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New tenants are coming to Brass Mill Center and Brass Mill Commons! Vintage Antigua by Christina is coming soon to the mall’s first level. The new boutique specializes in gently used and new designer clothing, shoes, and accessories for women and children. Shop designer handbags, cocktail dresses, boots and hats, church hats, vintage jewelry, designer shoes and vintage sneakers, sunglasses, and belts, along with one-of-a-kind upcycled handmade customized denim. The candy-shop-themed store will feature a lollipop counter with an assortment of sweets. Innovation Signature Series is bringing a new personal training gym to the mall’s second level. The gym will be located in the former Spencer’s Gifts, offering personalized fitness and strength training with one-on-one sessions. Look for them to open soon. Nolaro Jerk & Grill is coming soon to the mall’s food court! The menu will feature authentic jerk chicken, Jamaican cuisine, and other favorites from the islands. The new restaurant plans to open in September according to the mall’s website. Together We Can Community Alliance will be opening a new center on the mall’s second level! They are a non-profit organization serving youth and families with a mission to promote positive youth development and family stability. Services offered include: mentorship, parent support, life skills development, educational support, community outreach, and more. Best Buy will be opening their new location on August 14th at Brass Mill Commons next to the mall! The new small format store will feature all of the typical departments but with a smaller footprint. Check them out on August 14th. Raising Cane's is under construction at Brass Mill Commons on the old TGI Fridays site. The chicken restaurant plans to open in November according to the restaurant chain. What would you like to see open at Brass Mill Center and Brass Mill Commons next? Comment below!
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A new Asian restaurant has arrived in Downtown New Haven! Trio Cuisine Asian Restaurant is now celebrating its soft opening at 756 Chapel Street in New Haven! Trio Cuisine brings together Korean favorites and Asian-inspired dishes in one menu, featuring Korean Fried Chicken, Korean Pot Rice, UFO Panino, and more. Craving something crispy? Check out their delicious Korean Fried Chicken, from crispy golden chicken to saucy Korean-style wings. Their Korean Pot Rice is served hot with a variety of toppings for a warm and comforting meal. Match sure to pair your meal with one of their Korean-inspired drinks, including Yuzu, Ginger, Omija, and Jujube beverages. Find their full menu online at https://www.triomenu.com/ One of the most unique items on the menu is the UFO Panino — a completely sealed, crispy panino with the filling tucked inside! Options include Fried Chicken, Fried Shrimp, Braised Pork Belly, Bulgogi, and more. The newly renovated dining room combines a clean, modern look with Asian-inspired details, making it a great new spot for lunch, dinner, or a casual meal in Downtown New Haven. Trio Cuisine is currently SOFT OPEN. Stop by, explore the menu, and welcome this new restaurant to the New Haven food scene! Find them at 756 Chapel Street in New Haven or online at https://www.triomenu.com/ Current hours are: Tuesday through Sunday 11:30am to 8:30pm Closed Mondays *Hours are subject to change since they are in their soft opening period.* A new taco shop has opened in New Haven! Taco's Twist is NOW OPEN at 5 Grove Street in Downtown New Haven! The new locally owned restaurant opened earlier this month, serving up Mexican favorites in a fast-casual setting. The newly opened Halal eatery has a modern & vibrant space designed for great food and even better moments. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, having dinner with family, or catching up with friends; they've created the perfect place to relax and enjoy every bite. On their menu you'll find tacos, burritos, bowls, quesadillas, churros, Jarritos, salads, and much more! Served with your choice of meat including grilled chicken, birria, fish, carne asada, shrimp, chipotle chicken, steak, tofu, roasted veggies, cauliflower, and more. Find their full menu online here: https://tacostwistusa.com/ Find them at 5 Grove Street in New Haven The restaurant is open daily from 10:30am to 12:00am 
Best Buy has set its opening date in Waterbury!
