Frankie G's Ice Cream will celebrate National Ice Cream Day with free ice cream on July 19th from 12pm to 3pm! After welcoming over 600 friends, families, and neighbors for last year’s National Ice Cream Day celebration, Frankie G’s Ice Cream is excited to invite the community back to do it all again on Sunday, July 19. From 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Frankie G’s will be giving away FREE regular-size ice cream cones with your choice of flavor and sprinkles. Event Details: • Free cone giveaway: 12:00pm to 3:00pm • Free regular-size ice cream cone • Choice of flavor and sprinkles • One cone per person • Person must be present • Free cone promotion available at the walk-up window only Frankie G’s Ice Cream will also be open from 12:00pm to 9:00pm, with its full menu available throughout the day. The ice cream shop is located at 448 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, in the rear of the Shell Gas Station. 
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Storrs Center is preparing to welcome a variety of new tenants later this year and next year!
-Focus Lounge is coming soon to 9 Dog Lane (Suite B107) next to Square Peg Pizza. The new space will offer private 'focus-pods', offering a quiet and affordable place to study. Find more information online at https://www.focus-lounge.com/ -Chipotle is planning a new location at Storrs Center at 12 Royce Circle in Storrs. The new location will be where Gansett Wraps is currently location. No timeline has been announced for Chipotle's opening. -Gansett Wraps will relocated to a slightly larger space at 33 Wilbur Cross Way (Suite 104A & B), the former Tang Noodle Bar space. Construction work is underway now to renovate the space. -Monmouth Cards is coming soon to 9 Dog Lane (Suites 109 & 110), next to Jefferson Fry Co. Monmouth buys, sells, and trades all types of trading cards including sports cards, Pokemon, TCG, and much more! Card are available in singles, boxes, graded/ungraded, and mystery bags! The shop will also host in-store events. -Yemerica Coffee is coming soon to Storrs Center! The new coffee shop will be located at 106 Royce Circle, the former Brooklyn Dumpling Shop and adjacent space. The new cafe is a blend of tradition Yemeni and American coffee cultures. -Urban Lodge Brewing and UConn will be adding a new brewery & classroom space in the former Barnes & Noble store at Storrs Center. The space will be used for UConn Brewing Innovation program during the day and transition to a brewpub in the evenings. -A new yet-to-be-announced tenant is coming soon to the former Webster Bank space at Storrs Center. Once we have more details we will be sure to do an updated post. Congratulations to Blackline Retail Group, LLC and Eastern Retail Properties! Blackline & Eastern lease different phases of the Storrs Center development. Find Blackline's listing here: https://www.blacklinere.com/property/storrs-center-ct/ and Eastern's here: https://easternretail.com/properties/ct/storrs-center/ What would you like to see open at Storrs Center next? Comment below! 
A local doughnut shop has set final day of business.
Dad’s Doughs will close its doors with their final day of business on Sunday, June 21st. The mini-doughnut shop is located at 483 Storrs Road in Mansfield, in the former Town Garange building. Dad's Doughs opened in November 2024. The shop will be open daily starting at 7am until they sell out, through their final day on Sunday. The shop sold fresh-made mini doughnuts (with an amazing selection of flavors), drip coffee, and other beverages; they focused on supporting local brands including Baronet Coffee, Hosmer Mountain Soda, Mountain Dairy, and others. The shop said in their announcement: "The last eighteen months have been a dream come true for all of us at Dad's Doughs. The relationships with all of our guests has been incredibly rewarding. You've included us in so many of your special occasions. And even the random weekday treats. You've welcomed us into your schools, businesses, and places of worship. These connections mean more than words can express. We've sold local products, made by members of our community, in a historic building in the town we grew up in. A true dream come to life. The hard truth is that this concept needed more and more frequent guests than we were able to reach. We set out to be different. We puched to be the best. We did things differently...maybe to differently. Instead of closing abruptly, we invite you to come say goodbye and give us the chance to say thank you one more time. We'll stay open until the end of June as we wind down. Please stop in, visit us again, and use your rewards and gift cards." 
