Toy Vault will open its new Waterford location this Thursday!
The new location of the toy & collectible store will open this Thursday, June 25th, at 909 Hartford Turnpike in Waterford, part of Waterford Commons shopping center. Toy Vault is located between Aspen Dental & Moe's Southwest Grill. The store specializes buying and selling new & vintage toys, gaming cards, video games, and other pop-culture gaming items. Check out their selection of funko-pops and collectibles. Toy Vault was previously located inside the nearby Crystal Mall until the majority of the mall's tenants left earlier this year. They recently opened a new location at Tanger Outlets, Foxwoods and will now open an additional location in Waterford. The toy & collectible shop has other locations at the Warwick Mall, Dartmouth Mall, Emerald Square Mall, Solomond Pond, Tanger Outlets Foxwoods, and now back in Waterford. Stop in and check them out on Thursday!
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A local brewery has announced their pending closure.
Epicure Brewing will be closing its doors at the end of this weekend, June 28th, after 9 years of business. The brewery is located at 40 Franklin Street in Norwich. The brewery was known for their 'Bring Your Own Food / Make Yourself At Home' atmosphere. They were also home to a wide variety of brews inlucing light beers, sours, hoppy beers, malty beers, seltzers, as well as a selection of wines, ciders, and RTD cocktails. The brewery announced their closure in a statement: "Nine years ago, we opened the doors of Epicure Brewing with a simple dream: to create great beer, bring people together, and become a part of the fabric of this incredible community. What followed was more than we ever could have imagined. Over the past nine years, we've shared countless pints, celebrations, milestones, friendships, laughter, and memories. We've watched first dates turn into marriages, welcomed new faces who became regulars, and built relationships that extended far beyond the walls of our brewery. Epicure Brewing was never just about beer—it was about community, connection, and the people who made this place feel like home. As this chapter comes to an end, we are filled with gratitude for every person who walked through our doors, attended an event, supported a release, brought friends, shared a recommendation, or simply chose to spend an evening with us. Your support made these nine years possible. The memories created here will stay with us forever, and we hope they will stay with you as well. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for believing in us, supporting local craft beer, and being part of the Epicure Brewing story. We could not have done it without you. Here's to nine unforgettable years, to the friendships forged over a pint, and to the community that made it all worthwhile. We are closed today, but we will be open for our final pints next weekend." Stop in this weekend for one last pint and say goodbye to your favorite staff.
New tenants are coming soon to Tanger Outlets, Foxwoods!
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is coming soon! The fast-food chicken restaurant will be opening on the third floor of the outlet mall in the former BK Lobster space, next to Panda Express. They are expected to open this winter! Knotts N Kurls Beautique is coming soon to the main level of the outlet mall. The new salon and boutique will be located next to Kate Spade. Look for them to open this fall. Bee VR Theme Park is still coming soon to the outlet mall’s first level. They are now anticipated to open this fall next to Old Navy & Johnny Rockets. The VR theme park will offer a variety of virtual reality experiences including simulated roller coasters and much more. A new boutique has opened at Tanger Outlet as well! Beautifit is NOW OPEN on the main level of the mall, in the former Francesca’s space. The shop sells women’s formal wear. This is their second location with an existing location in Manchester. These new tenants join other recent additions including Enzo Menswear, Toy Vault, and a relocated/expanded Vineyard Vines store. What would you like to see open at Tanger Outlets next? Comment below! A new development could be coming to Stonington!