The new small-format Best Buy will open its doors on Friday August 14th! The store will be located in the former Michael's Crafts space at Brass Mill Commons, 295 Union Street in Waterbury. Best Buy will occupy 18,498 square feet of space; roughly half the size of a typical Best Buy store. It's unclear if any typical departments will be eliminated or which will be downsized due to the size of the new store. Brass Mill Commons has gained and lost a few tenants over the last year or so including the closure of Michaels, TJ Maxx (relocation), TGI Fridays, and Barnes & Noble. Burlington debuted a new location in the plaza in 2025 and Raising Cane's will open a new location this winter. Stop in for their grand opening on August 14th! Construction is underway on Connecticut's second Ross Dress for Less store in Hamden! The new retailer will be located at 2300 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden, part of the Hamden Mart shopping center. The new store will occupy over 25,000 square feet formerly home to Joann Fabrics. Ross Dress for Less is a quickly growing discount retailer similar to TJ Maxx and Marshalls. They currently have 1 Connecticut location in Trumbull with plans to open another new location in Newington! Additional locations are being eyed as well throughout the State including Central and Eastern CT, still subject to lease finalization. The discount retailer offers the best bargains on the latest trends in clothing, shoes, home decor and more! Stay tuned for more information on their opening! Look for them to open in this fall! Check out the progress on the new Raising Cane's in Waterbury! The new restaurant will be located at 335 Union Street in Waterbury, the site of the former TGI Fridays at Brass Mill Commons. The TGI Fridays building was demolished earlier this year. Raising Cane's will occupy a new 3,500 square foot building next to McDonald's; the building is starting to take shape with wood framing nearly complete. The new building will feature twin drive thrus, an outdoor patio, and a disco-ball & memorabilia adorned dining room. This will be Raising Cane’s 6th CT location behind Manchester, Milford, Enfield, Simsbury, and Wethersfield. More locations are in development for the State including sites eyed in Central and South-Eastern CT. Raising Cane's specializes in chicken fingers. Their limited menu features chicken fingers, texas toast, fries, coleslaw, and chicken sandwiches. They are also known for their sweet tea and lemonade. Look for them to open in late 2026. 
A new Southern soul food restaurant is coming to the Meriden Mall!
WE T.H.E.M. BOYZ is bring a taste of Florida to Meriden Mall this August! The new restaurant will be located on the second floor of the mall in the food court, specifically the former Charley's space. The goal is to serve delicious Southern-inspired home-cooked meals at fair prices, making every guest feel like family. Owner Rhonda Jones states: "It’s about sharing love, family traditions, and true Southern soul in every meal. After deciding to retire early, I chose to follow my dream and bring a true taste of home to Connecticut." Meats on their menu include oxtail, honey-glazed pork chops, chitterlings, fried chicken, meatloaf, and more. Southern vegetables include collard greens, cabbage, green beans, Black Eyed Peas, and lima beans. Don't forget their sides including mac & cheese, seasoned rice, cornbread, pineapple spears, and sweet potato pie! Whether you’re from the South and craving a taste of home or you’re ready to experience authentic Florida soul food for the very first time, WE T.H.E.M BOYZ – A Taste of Florida is the place to be. Come hungry. Leave feeling like family. Look for them to open in mid-August next to Moz.pizza! BRANFORD SCOOP: BJ's Wholesale Club & retail development eyed for previously proposed Costco site!7/24/2026 A new retail development with a BJ's Wholesale Club is being proposed for a prominent site in Branford! Plans have been submitted to the Town of Branford to develop a vacant parcel at 569 & 573 East Main Street in Branford; the site of the once-proposed Costco store. According to the site plans submitted to the town, BJ's Wholesale Club would occupy a roughly 106,700 square foot store with an attached liquor store along East Main Street and new 8 pump/16-car gas station along East Industrial Road. Plans also call for additional retail and restaurant buildings on the corner of Leetes Island Road and East Main Street including two 2,800 square foot freestanding restaurant buildings with drive thrus, and a new 16,000 square foot plaza with drive thru, and a new 7,600 square foot full service restaurant. No names have been tied to these spaces. The development is still subject to local approvals. It is still very early in the approvals project. No date has been announced for a hearing on the application. Would you like to see BJ's Wholesale Club open in Branford? What restaurants would you like to see open in those space? Comment below! A new play studio is coming soon to Cheshire!
Little Hooves Play Studio is coming soon to 1119 South Main Street in Cheshire! Little Hooves will bring nature-based play to a year round location. The new play studio is a place where play, learning, and nature come together for children of all abilities. Activities at Little Hooves are designed for children to move, interact with one another, and spark curiosity about the natural world around them. They will offer open play, birthday parties, and other special events. Little Hooves is an off-shoot of Guided By Goats, a non-profit helping families of all abilities connect through nature, play & animal interaction. They host numerous open-play dates and market days at their farm in Cheshire. Look for them to open later this summer! 
A country music festival is coming to North Haven with some big names set to perform!