Jersey Mike’s has set its opening date in Ellington!
The sub shop will open this Wednesday, June 17th! They are located at 135 West Road in Ellington, part of Valley Farms Shopping Center. Jersey Mike’s will be joined this fall by AutoZone in the long vacant Dollar Tree in the plaza. Other plaza tenants include Big Y, Go Health Urgent Care, Liquor World, Lucky Nails, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Bright Path, and Force Fitness. Check them out this Wednesday. 
A new attraction is coming to Connecticut Golf Land!
Dig It is coming soon to Golf Land! The new experience is now under construction at the entertainment complex. Step into a real excavator and have a real-life hands-on construction adventure! Real Excavators, Real Dirt, Real Fun! Perfect for kids of most ages. The new Dig It attraction joins their Fossil Falls Miniature Golf and ConeHeads Creamery in the complex with more fun coming soon including bumper boats, large arcade, and rooftop dining. Look for them to open later this summer! 
The Main Moose will be reopening in Columbia!
The roadside stand will reopen its doors later this summer at 94 Route 66 East in Columbia. An exact opening date was not immediately available. The seasonal restaurant serves up a variety of roadside foods including burgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, seafood, lobster rolls, sandwiches, ice cream, and much more. The Main Moose also features some entertainment options including live music and The Main Moose Mining Company. They are now hiring for seasonal help ahead of the opening. They are currently hiring for line cooks, front counter, ice cream counter, and dishwashers. Applications can be picked up and dropped off in person at the restaurant. Look for them to reopen soon! Stay tuned to their social media for more information. 
Congratulations to Kloter's Ice Cream Barn! They have been voted 'Best Ice Cream Shop' in Tolland County by our readers!
They will move onto later rounds of voting where they will go head-to-head with the Best Ice Cream Shop in Windham County! This farm fresh ice cream shop both hard and soft serve ice cream! Soft serve flavors include chocolate, vanilla, and twist. Hard serve flavors include peach pie, vanilla, PB Avalanche, Beez Neez, Espresso Bean, Purple Cow Frozen Yogurt, and many more. You'll find various gluten free options along with dairy free sorbet & frozen desserts! Find a full list of their flavors and offerings here: https://www.klotersicecreambarn.com/flavors Find them at 216 West Road in Ellington The shop is open: Monday through Saturday 12:00pm-9:30pm Closed Sundays 
A new pet supply store and groomers is eyeing a location at Tri-City Plaza!
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has submitted plans for a new location at 35 Talcottville Road in Vernon, part of Tri-City Plaza! The facility would occupy the recently closed GNC space. The business would occupy roughly 2,100 square feet with about 1/3 of the space dedicated to retail sales and the remaining 2/3 dedicated to grooming. They will sell dog treats on-site, but would not be baked onsite. Woof Gang is expected to employ 4 groomers and eventually grow to 8 in the future. Woof Gang is a national chain with local franchisees; they have CT locations in West Hartford, Canton, and Danbury. The facility needs a special permit to allow for the 'commercial kennel' that will be used while dogs are groomed. A public hearing will be heard at the June 16th Planning and Zoning meeting. 
AutoZone is planning a new location in Ellington!
