Work is now underway on the new Aroma Joe's coming to Southington! The new coffee shop will open their third Connecticut location at 279 Queen Street in Southington, the former Rita's location.

The existing Rita's building has now been demolished and site work is underway. A new 1,011 square foot drive thru coffee shop will be built on the site. The shop will be drive thru only, similar to their Bristol location.

The menu includes traditional coffees, espresso-based beverages, custom energy drinks, FroJoe (like a frappe), smoothies, donuts, breakfast sandwiches, and more. Check out their full menu here: https://aromajoes.com/menu/

Aroma Joe's has 2 Connecticut locations, one in Waterbury and the other in neighboring Bristol; another new location is coming to Berlin in 2025! The chain has over 100 locations throughout New Hampshire, Maine, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Florida, and Mass.
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A downtown jewelry store is temporarily shutting down.

B&V Jewelers has announced it will remain closed into mid-February because of "a very dire family medical emergency." Owner Anuj "Andy" Bawa plans to reopen to customers on Saturday, Feb. 15. A recent Facebook post thanked customers for their "support, patience and understanding."

B&V Jewelers has been in business since 2015. The store was among the first tenants to locate in the commercial and office complex at 318 North Main St., adjacent to fire department headquarters. The jeweler moved to the site in April after two years at 76 North Main St.
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The business specializes in GIA diamonds and buying gold, platinum, silver, silver flatware and coins. Bawa has worked in the industry since 2008. He has been active in the community since opening the Southington store a decade ago.

Plans for a WoodSpring Suites hotel off Queen Street are moving along.

More than 16 months after the project gained final municipal approval, preliminary work continues ahead of construction. Town building officials as recently as last week have reviewed architectural and engineering reports and plans, including physical site evaluations.

Karm Hospitality LLC plans to construct the 123-room extended stay hotel on John Weichsel Crossing, located to the rear of Price Chopper. Most WoodSpring Suites offer amenities including laundry machines, dishes and cooking items for in-room kitchens and pet-friendly rooms.

In addition to parking for guests and staff, spaces will be designated for EV charging stations and those utilizing the nearby Farmington Canal Greenway.
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This will be the second WoodSpring Suites in the state. The first opened last year in Newington.

Transcend Beer Crafters
The new Transcend Beer Crafters continues to take shape at 45 Northwest Dr. in Plainville, as the brewery says goodbye to its original home in Southington.

Staff has dubbed the month “Dry January” as the buildout continues ahead of a grand opening expected by early next month.

The move after four years on Triano Drive in Southington to Plainville will allow for a new taproom, kitchen, event space and state-of-the-art production facility. It will also accommodate increased production capacity.

Updates can be found on the brewery’s Facebook page and at www.TranscendBeer.com

Polish Plate
Meanwhile, the PolishPlate restaurant at 1095 West St. remains on the market.

Owner Margaret Kopacz last week announced the business was for sale as she accepts a new job with the state Department of Revenue Services.
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The restaurant has offered authentic Polish cuisine since 2019. Berkshire Hathaway has listed the business for $250,000, which includes all equipment and the opportunity to retain existing staff.