Several followers have reached out to me asking about the opening date for CAVA (3333 Berlin Turnpike).

CAVA (3333 Berlin Turnpike) will be hosting a Community Day event this Thursday June 27, followed by the official grand opening this Friday, June 28!

To attend the event on Thursday, you must reserve a time slot to receive a digital ticket for a free meal (link below). Hours that day are 10:45am-2pm and 5-8pm. Any donations from guests made to Food Rescue US - Hartford will be matched!
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Follow the link to sign up for the Community Day: https://www.eventbrite.com/.../meadow-commons-community...

They are currently hiring for the new Meadow Commons location. While visiting the new center, I noticed increased activity in the area of the new CAVA, including the future PJ's Coffee and Playa Bowls. Please stay with The Newington Scoop for further updates on all openings.
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To apply for a job, click on the following link: https://harri.com/cava-usa...

As we look forward to our first anniversary since our launch in a few weeks, I wanted to share my appreciation for your support so far in the efforts to bring you local business news! We love collaborating with our friends in other local media to bring you accurate and up to date news!

We work with our local sources, local news pages and tips from the community to bring you news that matters to you, before the big guys.

In an age of media consolidation under big mainstream media; it's great to foster a sense of community and have multiple local companies working to keep the public informed! We couldn't do it without the help of the community & local partners; and for that we are thankful!

We are hearing from our sources that Sky Zone Trampoline Park is planning a new location in the former Best Market / Local Market space at 175 Lowrey Place!

The trampoline park is still subject to local approvals. The park would be in stark contrast to previous proposals for the property including potential apartments.

We've reached out to Sky Zone to confirm their plans, they have not responded at the time of this post. These plans match the chain's previously announced search for a new location in the greater Hartford area. The chain was searching for a space to open in the first half of 2024.

These plans are still subject to change.
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Do you think this is a good use for the former grocery store? Let us know in the comments.

Newington is the place to be in the next few weeks! In this special Newington Event Brief, we wanted to give you the scoop on several exciting events presented by the Newington Chamber of Commerce and Newington Parks and Recreation and sponsored several local businesses, as well as a few business milestone events!

The Annual "Cruising Newington" Classic Car Show takes place this Thursday, June 13 from 5-8PM along Market Square. No cutoff year. $10 per car entry. Rain dates are June 20 and 27. Be sure to support your local restaurants and businesses in the Center while you are there!

Also on Thursday, visit Mill Pond Park (123 Garfield Street) for Newington Goes Country from 5-10PM! Newington Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Country 92-5 and Happy Harry Wine & Liquor Discount Warehouse (2400 Berlin Turnpike) will be putting together a family fun event featuring live performances, attractions, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and much more!

On Friday (June 14), come back to Mill Pond Park for Food Truck Friday! Enjoy a wide variety of food trucks in the park along with a live performance by "Mass Con-Fusion". This event will take place from 5-10PM. Happy Harry's will also sponsor the event.

Rock+Soul is having their official Grand Opening celebration this Saturday, June 15 from 1-4PM with service giveaways, product raffles, refreshments and free goodies! Rock+Soul is celebrating 1 year in their new Newington space, but will be celebrating 5 years in business soon. They were never able to have an official grand opening due to COVID. Come see them at 39 Market Square!

Evolution Yoga & Wellness Co. is celebrating their 1-year anniversary in business! They are a yoga and wellness studio that offers several classes, as well as Friday "Pop-Up" events featuring local vendors! They are celebrating their first year open all day on Friday, June 21 with FREE Yoga classes, local vendors, special deals, a gently-used clothing swap, as well as a toast at 7PM! Join them at 122 Market Square!
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If you have an event you would like us to share on The Newington Scoop, send us an email at [email protected].

Artisianna - Olive Oils and Balsamics will be holding a Grand Opening celebration on Friday June 7 and Saturday June 8 at their newly relocated store at 2600 Berlin Turnpike (first floor)! The shop had previously been located on the second floor of the same building and moved down to a storefront back in March.

