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
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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
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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.
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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
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They are open:
Monday through Saturday 9am-9pm
Sunday 10am-6pm

A new Indian street food option has landed in Vernon!

Spice Town, an Aisan & Indian grocery store, has added 'Street Kitchen' to their store. The new takeout restaurant is located inside their store at 378 Kelly Road in Vernon.

Street Kitchen offers a variety of Indian and Halal options including favorites like Chicken Tandoori with Butter Masala or Korma Sauce, Paneer with Butter Masala, Kati Rolls, Chaat, Samosas, and other. They also serve American favorites like fish & chicken sandwiches, fish & chips, chicken tenders, wings, and more.
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Order online at https://spicetown.shop/products/street-kitchen

Stop in and enjoy fresh Halal food and Indian favorites!

A new Halal Mexican restaurant is coming to Storrs!

Guac N Grill (Guacngrill) is coming soon to 1244 Storrs Road in the Storrs section of Mansfield! The space was previously occupied by Chang’s Garden Chinese Restaurant.

The restaurant serve Halal version of popular Mexican cuisine including fresh bowls, tacos & quesadillas crafted with Zabiha halal meats and antibiotic-free produce — served fast-casual style. Construction recently started on their storefront.

Find the menu and more information on their website here: https://guacngrill.com
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Guac N Grill is just the latest addition to Storrs. Doghouse Subs by Huskies Restaurant and Bar will be opening soon at 33 Wilbur Cross Way. These planned openings offset the recent closure of Nautical Bowls, which closed on Friday after 2 years.

Construction is now underway on Vernon’s newest restaurant!

Taste of African Cuisine is now under construction at 200 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, the former STIIZY Smoke Shop. The restaurant will convert the retail space into a new restaurant with a small dining room with 24 seats.

The menu features a variety of authentic African dishes including Jollof Rice, Waakye, Banku & Okra Soup, Fufu & Light Soup, and much more. Find their menu here: https://www.tasteofafricancuisine.com/
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Stay tuned for more information on their opening!

Traveler Restaurant has been sold!

The book themed breakfast & lunch spot has been purchased by Blondie's Diner for their third location! Blondie’s announced the purchase this morning.

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.

Not much has been announced about Blondie’s plans/changed to the storied restaurant, but the books will remain according to the owner. Stay tuned for more info on Blondie’s #3!
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Read more about Travelers from our ‘Local Gems’ series here: http://www.theconnecticutscoop.com/.../local-gem-traveler...

​A new sandwich shop is coming soon to Storrs Center!

Dog House Subs will be opening at 33 Wilbur Cross Way in Storrs, a space next door to Huskies Restaurant and Bar in Storrs Center!

The new fast-casual sandwich shop is from the team behind Huskies Restaurant and Huskies Tavern! Bringing their well-known service to an additional restaurant concept.

The new eatery will serve a variety of made-to-order sandwiches, salads, soups, and more. Work on the restaurant is nearly complete with their ordering counter & menu boards now installed.
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Look for them to open soon!

A commercial building in Downtown Rockville has been put on the market.

The two story retail building at 33-35 West Main Street has been put on the market for $1.25 million. The building is 24,000 square feet originally built in 1951.

The building is currently 30% leased, presenting a great ‘value-add’ to any buyer or even an owner-occupied opportunity. The plaza is home to Antonio’s Pizza, Boost Mobile, Get Fresh Laundromat.
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Find the listing here: https://www.loopnet.com/.../33-W-Main-St-Vernon-CT/33673628/

Party City is back, kinda.

A new Party City shop-within-a-shop has been added inside Staples stores including their Vernon location.

The new Party City doesn’t have the variety or volume as its old self, but it does have a decent variety of helium balloons and decorations for major life events.

The newest iteration of Party City now offers custom invitations, banners, cards, balloons, and a variety of party supplies. Hopefully they will continue to add to their party offerings as the concept takes off.
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Check them out inside Staples at Tri-City Plaza.

A local prepared meal market is moving to a larger location in Tolland this year!

Becker's Catering will be moving to the former NY Deli & Grill space at 237 Merrow Road in Tolland. The business is currently located at 401 Merrow Road, next to Pat's Power Equipment.

Construction is underway to convert the former convenience store into the new country market. The new space provides them room to grow with expanded products and services. Chef/Owner Matthew Becker has over 20 years of culinary experience.

