An ice cream shop & mini-golf course has opened in Putnam with bigger plans in the works!

The Scoop Social is NOW OPEN at 147 Kennedy Drive in Putnam, at Riverview Landscape Supply. The new business replaces the Riverview Ice Cream shop that previously operated at the site.

At The Scoop Social they feature both soft serve and hard serve ice cream including 3 types of cones; waffle, sugar, and wafer. Soft serve comes in chocolate, vanilla, and twist. Hard serve flavors include 25 different options along with some dairy free options. Add toppings and sauces to ice cream to create a sundae and try a milkshakes or Tornado (like a Blizzard at DQ)!

Mini-Golf is also open for the season! A round of mini-golf is $10 for adults, $8 for children, or $8 for seniors. They also offer memberships for mini-golf including unlimited rounds all season long. Memberships are $79 for adults, $59 for children & seniors, and a family pass (2 adults & children) for $179.

Future plans for The Scoop Social include new firepits, live music on Saturdays, and visiting food trucks on weekends! They also plans to add beer & wine once their liquor license is approved.

Find them at 147 Kennedy Drive in Putnam
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They are open:
Sunday 11:00am-7:00pm
Monday through Thursday 3:30pm-8:00pm
Friday & Saturday 11:00am-9:00pm

A new children's entertainment center is coming to Putnam!

Construction work on the new Bounce X Fun Zone is now underway at 50 Providence Pike in Putnam! The new fun zone will be located next door to Montana Nights Axe Throwing, occupying the remainder of the former Big Lots space.

The new entertainment complex will feature multiple trampolines, a multi-sports court, climbing structures, arcade games, Ninja warrior course, a toddler area, 2 party rooms, and much more!
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We previously reported on this complex back in 2024 and now things are finally moving along! Stay tuned for more details on their opening.

A new Mexican restaurant is coming to Putnam!

Agave Mexican Kitchen is coming soon to 62 Providence Pike in Putnam! The new restaurant recently started construction next to Elle Nail Salon in the plaza.

The new eatery is expected to serve authentic Mexican cuisine and will feature a full bar! Get ready for delicious Mexican food with your favorite margaritas.

Agave Mexican Kitchen will be owned by the Leon Restaurant Group. The restaurant group, owned by brothers Roberto & Ernesto Leon, own the Condesa Mexican Restaurant and Agave Social Cocina Mexicana. Condesa has locations in Watertown MA, Sturbridge MA, West Warwick RI, and Smithfield RI. Agave Social has 1 location in Narragansett RI.
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Look for them to open later this year. Sign up for updates on the opening on their website here: https://agavemexicankitchen.com

A new tenant is coming to the former Ford dealership in Brooklyn!

Vachon GMC has filed for building permits to convert the former Heritage Valley Ford dealership into a new GMC dealership at 455 Providence. The building has been vacant since Heritage Valley Ford merged with their Putnam location in early 2025.

The dealership group plans to modify the exterior and interior of the building including removal of the curved front entryway and storefront glass. In its place, new GMC branding elements and design features will be installed.

Vachon previously operated 'Vachon Ford' in the building before selling the operation to Heritage Valley in 2023, Vachon retained ownership of the building in the sale.
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The dealership group has a number of dealerships throughout Connecticut including Vachon Chevrolet in Brooklyn, Vachon Buick GMC in Old Saybrook, and Vachon GMC in Putnam.

A new bakery has opened in Danielson!

Amy's Cakery has opened the doors of its new bakeshop in Danielson! The new bakery is located at 21A Furnace Street, on the lower level of the iconic yellow building, across from NK Asian Market.

The new bakery specializes in cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and cookies; with custom cake orders available. Each week you'll find a new rotation of sandwiches, baked goods, and other treats! A menu will be posted on Wednesdays on their social media page.

The bakery opened its doors to the hungry masses on Friday, March 13th! Congratulations to the owner, Amy Despatie on the opening.

Find them at 21A Furnace Street in Danielson
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They are open:
Thursday through Saturday 10am-5pm
Sunday 9am-12pm
Closed Monday-Wednesday

Chipotle has set its opening date for the new Dayville location!

The new Chipotle will opens its doors on Tuesday, March 17th! The eatery is located at Killingly Commons (1089 Killingly Commons) in the Dayville section of Killingly.

The location feature their newest prototype including am interior dining room, small outdoor patio, and their Chipot-lane mobile order pick up window. Chipotle's opening is estimated created 30 new jobs with competetive benefits!

Find them at 1089 Killingly Commons in Killingly
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They are open daily from 10:45am to 10pm!

A local independent bookshop in Putnam has announced their impending closure.

Wolperdinger Bookends announced that they will close their downtown Putnam bookshop on April 30th. The bookstore is located at 112 Main Street in Putnam, inside The Shops at Montgomery Ward building.

The bookstore opened in August 2024 in the former Skeeter’s Toybox space. They carried new releases along with many popular genres including mystery, romance, biography, kids, and much more.

The owner plans to continue the Wolperdinger name as a pop-up in their new home state of Florida. Please make sure to stop by with your gift cards before April 30th.

A local comic book and collectibles store will be moving to a much larger space!

Action Packed! will be moving their store, but they aren’t going far! The store will move next door to 40 Wilbur Cross Way in Storrs Center, the former Amazon Pick-Up space. Action Packed! is currently located at 34 Wilbur Cross Way.

Their new space will be 4,000 square feet, nearly 6 times larger than their current 710 square foot space. Construction is now underway on their new home!

The store carries a variety of comics, collectibles, video games, Pokémon, trading cards, Funko Pops, and more pop-culture items. They opened in early 2024.
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The store is currently open Thursday through Sunday 12pm-4pm while they prepare to move.

An Italian coffee shop has opened in Columbia!

Sciarrettas Little Italy has opened at 326 Route 87 in Columbia! The new shop sell a variety of Italian desserts including their signature cannolis (multiple flavors) and freshly baked cookies!

Signature cannoli flavors vary by the day, but some examples include Banana Chocolate Chip, Sicilian Vanilla, Tiramisu, Nutella, Limoncello, and others. On their menu you will also find coffee, cold brew, espresso, horchatas, and Italian Cream Sodas!

Coming very soon is an assortment some Italian imported foods! They plan to launch more products and imports at their grand opening in a few weeks. Stay tuned to their social media for more information.

Find them at 326 Route 87 in Columbia
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They are open:
Wednesday-Monday 8am-5pm
Closed Tuesdays

A Downtown Putnam restaurant and bar has closed their doors.

The Crossings Restaurant & Brew Pub has permanently closed as of January 1st; with little notice. The restaurant was located at 45 Main Street in Putnam; inside the historic train station.

According to reporting by WINY, the restaurant owed their landlord back rent. The business opted to close and give the space (and its content) back to their landlord.
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The owner stated all employees will receive their final paychecks and they are working to address all outstanding gift cards.