Connecticut Country Music Festival will take place on August 1st at North Haven Fairgrounds! The 21 or older event will take place rain or shine. The event will feature some of the top artists from the nation and region. Enjoy professionally produced live music across 2 stages, free axe throwing, free mechanical bull ride, line dancing, along with a curated food & drink experience! Enjoy $8 beer and wine specials. The lineup for music includes: •Host Taylor Hicks, Winner of American Idol season 5 •Morgan Myles, Top 3 Finalist from The Voice •Kristen Brown, Top 20 Finalist from The Voice •Mark Mackay •Annie Bosko •North Country Band •Al Raebuck •Joe D Band Tickets are $65 and must be purchased in advance. Tickets include music, parking, free water, axe throwing, mechanical bull, line dancing, and more. Purchase your tickets online at https://www.thefestlive.com/ use code ‘CTSCOOP’ at check out to save 10%! The event will take place at the North Haven Fairgrounds at 74 Washington Avenue in North Haven on August 1st from 11am to 9pm, rain or shine. 
A local ice cream shop chain is opening new locations in Orange & Hamden!
Frisbie's Dairy Barn is expanding into New Haven County with new locations coming soon in Orange and Hamden! Both new locations will be inside Noble Gas Stations in both communities. The New Britian-based chain will be opening at: •88 Marsh Hill Road in Orange, CT •3311 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, CT The shop serves nearly 2 dozen different ice cream flavors. Options include sundaes, cups, cones, ice cream flights (6 flavors), samplers (4 flavors), and much more. Frisbie's also offers an ice cream making experience at their New Britain and North Attleboro locations. They are now hiring for both locations including Managers, Production Members, and Team Members. Apply online at https://frisbiesdairybarn.com/ The new shop join the existing 6 locations in New Britain, Windsor, Sturbridge MA, North Attleboro MA, and recently opened locations in East Lyme and West Hartford. Frisbie's was founded in New Britain in 2015 by Michael Frisbie, the owner of the Noble Gas Station chain. The Parks family took over Frisbie's Dairy Barn in 2020. Stay tuned on their social media for opening announcements for both locations! New Era Sign is a full-service sign company based locally in Waterbury, Connecticut. The company specializes in design, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of high quality building signage.
The company is able to help strengthen any business’s branding and visibility through new, creative, and innovative signage solutions for any condition. Signage options include (but not limited to): •Illuminated Signs •Channel Letters •Monument and Pylon Signs •Storefront Signs •Window Graphics •Vehicle Graphics •Banners •Interior Branding •Much More! Their mission is to deliver exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and fast turnaround times, providing solutions that help businesses attract more customers and grow. They are proud to serve small businesses, corporate clients, property managers, and commercial developers throughout Connecticut. Success starts with visibility! Reach out to them today and let them help your business reach new customers and its full potential! Call them today at (203)527-2419 or visit them online at https://newerasign.com/ SPONSORED CONTENT. Congratulations to Gas Burgers on the opening of its new North Haven eatery! Check out some pictures of the new restaurant attached.
Gas Burgers opened its doors this afternoon at 277 State Street in North Haven! The new eatery has converted a former gas station into a retro 1950s style burger joint. The exterior has been restored while the interior has been transformed into a state-of-the-art retro-style restaurant. The restaurant features mouthwatering smash-burgers, fries, beer battered onion rings, hot dogs, cocktails, beer, milkshakes, ice cream, and much more! Gluten free buns are available for burgers. Make sure to try their signature items like The Classic Tune Up Burger, The Garage Dog, and World’s Best Key Lime Pie (gf)! They have added a new outdoor space with fire pits, bocce, cornhole, live music, and much more old-school fun for the whole family. The new venture is owned by Chris Allen, a North Haven resident.
Mighty Donuts has announced their closure after 4 years in Hamden.
The donut shop opened in 2022 at 1166 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden before relocating to 1700 Dixwell Avenue in 2025. The donut shop was owned and operated by the Estrada family. The shop featured a variety of mini-donuts, milkshakes, lemonades, and much more all made fresh in-house. The eatery said in a statement: "After almost 4 incredible years, Mighty Donuts is now permanently closed. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to every customer, friend, family member, and supporter who walked through our doors, shared our posts, celebrated with us, and made this dream possible. Your kindness and support have meant more than words can express. We are truly grateful for the memories we’ve made together. Thank you for being part of our journey." Three new tenants are planned for the former Party City building at 292 Boston Post Road in Orange!
Kids United is bringing a new kid's soccer training facility to a roughly 1,800 square foot space in the newly divided Party City space. KidsUnited fosters early childhood development through structured, engaging soccer programs for children aged 18 months to 9 years. Find more information on their website here: https://www.kidsunited.com/ Club Pilates will be adding a new studio in a roughly 2,370 square foot space in the newly divided Party City space. The fitness studio franchise has over 1,000 studios around the world; hosting pilates, cardio, stretching, and HIIT classes. Club Pilates offers high-quality, life-changing training at a surprisingly affordable price. Find more information on their website here: https://www.clubpilates.com/ Shinjuku Station is planning to open a new location of their revolving sushi eatery in a portion of the former Party City space. The location is listed as coming soon on their website, though no building permits have been issued for their fitout. Find more information on their website here: https://www.shinjukusushi.com/ 
A local cidery has announced the closure of its Wallingford tasting room; but will continue to distribute its hard cider to local retailers.