Artisianna specializes in oils and balsamics with a wide assortment of flavors and sizes. They also offer specialty foods, foodie gifts and more!

They will have demos, popup vendor shops, and other exciting events both days. You can even make your own dressing!

The Newington Chamber of Commerce will also be hosting a Ribbon Cutting for Artisianna on Monday, June 10 at 5PM.
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To learn more, visit their website: https://www.oliveoilsandbalsamics.com/

Yankee Mattress Company has closed their only Connecticut outpost in Newington. The mattress store was located at 3277 Berlin Turnpike, in the Total Fitness Superstore Plaza.

The store's location has been removed from the store's website. There is no word yet on what might replace the mattress store. The store opened in November 2023.
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What would you like to see open in this space next? Comment below!

NewGen Pickleball is coming soon to Newington! They plan on opening the new facility on June 3 at 77 Pane Road!

Pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports in the country! Indoor pickleball courts have started opening in buildings that were once old warehouses or stores. They provide a safe space for games.

NewGen will feature fully enclosed courts and a climate-controlled environment for year-round play. You can even reserve a space in advance!

NewGen joins SafeSplash Swim School at the newly built space at 77 Pane Road! Visit their website for more information and rules here: https://newgenpickleball.com/
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Are you excited to have a Pickleball facility in Newington? Will you be playing there? Tell us in the comments!

The new Dunkin' location at 79 East Cedar Street has set a targeted opening date of this coming Thursday, May 23!

It has since been confirmed that the other downtown location at 1095 Main Street, which has operated in the space for many years will close permanently today (5/19) at 7PM. The status of that location had been in question since the new location was announced.

The new shop will feature walk-in service, in addition to a drive-through, which was already in place from the former tenant, Santander Bank that had closed the branch in 2019.

One of our very first posts back in July highlighted franchisee Cary Gagnon's plan for a second Dunkin' store in the center of town. A Pre-Application was heard, and eventually Gagnon officially came to the town with a Public Hearing, which was approved.
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How do you feel about the new location? Is it more convenient for you? Tell us in the comments.

Cutting Edge CT will be relocating their Berlin store to the former Bungalow on the Ave location at 945 Farmington Avenue in Berlin!

The full service snowboard, skateboard & bike shop has been located in Berlin since 1987 in various locations around town. They are currently located at 146 Mill Street.

The shop plans to open in mid-June in the new location. Bungalow on the Ave. closed in February after 3 years in business on Farmington Avenue.

It continues to be a very exciting and constantly evolving business environment in the Newington/Berlin area, and we have been keeping track of all the details. In this edition, you will find a rundown of openings (in addition to a few coming soon), an update on the many development projects followers have been asking about, and more. We might have the ‘scoop’ you are looking for!

The following businesses recently opened in/near both Newington and Berlin:

-F45 Training (30C Fenn Road) had their soft opening March 16. No word on an official Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting ceremony at this time.

-Haven Hot Chicken (12 Fenn Road) opened on April 13. A Ribbon Cutting ceremony was held by the Newington Chamber of Commerce. The Newington Scoop was invited to a preview event on April 10. Check out our post here:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid0YQkY73GWVRuzn2skELTrSkJ28UYDA7zNjbz7m3FixeVVk7h1FJBZVgWaZgDYtUzol
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-The Portuguese Club of Hartford (730 North Mountain Road) reopened on March 30 after a fire closed the facility back in 2017. A gala was held on March 30, with an official Ribbon Cutting on April 5.

-Middlesex Orthopedic & Spine Associates (505 Willard Avenue, Suite 1C) opened April 1 with a Ribbon Cutting.

-LaserMaxx (3005 Berlin Turnpike) opened on April 8. It was previously the longtime home of LaserQuest, which will continue the same concept with laser tag, an arcade and an escape room!

-Stone House By Temponi (1912 Berlin Turnpike, Wethersfield) opened their new showroom March 16. They were previously located at 1979 North Broad Street in Meriden. They will retain the property as their fabrication shop and remnant yard until they complete work on a neighboring property to their new showroom at 1900 Berlin Turnpike for those purposes.