The autoparts retailer is planning to open at the Valley Farms Shopping Center at 135 West Road in Ellington, joining Big Y Supermarket. AutoZone would occupy roughly 7,400 square feet of the former Dollar Tree store in the plaza, with a 2,283 square foot vacant space remaining, The space has been empty since Dollar Tree moved to Rockville in 2019. The project is still early in bidding with construction planned to begin this fall with a winter opening. Stay tuned for more details on their opening. VERNON SCOOP: Vernon Coffee Roasters opens new expansion with large dining room and theme!5/21/2026 Congratulations to Vernon Coffee Roasters on the opening of their new expansion! The coffee shop has opened the new expansion of their restaurant! The coffee shop is located at 520 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. An official opening event will be announced on their social media. Vernon Coffee Roasters now features more seating, a new atmospher, cozy lounge vibes, and of course your favorite coffee and foods served daily. They even roast their own coffee beans in house! Find their full menu online here: https://vernoncoffeeroasters.com/ Congratulations again! Furlosophy Pet Salon is coming soon to Ellington! The new dog groomers will be located at 175 West Road in Ellington. The pet salon is located in the Meadowview Plaza with ECHN, J Rego's, Cooley's Kitchen, and many others. Furlosophy offers grooming services to dogs of all shapes and sizes! Owner Anna Einsiedel is now taking new clients, book your appointments by phone or text at 860-712-7169. The shop will host their grand opening and open house on Saturday, May 30th from 2:30pm until 5:00pm! The ribbon cutting will take place at 2:40 sharp. Stop in, tour the space, and meet the talented owner/stylist! Refreshments will be served. Leashed pets allowed.  
Chipotle is eyeing a new location at Storrs Center! The fast-casual Mexican eatery filed for building permits on May 11th to convert the current home of Gansett Wraps at 12 Royce Circle into a new Chipotle restaurant. Building permits call for: "Fit-out into an existing space within an existing 5-story mixed use building. The current use is a restaurant, Gansett Wraps. The proposed use is also a restaurant, Chipotle Mexican Grill. On the exterior, signs, lighting & paint colors will be altered. On the exterior, new partitions, millwork, equipment, finishes, lighting & MEP systems will be added." Gansett Wraps won't be moving far. According to lease plans from Eastern Retail, they are building out a new space at 33 Wilbur Cross Way inside Storrs Center (the former Tang Karaoke Bar). The new space appears to be slightly larger than their current location, but with improved parking. Chipotle is just the latest businesses planned for Storrs! Guac N Grill will be opening a new Mexican restaurant at Storrs Commons, a new brewery partnership with Urban Lodge is planned in the former Barnes & Noble space, and Monmouth Cards is coming soon to the vacant space next to Jefferson Fry Company. Stay tuned for more information on their opening!  I had the opportunity to stop in and try the new AYCE menu at Wen Ming Taste in Ellington! Read about our experience below.
The Chineses & Japanese restaurant now offers an AYCE option for their sushi, appetizers, Chinese entrees, and much more. Wen Ming House is located at 89 West Road in Ellington. The food was delicious! Kani salad was freshly prepared and homemade, soups were great, sushi was fresh, and the milk tea (included in the price) was amazing. The menu also feature Chinese favorites including Lo Mein, Orange Chicken, Sesame Chicken, General Tso Chicken, and much more! Every meal includes a beverage as well. The restaurant has a variety of beverages available including Milk Tea, Fruit Tea, sodas, boba, and more. Pricing: Adults $29.99 Kids | 4-6 $12.99 Kids | 7-10 $17.99 Find them at 89 West Road in Ellington They are open: Tuesday through Thursday 11am-9:30pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 12pm-9:30pm Closed Monday 
A new trading card store is coming to Storrs Center!
Monmouth Cards is coming soon to Storrs Center. The new store will be located in Suites 109 and 110 at 9 Dog Lane in Storrs, next door to Jefferson Fry Company. The new tenants buys, sells, and trades all types of trading cards including sports cards, Pokemon, TCG, and much more! Card are available in singles, boxes, graded/ungraded, and mystery bags! The shop will also host in-store events. Find more information online at: https://monmouthcards.com/ No timeline has been announced for their opening. This will be their third CT location with an open location in Stamford and another under construciton in West Hartford. 
A local doughnut shop has announced their planned closure.