Lease / development plans for a new shopping plaza and adjacent residential development have been posted to Breslin Development’s website. The site is at the corner of Route 2 (Liberty Street) and Interstate 95 (near exit 92). Plans show over 80,000 square feet of new retail space, anchored by a new 30,000 square foot grocery store. The development would have 5 outparcels, typically used for restaurant or smaller tenants. The adjacent residential development is shown as 143 Townhouses, 12 Villa Apartments, and 82 Garden Apartments on one parcel. On another, a new mixed-use development with 162 residential units and another 35,000 square feet of retail space over 3 stories. Find the listing here: https://breslinrealty.com/.../Stonington-CT_2026-02_WEB.pdf The developer will be holding an information session for local residents and neighbors on June 18th starting at 6pm; located at the Pawcatuck VFW Post 1265. What grocery store would you like to see open here? Comment below! The Tiki Bar at Mohegan Sun is coming back for another great summer! The Tiki Bar at Mohegan Sun will return on June 19th, bringing island vibes to Mohegan's beautiful Sky Tower Lobby. The pop-up experience is serving up exotic cocktails, tropical beats, and a laid-back energy to help you fight off the heat! You still have time to visit the seasonal 'Secret Garden Bar' at Mohegan Sun. The springtime pop-up features a variety of flowers surrounding the bar. The Secret Garden Bar will be opening through June 14th, stop by before it closes for the season. Guest will be able to enjoy a variety of tiki and tropical themed cocktails (menu to be released soon) along with a selection of beers, ales, cider, wines, and ready-to-drink beverages. The Tiki Bar is a limited time experience, scheduled to open June 19th and last until September 6th. NORTH FRANKLIN SCOOP: Meyer's Crazy Hollow Creamery voted Best Ice Cream Shop in New London County!5/31/2026 
Congratulations to Meyer’s Crazy Hollow Creamery! They have been voted Best Ice Cream Shop in New London County.
They will move onto later rounds of voting where they will go head-to-head with the Best Ice Cream Shop in Middlesex County! Meyer's Crazy Hollow Creamery features nearly 30 flavors of hand scooped ice cream including a dairy free vanilla flavor! In addition to the typical flavors you'd find at a scoop shop, they have Fly Fishing Fudge. Banana Cream Pie, Death by Chocolate, Fluff N Udder, and many more! The shop also serves soft serve ice cream with mix-in flavors! Make sure to get your favorite ice cream flavors as a flight, sundae or a milkshake! Be sure to try their June Flavor, Summer Peach! Find them at 888 CT-32 in North Franklin, CT The shop is open daily from 12:00pm to 8:00pm What is your favorite menu item at Meyer's? Comment below! Voting is now open for the Best Ice Cream Shop in Tolland County. Vote here: https://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/ice-cream-playoffs.html 
A new adventure park is being eyed for the former Dick’s Sporting Goods at Lisbon Landing!
Ascent Indoor Adventure Park is planning a new location at 170 River Road in Lisbon, the former Dick’s Sporting Goods space at Lisbon Landing. The new complex will occupy over 40,000 square feet of space. The facility will feature a variety of fun attractions including a trampoline park, bumper car arena, ball pool, climbing wall, indoor sports courts, arcade, air coaster, Ninja course, and much more. They will also have 6 private party rooms for rent. The park is currently seeking a special permit to allow them to operate in the shopping center. No opening timeline has been announced. Congratulations to Bobby Flay on the opening of his new restaurant Bobby’s Burgers at Mohegan Sun! The restaurant celebrated its grand opening yesterday with a ribbon cutting and special appearance by Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay! The restaurant is located in the Casino of the Earth. The restaurant replaces Bobby’s Burger Palace, another concept by Bobby Flay. The space has received a large renovation and reformatting to a more fast-casual eatery. The menu highlights Flay’s signature approach to classic American fare, featuring favorites like the Crunchburger, the Bobby Blue + Bacon Burger and the Palace Classic Burger, alongside a rotating selection of limited-time burgers and shakes. Each burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, grilled medium or well done, and served on a brioche bun, with options for grilled chicken or a vegetarian patty available across the menu. Find the menu online at: https://mohegansun.com/poi/dining/bobbys-burgers.html Their hours are: Monday through Thursday 11:00am-Midnight Friday 11:00am-3:00am Saturday 8:00am-3:00am Sunday 8:00am-Midnight Breakfast served on Saturday & Sunday from 8:00am-Noon 
A new clothing store has opened its doors in Downtown Mystic!
