Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana will be opening a new location in Westport!

The New Haven-based pizza shop will open in Summer 2026 at 361 Post Road West in Westport; part of the White Birch Center. The pizza shop will occupy 3,529 square feet of space previously home to The Naan.

Frank Pepe recently finalized the lease with Saugatuck Commercial Real Estate, a Westport based real estate broker.

The new Westport location will be Frank Pepe’s 18th location of the East Coast including 8 in Connecticut (9 once this one opens!) The chain got their start in 1925 in New Haven; serving Apizza (pronounced ah-beets.)
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Look for them to open this summer!

Trader Joe's is NOW OPEN in Shelton! Take a look inside!

The new store is located at 801 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton, part of the Fountain Square development. We originally broke the news of Trader Joe’s plans for a Shelton location in November 2024.

There was also plenty of parking for the grocery store (25+ spaces) when we visited. Don’t be scared to shop!

The store is open daily from 9am to 9pm!
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The retailer will soon welcome an additional CT location in Hamden; though an exact opening date has not been announced for that location.

Penny's Diner III in Norwalk will permanently close at the end of business today, 11/23.

The diner is closing their doors after 57 years of business, the diner closes permanently at 10pm tonight, 11/23. The diner was located at 212 East Avenue in Norwalk. The closing marks the end of Penny's Diner, the other 2 locations closed in previous years.

Penny's Diner serves traditional diner cuisine and numerous Greek offerings. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner; with all-day breakfast.
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The closing announcement reads: "We have made the excruciating and heart-wrenching decision to close our doors. Thank you for your local patronage, the beautiful memories we've shared, and for allowing us the privilege to serve you throughout the years. This marks the end of a beautiful chapter in our lives and one that we will cherish forever."

A new Italian restaurant is coming soon to Shelton!

Nonna Lisa's is coming soon to 500 Howe Avenue in Shelton, near Common Grounds! The restaurant was originally planned to open in Spring 2025, but they are now nearing their opening!

Get ready for an Italian cafe with delicious food, hot and ready to serve. With options like sandwiches, sides, soups, salads and more. They will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find their menu on their website here: https://nonnalisasitliankitchen.my.canva.site/on-howe-ave
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Look for them to open soon! Follow along with their progress on their Facebook here: Nonna Lisa's

A number of new tenants have opened at The SoNo Collection in Norwalk!

-Mango is NOW OPEN on the mall's first level! The European luxury chain sells women’s, men’s and children’s clothing and accessories, in addition to homeware. Find them next to Sephora!

-Playhouse Sono is NOW OPEN on the mall's third level! The new indoor playground destination and party venue has amazing play structures, an onsite café, dedicated toddler room and more! Find them next to The Children's Place.

-Momo Matcha is NOW OPEN on the mall's third level. The new Japanese-inspired cafe features authentic matcha creations including Matcha lattes, Matcha Affogato and Matcha Cake Parfaits. You'll also find Matcha Crepe Cake, Matcha Cheesecake, Mochi, Fluffy Souffle Pancakes, Bubble Waffles, and much more! Find them near Lovisa.
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These new additions join other recent openings including PacSun, Carter's, Pop Mart, Vibez Fragrance (relocation), Hot Topic, GameStop, and others. Sally's Apizza is still coming soon.

7th Street Burger is coming soon to Stamford!

The new Stamford location will mark 7th Street's first foray into Connecticut. The restaurant will be located at 2000 West Main Street in Stamford, part of ShopRite Plaza.

The restaurant chain serves smashburgers, fries (both regular & loaded), and drinks. The no-frills menu allows them to focus on the quality of the products they sell.

7th Street Burgers is expected to open sometime in 2026, though an exact opening timeline was not immediately available.
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"7th Street Burger will be a fantastic addition to ShopRite Plaza. The concept has an incredible follwing, and we're excited to bring their energy and great food to this high-traffic shopping center" said Jeff Kintzer, Principal of Royal Properties. Charter Realty represented the tenant in the deal, while Royal Properties, Inc. represented the landlord.

DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse is coming soon to Southbury!

The national shoe retailer is coming soon to Southbury Plaza at 100 Main Street N! The plaza made the announcement on their social media pages yesterday.

The shoe store is expected to open on the lower level of the shopping center, below Michaels. No opening timeline was immediately available.
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DSW continues to expand their Connecticut presence. They currently have 11 locations including a recently opened location in Stamford!

Newtown's newest taco restaurant has set their opening date!

Tacobarn will officially open their doors on Tuesday, November 11th! The new restaurant is located at 6 Glen Road in the Sandy Hook section of Newtown, in a beautifully renovated 200-year-old barn.

The new restaurant offers globally-inspired flavors, craft cocktails, and a truly unique atmosphere. The restaurant's owner, David Boyajian, a Newtown resident and owner of Sparrow Pizza Bar in WeHa, has transformed the historic barn into a two-story culinary haven blending rustic charm with modern sophistication. The main dining area and bar occupy the first floor, while a bright, airy second-floor loft provides additional dining space perfect for private events. An outdoor patio complete with seating and a fire pit extends the dining experience into Connecticut's countryside.

tacobarn's menu draws inspiration from flavors around the world—if it tastes good in a tortilla, they'll make it. The kitchen emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients in creative combinations that go far beyond traditional boundaries. Beyond tacos, guests can enjoy unique small bites, distinctive entrées, and expertly crafted cocktails, all designed to complement the restaurant's philosophy of simplicity and quality.
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Stop by and give them a try on Tuesday!

A new restaurant is coming soon to South Norwalk!

Brass & Bone is coming to 136 Washington Street in South Norwalk; formerly home to Washington Social and Music & Industry. Get ready for SONO's New Soul - New-Orleans inspired vibes blend elevated Americana cuisine with vibrant night life. 

The restaurant will be owned by Maxim Schiavone, John McGrath, Joe Magrath and Jon Ackerman.

The restaurant will feature a diverse menu of Elevated Americana with a massive nod to the rich culture and food of New Orleans. The team have worked tirelessly to create a menu pairing of the food and a top tier drink menu to ensure a dining experience to remember.

The space will feature live music and entertainment! They will be open for events on weekdays with bigger shows on weekends. The sound system and lights in the space are already incredible, and the owner plan to be adding more to both categories to ensure the best music experience in a small room that you can find anywhere.
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No timeline has been announced for their opening.

Connecticut's newest romance bookstore has set their opening date!

Blush Book Lounge: A Romance Bookstore will officially open their doors on Saturday, October 25th at 1:00pm! The store is located at 440 Howe Avenue in Shelton!

The store is a romance reader’s dream! Full of all sub-genres of romance books (from indies to big publishers), bookish merch and fun gifts! The store itself has been designed in such a unique way to welcome romance readers of every interest. From colorful murals done by local artists to local authors displaying their books, an unforgettable experience is destined for each customer.

The new bookshop will be owned by Jenna Zakhour. Zakhour is the owner of Blush Beauty Lounge; a local hair & makeup salon in Shelton. Zakhour and Sabrina Soto started a book club earlier this year called 'The Blush Book Club', being held the last Sunday of each month at the salon.
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Stop in for some early Christmas shopping!