-The Encore Bar & Grill (1861 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin) opened March 27.

-Starbucks (1041 Farmington Avenue, Berlin) opened March 20.

-Quinceanera Dresses (196 Berlin Turnpike, Berlin) recently opened.

-Barbology Barbershop (154 Webster Square Road, Berlin) recently opened. They are located at Stick Village across from Ocean State Plaza.

-Miss Britt's Academy of Dance opened yesterday (4/23) at 1400 Berlin Turnpike in Berlin (in Ridgeway Plaza)! To learn more and to sign up for a class, visit their website: https://www.missbrittsacademyofdance.com/

-MEADOW COMMONS IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS TOMORROW (4/25) with the opening of Shake Shack at 3329 Berlin Turnpike (Suite 6)! They will be having their ribbon cutting at 10:30am with the Newington Chamber of Commerce followed by the Grand Opening at 11am. Shake Shack will donate $1 for every burger and sandwich purchased, to help Connecticut Foodshare!

-We also brought you the scoop Monday that Beso Taco Bar is the latest eatery to sign on to the new development! ICYMI, see that post here:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02puYHPPbrWQpcpXpYfTfB9RMjcy2cC6HU7oZ8s9B8sVZ5kC4NDdC1Q1PBP9FFSAbBl

-The first tenants of Millyard at Meadow Commons should be ready to occupy their units shortly as well. Read our latest update on the new mixed-use center:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02sTjoHeR89GgeNFaLfPGF28tqVjx3uNLoAtDZrMjkufZie4Aj1j8aSKpSE8A9RsoFl

-Just around the corner from Meadow Commons is The Pike at 227 Pane Road. This has been an ongoing construction project consisting of 151 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Units are now available and initial occupancy is expected as early as June! Visit their website to learn more about the newest housing option in town: https://www.thepikenewington.com/

-Steelwrist relocated their North America headquarters from Berlin to Newington at 240 Pane Road back in December. They share the space with Shucco USA LP which downsized operations last year. Steelwrist was previously located at 576 Christian Lane in Berlin since 2018. New England Crane/Connecticut Crane & Hoist took over the Christian Lane facility as of February.

-The Site Plan for 67 Pane Road by BSC Group was Approved with Conditions at the March 27 TPZ meeting. BSC Group plans to convert the former Frink’s Garden Center into a Sunbelt Rental facility. Modifications to the existing structure are currently being made. The current Sunbelt Rental location at 2258 Berlin Turnpike would be replaced by the new Pane Road location.

-The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery is coming soon to 1241 Farmington Avenue in Berlin! This will be their second location in Connecticut. See our post for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid02d86wo6UEmXWYSAXGCW7LgX4VTyh2ewfqhbz4Roed5HvzMfb5yTB42URFKjPhqseLl

-Wingstop announced plans to open a location just over the town line at the new Atlas Commons in Wethersfield at 1862 Berlin Turnpike. They join Starbucks as the first tenants of the new complex.

-The former Batteries + Bulbs space at 3384 Berlin Turnpike has been leased! We are still trying to figure out the new tenant. Signs on the windows clearly hint to the fact that a lease has been signed. No building permits have been filed as of this time. Stay tuned for updates.

-There has been curiosity from readers on what is happening at 50 Fenn Road; the former Mobil station. Passersby can see that the fuel tanks have been removed and the property gated. After doing some research, we were able to find building and electrical permits filed for the property in the last month for the removal of underground storage tanks and equipment and the installation of new tanks (see them in the photos). It is certain with this information that a gas station will come back to the site but is unclear if it will continue as Mobil or another brand. When it is known, we will give an update. The property was purchased from Trumbull Family Properties back in December, 2023 to Jurkoto Ljuboca & Bakar ABU.

-The future WoodSpring Suites at 712 Cedar Street appears to be nearly complete. We have reached out to WoodSpring for an opening date for the hotel and are waiting to hear back.