Faherty Brand is NOW OPEN at 10 West Main Street in Mystic, the former home of FatFace near the iconic Mystic Drawbridge. They shop opened its doors on May 15th, sporting a sporty-yet-nautical theme. The new store features island culture to clothing for men and women. Their stores feature a beach-house vibes and aesthetics, fitting in perfectly with Downtown Mystic! Faherty is focused on their social & environmental impacts, sourcing organic & recycled fabrics while working with partners to drive sustainability. This is Faherty's third Connecticut location, after existing stores in Greenwich and Westport. Find more information on their website here: https://fahertybrand.com/ New tenants are now open at Tanger Outlets, Foxwoods -Toy Vault is NOW OPEN in their new home at Foxwoods! The store is now buying and selling new & vintage toys, gaming cards, video games, and other pop-culture gaming items. The store is located in suite 290. The Toy Vault was previous located at the Crystal Mall and will be opening another location at Waterford Commons this summer. -Enzo Menswear is NOW OPEN in their new home at Foxwoods. The men’s formal wear and clothing store is located in suite 310. Enzo Menswear was previously located at the Crystal Mall. -Vineyard Vines Outlet has reopened in its new larger space in the main concourse of the outlet mall! The nautical-inspired clothing store us now located in suite 330! The outlet mall has added new tenants to their line up in the past year including The Children's Place, Artisan Blend Bar, Memories Ink, ClawCade, Ethan Jordan Jewelers, and others. What would you like to see open next? Comment below! 
Young Buns Doughnuts will be making its temperary return to Mystic as a limited-time pop-up!
The doughnut shop will be reopening their doors this summer as a pop-up at their sister brand, A.T.Y. Bar & Bonbons, in Mystic! The doughnut shop will offering their full barista menu along with their signature doughnuts! You'll find some of your favorite doughnuts at the pop up including Glazed, Sprinkle, Blueberry, Old Fashioned, 'The Young Bun', Mystic Cream, and Gluten-Friendly Cinnamon. Join them starting on Friday, May 22nd at 3 Water Street in Mystic! They'll be open Thursday through Monday from 8am to 1pm, or until they sell out. The pop up will be open through Labor Day weekend. Young Buns Doughnuts closed their Mystic shop in late 2024, the space is now home to Off The Hook by J&R Seafood. The doughnut shop is owned by Chef Adam Young, owner of Sift Bake Shop and ATY Bar & Bonbons. Back in February we posted about an interesting project that was planned for downtown Historic Mystic. Work is now well-underway! Two historic buildings were to be connected with apartments added on the upper floor.
The two buildings at 2 and 4 Pearl Street are becoming one with a new connector (with matching historic look) built to combine them. The buildings are home to The Harp and Hound & The Mystic Florist. Under the plans, The Harp and House will receive an expansion into one of the retail spaces in the adjoining building. On the second floor 2 new apartments will be created, while an existing commercial kitchen and storage space will remain. Check out the work that is now underway including the new addition and major renovations to the Mystic Florist building. 
A new independent bookshop has opened in Downtown Norwich!
The Tudor Rose has opened its doors at 54 Broadway in Norwich, next door to the Norwich Arts Center. The bookstore celebrated thier grand opening on May 13th. Stop into the new store and shop art, used books for all genres, fresh flowers, and unique gifts for many occassions! Enjoy their cozy atmosphere while shopping their selection of used books and other great products! Find them at 54 Broadway in Norwich The store is open: Wednesday through Sunday 11am-7pm Closed Monday & Tuesday Two Trees Inn has officially reopened its doors!
The hotel celebrated its ribbon cutting yesterday with members of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the new operator, Waterford Hotel Group. The hotel is located at 240 Indiantown Road in Ledyard, CT; next door to Foxwoods Resort Casino and Great Wolf Lodge The Inn features 280 guest rooms as well as an indoor pool, fitness center, walking trails, on-site breakfast, bar (with light bites), and more. Hotel rooms include: King Rooms, Two Double Bed Rooms, Deluxe Two Double Bed Rooms, and Two-Room Suites with separate living areas. The hotel now offers a variety of packages including Golf Getaways, Great Wolf Package (waterpark tickets not included), Mashantucket Pequot Museum Experience, Jonathan Edwards Wine Tasting Package, and a Sparkling Romance Escape. Find more information online here: https://www.twotreesinn.com/ Waterford Hotel Group is a large hospitality company with 38 properties in 12 states, over 4900 hotel rooms. They have 10 properties in Connecticut. Find more information on Waterford Hotel Group here: https://waterfordhotelgroup.com/ 
Hell's Kitchen is officially back for 2 more seasons at Foxwoods Resort Casino!
