway in the former Denny’s space. The fast-food chain which specializes in chicken fingers opened to much fanfare in Enfield with their very first location in Connecticut. They have plans for additional locations in the area. Our friends at The Scoop Wethersfield first reported this story. Be sure to check them out for the latest news on Wethersfield!

-Mojo Hair Salon (431 New Britain Avenue, Newington) recently reopened after a car hit the building several months ago.

-Pokemoto (224 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin) closed sometime after the new year. See our post for more information: https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid0pV43sFUu5rqDv4p8U72JudmCCWY9whedBQpdM4pZkPoorpXeBtdQrHX2cN8o8CLfl

-Clutch Cards and Collectibles (848 Farmington Avenue) and Bungalow on the Ave (945 Farmington Avenue) closed their shops in Berlin. Read the original post here:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02dAGCDBc8SP6guuDsujwhTqVjYxm69YuqS7Kmh6pUWkR1jEwtTWAPv22jkZVyiRpLl

-Kensington Market (1014 Farmington Avenue, Berlin) suffered a fire on February 3. Luckily, it was not a total loss. However, they had to temporarily close the storefront. They plan to make repairs to the store and reopen soon. See our post on the fire:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid0ctY8ZDpkBhzNGACs1V3YoyZE272PHZ7PPtR19MpmraPX1rErRKV7iyv7GbEEi2Bql

-Flowers Etc LLC, which had been located at 1042 Main Street for 40 years, is not reopening as originally planned. The owner took to Facebook last week to announce his decision to move on after applying for an Easement to move to the rear of their longtime space, adding a space facing Constitution Square. The entire 1042 Main space is available. See the Facebook post again in the attached photos.

-Dunkin', coming soon to 79 East Cedar Street is beginning site work. No timeline for opening has been announced.

-There has been activity at the future DORO owned variation on Treva at 2929 Berlin Turnpike. Not much to report as of now. We are hoping to see more activity on site soon. Stay with us for updates.

-ICYMI, an opportunity to redevelop the Town Center business district came in the form of a proposal to replace Northwood Plaza a.k.a Best Market Plaza (103-175 Lowrey Place) with 273 apartment units. A Pre-Application hearing was held at the TPZ meeting on 1/24 to hear the concept. In addition, the Hartford HealthCare campus is now up for sale at 181 and 184-200 Patricia Genova Drive. Read both posts by clicking the links below:
103-175 LOWREY:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02yHwKA7ESZtAwoj4VdLmCAEvinFAMJYhFhf7ygxrX2bz6jauZGLpVnWxtZD1F8qRTl

HARTFORD HEALTHCARE:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid0cJnsGbcPKd1gnJB2oV5k1uQrDEYPumrn6egxeqya6FMHD7rh8GUBBJUKYZLZeu7Pl

-We have been following the upcoming opening of the Meadow Commons development, which includes the retail portion, as well as the adjoining 269 apartment units known as Millyard at Meadow Commons. In our latest update, we mentioned the first businesses will be moving in during the month of April and that tours are currently being given for the apartment units. As of now, entry and exit from the development will be from the Berlin Turnpike Southbound only. A new traffic signal including Northbound access will become active at a later date this year. Also, access via Pane Road will be available. See the latest update here: https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02KFEmeEhRmkeECmXawaz2vZD6rY9o1myBoUYrA6KwP6P98mduZm3hoySKi2hp5FVul

-A Public Hearing is scheduled for the next TPZ meeting on Wednesday 3/13 at 7pm for 67 Pane Road, the former Frink’s Garden Center. BSC Group submitted plans for an equipment storage facility on the site. According to the plans, it appears to be Sunbelt Rentals.

=If you have driven down the Berlin end of the turnpike, you will notice that construction is progressing at 404 Berlin Turnpike, just past Blue Lobster. This new development is known as Riverwalk Berlin and will consist of a gas station/convenience store and 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. The convenience store is currently being constructed and site work is ongoing. We cannot confirm the name of the gas station at this time. Visit the website for Riverwalk here: https://riverwalkberlin.com/

-Join the Newington Chamber of Commerce for the Annual State of the Town this Thursday, March 14 at the Newington Senior and Disabled Center at 120 Cedar Street for a presentation highlighting how Newington is doing and what is ahead. This is a great event to learn more about what is going on in town. Don’t miss it!
Also join the Chamber for Comedy Night on Friday, March 22 at the Polish American Club at 140 Wilson Avenue! Several local businesses are sponsoring the event!

Do you have business news you would like to share? Are you a business who wishes to advertise on The Newington Scoop? If you would like to share your story, send us an email at [email protected].
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Fazio Shoe Repair and Retail is located at 216 Market Square in Newington. Not only are they a hidden gem, but they also offer a service that has become hard to find.

Since 1977, they have been a trusted destination for shoe repair services, including general repairs and dyeing. They even repair luggage! All work is done professionally and for a fair price including service with a smile by Mr. Fazio himself! Check them out at their quaint storefront located in Constitution Square.

Look for more Hidden Gems of Newington in future posts as we highlight local businesses you may not know about! If you know of a "hidden gem" in either Newington or Berlin, let us know at [email protected].

The owner of Flowers Etc LLC posted on the businesses Facebook page that he has decided not to reopen the flower shop in the rear portion of the original location at 1042 Main Street facing the Constitution Square lot.

Flowers Etc. was a long-time business in town that was a popular destination to find that perfect floral arrangement. The shop closed a year ago after 40 years in business to prepare to downsize their space and reopen in the rear portion and sublease the front space to another tenant. See the Facebook post in the attached image to read his entire update post.
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Share your memories of Flowers, Etc below. What would you like to see open at 1042 Main Street? Share your thoughts.

As the opening of Meadow Commons at 3113-3333 Berlin Turnpike and 98-100 Pane Road approaches, here are some highlights regarding the shopping center and Millyard apartments discussed at the last TPZ meeting on 2/28/24. I hope to be able to get inside the lot soon when permitted to take photos.

The first round of previously announced tenants for the commercial portion of Meadow Commons at 3113-3333 Berlin Turnpike will begin opening tentatively throughout the month of April. They include Shake Shack, Crumbl Cookies and PJ's Coffee. CAVA and Sally's Apizza will follow at later dates. The grocery anchor, which is still announced to be Amazon Fresh, will not open until January, 2025. There are still a few spaces available for lease. We hope to know official opening dates for each tenant soon.

Although not listed on the leasing plan, Playa Bowls was announced as the latest tenant to sign on to the center at the 2/28 TPZ meeting. They are a health food restaurant that offers Acai Bowls, Pitaya Bowls, Green Bowls, Juices, Smoothies and more. There are several locations already in Connecticut, with the closest one in West Hartford at 51 Memorial Road in Blue Back Square. No opening date was mentioned. Visit them at www.playabowls.com

The Millyard at Meadow Commons at 96-100 Pane Road is the residential apartment portion of the development. They are now leasing for Spring 2024 move ins! They have begun tours of the facility. To learn more about the units and to schedule a tour, visit them at their website, www.millyardliving.com
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Are you looking forward to Meadow Commons? What else would you like to take the remaining spaces in the shopping center? Tell us in the comments below.