-Hound and Home LLC is merging operations with Muddy Paws Barkery and moving their storefront to 1042 Main Street, the former Flowers, Etc. space! See our post on this exciting news here:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid0fBFdLfRctgU7bqhr7h2XLt6tR45GbmfcZjvibFhvpXZZ4YuNmE8PaUERvjjqJ9PUl

-Buildout on the new Dunkin' space at 79 East Cedar Street continues. No word on when they will open.

-Another development project many are wondering about is the former Keeney building at 1170 Main Street. The property was purchased by Omni Broussard Two LLC in December, 2021. They came before the Economic Development Commission on April 6, 2023 with a presentation for the property to transform it in to a mixed-use development consisting of retail in the front, and manufacturing in the rear. The hope was that local businesses would utilize the space. Other uses envisioned were showroom space and a brewery. Data-Mail currently utilizes the industrial building on the East end of the property. There has been interest from potential tenants to occupy space for the past year, but the process has been at a standstill to the point where there was uncertainty that plans would still move forward. The Newington Scoop discovered an Instagram account tied to the development with the most recent posts highlighting the building’s 99th birthday this year, as well as pitching for a brewery to inquire about space at the complex. The link in their bio brings you to their leasing page with Sentry Commercial. Check out the cleverly named ‘1170 Main’ Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/1170main.nwngtn/

-The Kiwanis Club of Newington will be back with the bi-annual Flea Market for their Spring session beginning this Sunday, April 28 and running each Sunday through June 30 in Constitution Square! See our previous post for more information on this event:
https://www.facebook.com/thenewingtonscoop/posts/pfbid0y7Uj7qdqmqNLPRnxsM6SrrSbUStwpxmm8z7QV8udU3C2X8hKWhnfmvi6uR4xAVSNl
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-Join Karma's Closet for their Spring Fair! It will take place this Sunday, April 28 from 10am-3pm at their store located at 3153 Berlin Turnpike in the McBride Plaza parking lot. Owner Deanna Reney offers local crafters a space to sell their unique items in addition to selling them in the store. There will also be a sidewalk sale, bake sale and raffles! Stop by Sunday!

VISIT US ON THE WEB-Do you prefer a web URL to view our stories or know of someone who doesn’t have social media? We have everything you are looking for at www.theconnecticutscoop.com. There, you will find every story you see here, in addition to stories from our Scoop family across Connecticut! Check it out!
Do you have business news you would like to share? Are you a business who wishes to advertise on The Newington Scoop? We are always looking for a few extra pair of eyes and ears, especially in Berlin. If you would like to share your story, send us an email at [email protected].

Reading this Business Brief on another group? To see more content and stay with the scoop, give us a LIKE and a SHARE. The Newington Scoop.
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Did you know we are also on Instagram? Follow us there: www.instagram.com/thenewingtonscoop

Hound and Home LLC will be merging operations with Muddy Paws Barkery and moving to a new home!

The newly merged businesses will occupy the former Flowers, Etc. space at 1042 Main Street! Hound and Home is currently located at 2600 Berlin Turnpike, where they will continue operations until the new space is ready later this summer. The move will allow for more services and retail space.

Hound and Home provides grooming services, dog washing stations, a retail store featuring food and supplies, including items from local vendors/artisans! The business is celebrating its first year open!

See their Facebook post in the attached image to see their announcement. Have you been to Hound and Home? Are you excited about their move and expansion? Tell us below!
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Visit them on the web at www.houndandhome.org

Beso Taco Bar is coming soon to Meadow Commons according to the latest leasing plan! The upscale taco bar will open next door to Sally's Apizza, separated by a small courtyard.

Beso Taco Bar is owned by Market Hospitality Group, owner of Marketplace, Mercato, Marketplace Tavern, and other restaurants throughout NY and CT. Beso Taco Bar recently opened their first location in Newburgh, NY. Market Hospitality Group has new restaurant coming soon in Cheshire and Glastonbury as well!