Gordon Ramsay will be back with his cooking competition at CT's Foxwoods Resort Casino! The hit TV show will film seasons 25 & 26 on a sound stage at Foxwoods, where previous seasons were filmed. A few weeks ago we posted that Hell's Kitchen TV show was looking for guests/diners for this summer at Foxwoods, though the extents of the filming was not known at the time. The TV show filmed seasons 23 & 24 at the casino in the summer of 2024. Season 23's winner, Kyle Timpson, is the Executive Chef at the Hell's Kitchen at Foxwoods. Season 24's winner, Ellie Parker, will be joining Hell's Kitchen at Foxwoods in June according to recent media statements. Did you watch the previous 2 seasons that were filmed in CT? 
Mystic Market will open this Tuesday in East Lyme!
The gourmet market and eatery will open on Tuesday 05/12 at 295 Flanders Road in East Lyme, the former Daddy's Noodle Bar/Five Guys space! Mystic Market is a local chain of gourtmet markets and cafes in Connecticut. They serve breakfast daily including coffee, bagels, egg sandwiches, avocado toast, pastries, and much more. The market also features grab & go meals and groceries including sauces, jams, seasonings, and many more local products. Check out their catering services as well. Mystic Market now has 5 locations including East Lyme, Old Saybrook, Foxwoods and two locations in Mystic. They previously operated a location in Westport. The owner of Mystic Market, Coastal Gourmet Group, also owns Aspen restaurant in Old Saybrook. Check them out this Tuesday! New tenants are popping up all around Tanger Outlets, Foxwoods!
-Toy Vault is nearing the opening of their new store at the indoor outlet mall! They are anticipated to open sometime next week, buying and selling new & vintage toys, gaming cards, video games, and other pop-culture gaming items. The store is located in suite 290. The Toy Vault was previous located at the Crystal Mall and will be opening another location at Waterford Commons this summer. -Enzo Mens Wear is NOW OPEN in their new home at Foxwoods. The men’s formal wear and clothing store is located in suite 310. Enzo Menswear was previously located at the Crystal Mall. -Vineyard Vines Outlet is on the move! The nautical-inspired clothing store will be moving from their current location near the escalator to a new larger space in suite 330! The store will be open until May 10th and reopen in the new space on May 13th. -Clean Eats by The Dessert Board Company is NOW OPEN in the main concourse of outlet mall. They have gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free eats. Come choose from their selection of healthy snacks, fresh fruit & veggies, drinks, and even their specialty cookies. What would you like to see open next? Comment below! Take a peek inside the newly opened Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay at Mohegan Sun!
The restaurant reopened last Friday after renovated and rebranded! The burger-centric restaurant is located in the Casino of the Earth, near Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. It replaces the previous Bobby’s Burger Palace restaurant. A grand reopening event will be held on May 21st at 1:00pm which will include Chef Bobby Flay, Mohegan Sun General Manager Jeff Hamilton, and Mohegan Tribal Officials. They will commemorate the next chapter of Bobby’s Burgers including an updated design, streamlined service model, and refreshed guest experience. As part of the re-opening celebration, Flay will step behind the counter to work alongside his kitchen team, preparing orders and engaging directly with guests. The menu highlights Flay’s signature approach to classic American fare, featuring favorites like the Crunchburger, the Bobby Blue + Bacon Burger and the Palace Classic Burger, alongside a rotating selection of limited-time burgers and shakes. Each burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, grilled medium or well done, and served on a brioche bun, with options for grilled chicken or a vegetarian patty available across the menu. Find the menu online at: https://mohegansun.com/poi/dining/bobbys-burgers.html Their hours are: Monday through Thursday 11:00am-Midnight Friday 11:00am-3:00am Saturday 8:00am-3:00am Sunday 8:00am-Midnight Breakfast served on Saturday & Sunday from 8:00am-Noon 
TJ Maxx has officially opened in its new location in Groton!
The discount retailer is now open at 955 Poquonnock Road in Groton, part of Groton Shoppers Mart! The store celebrated its grand reopening this morning. The store moved from their previous location down the street at 670 Long Hill Road in Groton in the Groton Shopping Center. TJ Maxx is one of the country's leading discount retailers where designer brands and low prices come together. They have something for everyone at prices your wallet will love. Find them at 955 Poquonnock Road in Groton The store is open daily from 9:30am to 9:30pm! What would you like to see open in their previous spot in Groton? Comment below! NEW LONDON SCOOP: New speakeasy & restaurant with live entertainment planned in New London!5/4/2026 
A new speakeasy and restaurant with live entertainment planned for Downtown New London!