Dad’s Doughs will be closing is doors at the end of June. The mini-doughnut shop is located at 483 Storrs Road in Mansfield, in the former Town Garange building. Dad's Doughs opened in November 2024. The shop sold fresh-made mini doughnuts (with an amazing selection of flavors), drip coffee, and other beverages; they focused on supporting local brands including Baronet Coffee, Hosmer Mountain Soda, Mountain Dairy, and others. The shop said in their announcement: "The last eighteen months have been a dream come true for all of us at Dad's Doughs. The relationships with all of our guests has been incredibly rewarding. You've included us in so many of your special occasions. And even the random weekday treats. You've welcomed us into your schools, businesses, and places of worship. These connections mean more than words can express. We've sold local products, made by members of our community, in a historic building in the town we grew up in. A true dream come to life. The hard truth is that this concept needed more and more frequent guests than we were able to reach. We set out to be different. We puched to be the best. We did things differently...maybe to differently. Instead of closing abruptly, we invite you to come say goodbye and give us the chance to say thank you one more time. We'll stay open until the end of June as we wind down. Please stop in, visit us again, and use your rewards and gift cards." We are saddened to hear of their closure. Owner Lucas Ahern is one of the nicest people in the restaurant business. We wish him the best in his future endeavors. Stop in before the end of June and give them a try. A new Lego store has opened in Vernon! Brick Buy Brick is NOW OPEN at 435 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon! The store is located next to Records The Good Kind at The Shops at 30. The new store sells Legos including sets, individual bricks, a large selection of mini-figures, and many more! The store also carries a selection of other toys and collectibles. The store was previously located in Storrs. Check out their ‘Jerky Hut’, a section of the store dedicated to Full Throttle Beef Jerky (their family’s own brand), seasonings, hot sauces, and other food items! They are open now for eager shoppers. The store will host their grand opening on May 9th featuring giveaways, raffles, and other fun activities. Find them at 435 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon They are open: Monday 10pm-5pm Wednesday through Friday 10pm-5pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-5pm 
Today is the final day to visit Traveler Restaurant under the longtime owners!
The restaurant is being sold to Blondie's Diner, to be their third location behind Willimantic and Chaplin. The new ownership plans to keep the used book program and store; alongside breakfast, lunch, and dinner service. The restaurant posted in a statement: “Today at 10 am we will unlock our doors for the very last time as Travelers Food & Books after 33+ years! Thank you to all of our loyal customers new and old and the continuing support through out all of these years, you have also left a special place in our hearts. Art and Karen Murdock have built something incredible in this small little town and should be so incredibly proud of themselves! This retirement is very well deserved. With that being said let's leave some comments or kind words for them to see on this post...even photos if you have them. Congratulations to Art & Karen” There is expected to be no downtime between owners, with Blondie's reopening under the 'Traveler' name tomorrow. Traveler restaurant is located at 1257 Buckley Highway in Union, conveniently off of I-84. The landmark eatery and its eye-popping yellow roof have drawn hungry travelers off the highway for decades. Read more about Travelers from our ‘Local Gems’ series here: https://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/.../local-gem...
ConeHeads Creamery & Fossil Falls Miniature Golf have officially opened for the season! The ice cream shop & mini-golf course are located at 95 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, part of the former/future Connecticut Golf Land complex.
The ice cream stand serves hard and soft serve; including 32 homemade flavors. The shop also serves Italian Ice, non-dairy ice cream, no sugar added ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, and more! Fossil Falls Miniature Golf features an 18-hole course with dinosaur theme with impressive set pieces, large dinos, and water features. Stop in for a fun day of mini-golf and ice cream! 
GNC has permanently closed its Vernon location.
GNC was located at 35 Talcottville Road in Vernon, between Dollar Tree & Shah’s at Tri-City Plaza. The store sold a variety of vitamins, protein products, and supplements and supplements. The next closest location is now inside The Shoppes at Buckland Hills. 
Somer’s newest coffee shop has set their opening date!