The menu features a plethora of Mexican-inspired dishes including a large variety of tacos, empanadas, and more. The drink menu has a variety of margaritas! Make sure you check them out when they open.

Check out their website here: https://www.besotacobar.com/
​and their menu here: https://www.besotacobar.com/eat

Haven Hot Chicken (12 Fenn Road) will be officially opening their Newington location on Saturday, April 13 at 11am!

The Newington Scoop (represented by our Scoop founder, Jean-Luc) was invited to a media preview event today to check out and sample the latest of several new chicken establishments in the area. Haven Hot Chicken was founded in 2020 and is the first dedicated Nashville-style chicken concept in New England.

They will offer several styles of their delicious chicken, ranging from "Country" (non-spicy) to "Haven" (spicy). Accompanying the chicken is their classic sides, such as french fries, creamy vinegar slaw, garlic dill pickles and mac and cheese. Vegetarian options are also available. Their famous banana pudding is not only a sweet dessert but comes with a satisfying story. The cost of a meal from the sale of each side of banana pudding goes to support "The Great Banana Pudding Drive" which helps Connecticut Foodshare. Haven has helped to raise funds for over 60,000 meals to help feed families in our state!

The Newington location will be their 7th. They also have stores in New Haven, Orange, Norwalk, North Haven, Storrs and Middletown. Fairfield and Oxford will follow shortly after Newington's opening! They will be open every day from 11am-10pm.
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The new location will be giving away their signature item "The Sandwich" to the first 203 guests at the restaurant beginning Saturday at 11am! Visit their website to learn more about their menu items: www.havenhotchicken.com

The Farmer's Cow Calfé & Creamery is coming soon to 1241 Farmington Avenue, in the former Arby's space!

Their menu offerings include sandwiches, wraps, soups, ice cream and more! They will be using the delicious, high-quality brand of products they are known for all over New England!

The Farmers Cow was started in 2003 as a cooperative of 6 family-owned farms. The first Calfe was opened in 2012. They currently have a Connecticut location in Willimantic at 86 Storrs Road. They are hoping to open the Berlin location in the next month or so. The location will feature a drive-through, which is already in place from the previous restaurant.

The addition of The Farmer's Cow continues an upward trend in the town of new businesses, specifically food establishments such as Sadie's Sunrise Cafe, The Encore Bar & Grill, Starbucks, Seed Bagel (opening soon) and more! Are you excited about all of these new options?
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Find out more information and view their full menu by visiting their website: https://thefarmerscowcalfe.com/

We are just a few weeks away from the opening of Meadow Commons, which includes the retail portion (3113-3333 Berlin Turnpike) and the Millyard at Meadow Commons residential component (98-100 Pane Road). Read ahead to hear a recap of what's coming to the retail side, when the residential side will be ready for occupancy, pictures and an estimated opening date of the first retail tenant!

Meadow Commons shopping center will consist of 12 retail spaces, 7 of which are currently leased. Those signed on are food establishments, including Shake Shack, Crumbl Cookies, PJ's Coffee, Sally's Apizza, Playa Bowls and CAVA. They all expect to open by summer of this year. A national grocer will be the largest tenant, and is leased to Amazon Fresh at this time, which is subject to change. They don't expect to open the grocery store until January 2025.

The residential portion, Millyard at Meadow Commons, just announced today that they will be welcoming their first residents in just a few weeks! They are actively continuing to offer tours of additional units on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. Visit www.millyardliving.com to learn more.

While opening dates are often announced and can change, we have learned that the first tenant to open, Shake Shack (3329 Berlin Turnpike) has tentatively scheduled their opening date for Friday, April 26! Again, this is subject to change. Crumbl, PJs and CAVA are all anticipated to follow shortly thereafter.

The Newington Scoop visited the site on March 18 and took some pictures of the retail plaza. They are attached with this post.
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Are you looking forward to Meadow Commons? What restaurant are you excited to try? What other businesses would you like to see fill the 5 remaining spaces? Let us know!

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!

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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].