The Marquee on State Street is planning a new restaurant and speakeasy at 312 State Street in New London, the former DEVS / Nico's space. The new venue would feature seating for over 45 patrons and a small stage; as well as a speakeasy with seating for another 20 patrons. The Marquee on State Street hopes to feature live jazz, music, karaoke, comedians, DJs, and more in the restaurant. A 'Special Permit Modification' will be heard on May 7th at 7pm to allow the new venue to have amplified entertainment. All entertainment will be indoors and in planned to occur Wednesday through Sunday, 6pm-11pm and 11am for Sunday brunch. Stay tuned for more information on this new venue! 
Goodwill will be relocating their Colchester donation center and expanding into a new concept!
Goodwill Boutique will be opening its doors on May 21st at 179 Linwood Avenue in Colchester, located in the same plaza as their current donation center. The new boutique will feature high-end fashion, and designer brands, and luxury items, all at unbeatable prices. The concept is an upscale version of their typical store with a smaller footprint. This is the second CT location for the boutique model, another boutique opened last year in Old Saybrook. Stop in and browse on May 21st! 
Bobby’s Burgers is NOW OPEN at Mohegan Sun! The restaurant has soft opened its doors to hungry casino-goers today! Bobby's Burgers is the new concept from Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay, replacing the previous Bobby's Burger Palace. A grand reopening event will be held on May 21st at 1:00pm which will include Chef Bobby Flay, Mohegan Sun General Manager Jeff Hamilton, and Mohegan Tribal Officials. They will commemorate the next chapter of Bobby’s Burgers including an updated design, streamlined service model, and refreshed guest experience. As part of the re-opening celebration, Flay will step behind the counter to work alongside his kitchen team, preparing orders and engaging directly with guests.
The newly redesigned Bobby’s Burgers at Mohegan Sun is one of the brand’s largest locations in the United States and one of the only restaurants to feature an adjacent full-service bar, which has also been updated as part of the renovation. The space showcases enhanced design elements consistent with the brand’s presence in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and many more locations, while introducing a more efficient counter-service model that allows for faster ordering and pickup.
The menu highlights Flay’s signature approach to classic American fare, featuring favorites like the Crunchburger, the Bobby Blue + Bacon Burger and the Palace Classic Burger, alongside a rotating selection of limited-time burgers and shakes. Each burger is made with Certified Angus Beef, grilled medium or well done, and served on a brioche bun, with options for grilled chicken or a vegetarian patty available across the menu. Find the menu online at: https://mohegansun.com/poi/dining/bobbys-burgers.html Their hours are: Monday through Thursday 11:00am-Midnight Friday 11:00am-3:00am Saturday 8:00am-3:00am Sunday 8:00am-Midnight Breakfast served on Saturday & Sunday from 8:00am-Noon 
2 new restaurants are coming to the Noble Station at 51 Boston Post Road in East Lyme!
Frisbie's Dairy Barn will be opening its 6th location at the travel center! The New Britain-based ice cream shop replaces Blue Heron Creamery's walk-up location in the building. Their menu features dozens of flavors served in sundaes, cups, cones, ice cream flights (6 flavors), samplers (4 flavors), and much more. Ice cream will taste exactly the same as Blue Heron because they served Frisbie's Ice Cream. The new scoop shop is anticipated to open in May! Mini Sturbridge Coffee House is coming soon to the travel center! The coffee shop replaces Fuel America which previously operated the drive thru. Sturbridge Coffee House currently operated their flagship coffee shop in Sturbridge and another 'mini' location inside the Sturbridge Noble Station. The restaurant features bagels, muffin tops, egg bites, acai bowls, coffees, lattes, teas, smoothies, and much more! Look for them to open soon! 
 Looking for something to do this Mother's Day in Connecticut?
Check out the New England Spring Craft Festival on May 9th & 10th at Mohegan Sun! NE Craft Festivals will be located at the Earth Expo at the casino. Join them for: -275+ American Craft Artisans -Hands-On Artisan Activities -Delectable Specialty Food Section -Mother's Day Weekend Shopping -Handmade Treasures for Every Budget Tickets are: $15 for Regular Admission $20 for Multi-Day Admission Free for Children 14 & Under. Buy your tickets online at www.NESpringCraftFestival.com and use the code "CTSCOOP" to save $2 on your admission! |
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