Roasted Beanery will open its doors on April 27th! The new coffee house will be located at Somers Crossing, 95 South Road in Somers, near Geissler’s Supermarket. At Roasted Beanery, coffee is more than a beverage—it’s a craft, a ritual, and a moment of connection. They are dedicated to elevating every detail, from sourcing the finest beans to perfecting each pour. Excellence is not just their standard; it’s their passion. Their philosophy includes three main principles: •CRAFT — A relentless pursuit of quality in every bean, every roast, and every interaction. •COFFEE — An elevated experience, where every sip tells a story of origin, flavor, and expert craftsmanship. •CONNECT — A space that fosters connection, from intimate conversations to a shared love of coffee, both in-person and online. Check them out on April 27th! 95 South Road in Somers! Check out the newest AYCE sushi option in Connecticut! Wen Ming House in Ellington has added ‘All You Can Eat’ sushi to their menu! The restaurant is located at 89 West Road in Ellington. The new AYCE menu features a variety of your favorite sushi rolls, Japan & Chinese appetizers, Wok entrees, soups, salads, rice, noodles, maki, and much more! Every meal includes a beverage as well. The restaurant has a variety of beverages available including Milk Tea, Fruit Tea, sodas, boba, and more. Pricing: Adults $29.99 Kids | 4-6 $12.99 Kids | 7-10 $17.99 Find them at 89 West Road in Ellington They are open: Tuesday through Thursday 11am-9:30pm Friday & Saturday 11am-10pm Sunday 12pm-9:30pm Closed Monday
A local comic book and collectibles store has relocated to a larger space with more to come this summer!
Action Packed is now open in their new location! The store has moved next door to 40 Wilbur Cross Way in Storrs Center, the former Amazon Pick-Up space. Action Packed! is now located at 40 Wilbur Cross Way. The new store space opened on March 27th, but will continue to expand later this summer. They will add a new arcade section to the store, dubbed Action Packed Arcade. 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. Find them at 40 Wilbur Cross Way in Storrs Center The store is open: Monday 12pm-6pm Tuesday 12pm-5pm Wednesday through Saturday 12pm-6pm Closed Sunday A new restaurant has opened in Storrs Center! Dog House Sub is NOW OPEN at 33 Wilbur Cross Way in the Storrs section of Mansfield! The new restaurant is located next door to Huskies Restaurant and Bar. The new fast-casual eatery a variety of cold and hut sub sandwiches including favorites like American Combo, Italian, Chicken Parm, & Philly Cheesesteaks! Sandwiches are available is 2 sizes, half & whole. The restaurant has numerous salad options as well. Find their full menu their website here: www.doghousesubs.com The new fast-casual sandwich shop is from the team behind Huskies Restaurant and Huskies Tavern! Bringing their restaurant industry experience to an additional restaurant concept in Storrs. Find Dog House Subs at 33 Wilbur Cross Way in Storrs They are open: Tuesday through Saturday 11am-6pm Closed Sunday and Monday  
Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace has opened for the season!
Mansfield Drive-in Theatre & Marketplace has officially opened their gates for the season. The drive in & flea market opened on April 5th, marking their 72nd season. The drive in theatre is located at 228 Stafford Road in Mansfield, CT! Each showing is a double feature with movies playing back-to-back. Tickets range from $14.50 for an adult to $10.50 for child/military/senior. Tickets can be prepurchased online at www.mansfielddrivein.com The flea market runs every Sunday from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm. Buyer parking is just $3.00 per car all day. Want to set up to sell? Check out www.mansfielddrivein.com/flea-market/become-a-vendor/ to find out how. What was your first drive in movie? Comment below! A new liquor store has opened in Vernon!
Toor Wine & Liquor is NOW OPEN in Vernon! The liquor store is part of the brand new plaza at 212 Talcottville Road in Vernon. The new liquor store has a large selection of wine, liquors, and beer. They have an expansive selection of single cans, one of the largest varieties I’ve seen at a package store. Find them at 212 Talcottville Road in Vernon They are open: Monday through Saturday 9am-9pm Sunday 10am-6pm |
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