New England Cider Company has announced it will close its Wallingford tasting room after 10 years of business with the final day of service on this Sunday, July 19th. The tasting room opened in July 2016 at 110 North Plains Industrial Road in Wallingford. The closure of the tasting room will allow a shift to manufacturing, allowing the company to continue growing and bringing their cider to more people throughout New England. They will continue crafting the hard cider you've come to know and love and you'll still be able to find it at package stores, bars, and restaurants throughout CT, MA and RI. Find more information about where to find their products on their website at https://www.newenglandcider.com/ Read their full announcement here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17gHGysDdf/ What’s better than a cold beer next to the water? How about a delicious ice cream?!
NECONES Creamery by Micro Creamery of CT is NOW OPEN at New England Brewing Co. in Branford! The new ice cream stand is located outside the brewery, part of their outdoor patio next to NEBCO Kitchen by Supreme Seafood. The new ice cream trailer features a variety of flavors of ice creams made in-house and from some of the best creameries in CT including The Big Dipper Ice Cream Parlour and Pralines Own Made Ice Cream. Find them at 5 Indian Neck Avenue in Branford Creamery Hours: Thursday 5-9pm Friday 3-9pm Saturday 1-9pm Sunday 1-7pm I stopped into the new Umi Hot Pot Sushi & Seafood Buffet in North Haven last night, here is my review. The new Asian buffet opened on July 3rd at 61 Washington Avenue in North Haven, replacing the former Hantang Buffet that closed in 2018. The space has been beautifully renovated with a new modern esthetic with a cool umbrella and greenery decorate package. The buffet offers a delicious variety of fresh sushi, seafood, and international dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. You'll find other options including grill items, Wok-made entrees, hot-pot, ramen, and desserts. The sushi was delicious, good quality fish and beautifully prepared. They had plenty of seafood on the buffet including crawfish, shrimp, crab legs, and much more; I’m not a huge fan of seafood except sushi (especially seafood with the eyes and legs attached) but it’s definitely a good option for those who are. Plenty of options for non-seafood eaters!The ramen & hotpot stations offered many options with a lot of customization to your own tastes. Plenty of drink options including soda, boba, milk tea, fresh fruit teas, and more. Service was great, very attentive staff. Price might be a bit high if you aren’t planning on eating seafood, but it’s a good deal if you are. Find them at 61 Washington Avenue in North Haven Their hours are: Sunday through Thursday 11am-10pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10:30pm Pricing: Lunch Monday-Friday 11:00am-3:30pm Adult $23.99 Kids (3-5 years / 3-4 ft) $10.99 Kids (6-10 years / 4-5 ft) $15.99 Dinner Monday-Friday 3:30pm-Close Saturday & Sunday All Day Adult $38.99 Kids (3-5 years / 3-4 ft) $14.99 Kids (6-10 years / 4-5 ft) $18.99
Both remaining Pretzelmaker locations at Meriden Mall appear to have closed after decades of business.
The pretzel franchise recently closed their two remaining locations inside the Meriden Mall in Meriden. One locations was on the first level of the mall near Finish Line and the other on the second level near Adventure Palace (closed over a month ago). As of today Pretzelmaker has been removed from the mall's website and the Meriden Mall locations have been removed from Pretzel Maker store locator. The phone number for the pretezel shop is now disconnected. The mall was once home to 3 locations, with one near the food court that closed last year. The closures leave the mall pretzel-less and are a setback to the mall's recent gains. Meriden Mall recently added Adventure Palace, Santos Kitchen Catering & Events, Universal Hotel Furniture Liquidators, Moz Pizza, and others. The mall will soon add Legendz Barber Academy and The Half Courts Basketball Training.
A new national retailer has opened at Connecticut Post Mall in Milford!
Pandora is NOW OPEN on the second level of the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford! The jewelry store opened its door officially yesterday. The Danish jeweler and retailer is known for their customizable charm bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces. Their charm bracelets offer a customizable accessory that can be added to with charms for life milestones. The chain has official Pandora locations at Westfarms, The Shops at Evergreen Walk, Danbury Fair, Trumbull Mall, The SoNo Collection, and has numerous authorized-seller jewelry stores through CT. The mall recently welcomed other new tenants including Xfinity, JD Sports, The Bristol Bazaar - Milford, and will soon welcome Exotic Snack Guys. What would you like to see open at Connecticut Post Mall next? Comment below! 
A new Yemeni coffee shop chain is coming to New Haven!
Qahwah House is coming soon to the new Estelle New Haven development at 19 Elm Street in New Haven! The new coffee house is expected to open this fall, marking the chain's second CT location, with another opening soon in Stamford. The coffee shop serves 100% organic Arabica beans roasted in small batches to bring you an authentic taste of Yemeni coffee culture. On their menu you will find traditional Yemeni coffee & teas along with espresso drinks, iced coffees, pastries, smoothies, matcha drinks, refreshers, and Yemeni desserts. Find their full menu here: https://qahwahhouse.com/ Qahwah House joins a growing number of Yemeni & Arabic coffee shops popping up around Connecticut including Yemerica Coffee, MOTW Coffee & Pastries, Arwa Coffee, M2 Mocha Cafe, and others. Look for them to open this fall! 
A new restaurant is coming soon to Waterbury’s Brass Mill Center!
Nolaro Jerk & Grill will be bringing a taste of the tropics to Brass Mill Center’s food court this fall! The restaurant is now labeled as ‘coming soon’ on the mall’s website. The menu will feature authentic jerk chicken, Jamaican cuisine, and other favorites from the islands. The new restaurant plans to open in September. Nolaro Jerk & Grill is just one of the new additions planned for Brass Mill Center. Innovative Signature Series personal training is coming soon to the mall along with Together We Can Community Alliance! The mall recently added Cinnabon, Black Friday Deals, and others. Nearby Brass Mill Commons will soon add Raising Cane’s and Best Buy to their line-up. 
Congratulations to Rich Farm Ice Cream Shop! They have been voted 'Best Ice Cream Shop' in New Haven County!
This ice cream shop features soft serve & hard serve ice cream as well as dairy-free, Italian ice, ice cream cakes, sundaes, soda floats, milkshakes, and waffle cones made fresh daily! The ice cream shop has 24 flavors of ice cream. Alongside a rotating variety of specialty flavors and seasonal favorites! Stop by and try some of their seasonal special flavors! Find their list of flavors here: https://richfarmicecream.com/flavors/ Find them at 691 Oxford Road in Oxford or their other locations in Bristol and Middlefield. The Oxford shop is open: Monday through Saturday 11:30am-9:00pm Sunday 11:00am-8:00pm Voting is now open for the Best Ice Cream Shop in Fairfield County! Vote here: https://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/ice-cream-playoffs.html A new ice cream shop, pizzeria, and children’s play center is coming to Waterbury with phase 1 opening on Saturday (07/04)! Xperince , a new restaurant and play center, is opening at 650 Wolcott Street in Waterbury, with the first phase of the complex opening Saturday (07/04). The new business is located in the former Chuck E Cheese space. The ice cream shop and eatery will celebrate is soft opening on Saturday. The shop carries 32 different flavors of hard serve ice cream and serves cones, cups, sundaes, and more! They also carry açaí bowls, waffle sundaes, banana splits, and more. Xperience’s food menu includes burgers, sandwiches, Dorito taco-bowls and much more! Their menu wilI expand in late July or early August to include pizza. Coming this fall, a new soft play structure will be added to their space! The new indoor jungle gym will be perfect for younger kids to play with slides, ball pits, and much more. Find them at 650 Wolcott Street in Waterbury They are open: Thursday through Sunday 12pm-7pm Hours are anticipated to be expanded soon! 
Ramen & Bao has set the opening date for its new Cheshire location! The new restaurant will open tomorrow, July 3rd at The Shops at Stone Bridge in Cheshire! Ramen & Bao (R&B) is located at 2061 Highland Avenue, next door to Chipotle. The restaurant is an Asian bistro; serving a wide variety of gourmet ramen and bao dumplings. You'll also find scallion pancakes, fried rice, Taiwanese Fried Chicken, Spring Rolls, Boba, and much more. This is the second location for the locally owned restaurant with the original located in Oxford and an additional location coming soon in Canton at The Shops at Farmington Valley. Ramen & Bao is owned by restaurateur Jin Bing Lin; he also owns Maru 67, Tomo 68, and many other local eateries. Find them at 2061 Highland Avenue in Cheshire or online at https://www.rnbcheshirect.com/ They are open: Monday through Thursday 11am-9:30pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10:30pm Sunday 12pm-9:30pm
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