Stop in to their market and pick up restaurant quality meals to enjoy in the comfort of your home! Their fully-prepared, chef-driven meals are available in single-serving and family sized portions. The diverse menu offers a wide variety of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options. Becker's offers soups, pastas, seafood, salads, meats, veggies, and desserts.

Becker's Catering also offers Weekly Meals for pick-up or delivery; place your order in advance for the week and guarantee your selections. The business offers catering services, providing stress-free services including pick-up, delivery, set-up, and more.

Find more information on their website: https://www.beckerscatering.com/
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Stay tuned for more information on the opening date of their relocate store!

A Vernon CBD shop has closed its doors.

Your CBD Store by SunMed has permanently closed their Vernon store alongside their Avon and Southington locations.
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The store was located at 425 Talcottville Road in Vernon at The Shops at Eastview. The plaza is also home to Planet Fitness, Great Harvest, Animal City, and others.

Calla Lilys Gifts will be closing the doors of the Vernon boutique.

The gift shop is located at 309 Talcottville Road in Vernon; next door to Juliano’s Pools. The store is expected to close at the end of March after 22 years of business.

Calla Lily’s sells small gifts including memory lamps, sympathy gifts, vases, wind chimes, and much more. Sale items vary; some exceptions apply.
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Stop in and shop before they close in March.

New England for Trump will be closing their Vernon location.

The store sells Trump and Republican-themed items including clothing, flags, signs, and much more. The store is currently running a store closing sale according to a sign posted outside.

The store is located at 154 Talcottville Road in Vernon.
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*Please keep comments civil and on-topic or they will be turned off.

Happy Collectors Toy Store will be closing their Vernon toy store!

The toy store will be closing their physical store and transitioning to online sales only at the end of January. The store is currently located at 630 Talcottville Road in Vernon.
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Stop in and shop before the end of Janaury or shop them online at https://happycollectorstoystore.com/

A number of new businesses have opened in Vernon!

-Our Friends Closet & Vintage Marketplace has officially opened in their new location at 435 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon! The consignment store and marketplace is now located in the plaza with Rein's Deli!

-The Boho Experience is NOW OPEN at 193 Talcottville Road in Vernon; Our Friends Closet's previous space. The BoHo Experience is a creative sanctuary for free spirited & minful souls. Explore a space where shopping, healing art, and community intertwine. They are open Wednesday through Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-3pm.

-ICON, Kitchen & Bath is NOW OPEN at 35 Talcottville Road in Vernon; in Tri City Plaza! The new showroom features the latest designs, cutting edge fixtures, and the latest in cabinetry. They are open Monday & Saturday 10am-2pm and Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm.
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-A Better Self, LLC is NOW OPEN at 500 Talcottville Road in Vernon! The new studio offers group fitness & wellness classes. They tailor exercises to each specific client; everybody is welcome no matter where you are in your health journey. Find a list of their classes here: https://abetterselfct.com/

It’s official! Jersey Mike’s is coming soon to Ellington!

The National sandwich shop chain has installed their coming soon signs at the new location. Jersey Mike’s will be located at 135 West Road, next door to Starbucks!

Construction will begin soon with an opening in 2026. Jersey Mike’s joins Starbucks and Hartford Healthcare Go Health Urgent Care in the building.
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When the new multi-tenant building was under construction, we stated this space was being eyed by Jersey Mike’s. Now it’s finally coming! Stay tuned for more information on their opening.

The Shops at 30 will be home to 2 new businesses in the coming months, while another recently opened!

Our Friends Closet & Vintage Marketplace will be moving their boutique into The Shops at 30! The shop will be located next to Integrated Rehab Services (formerly Integrated Sports & Fitness). Our Friends Closet is currently located at 193 Talcottville Road; they are currently hosting a moving sale with everything 25%-75% off.

Studio 467 has relocated their art studio from Downtown Rockville to The Shops at 30! Studio 467 is a fully functioning ceramics studio offering a variety of clay classes, artist studio rentals, and a vibrant gallery and community space. They opened their doors last month.

A new massage spa is coming soon to the plaza. I coudn't find a name for the new business yet; but they will be located where Annie Mac Mortgages was previously located near Zahner's Clothiers.
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The Shops at 30 is located at 435 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, currently home to Rein's Deli, Primitive Renditions, Zahner's Clothiers, and many others!

Shakeup Makeup is your one stop shop for all things beauty, fitness, and wellness coaching. Their studio is located at 45 Industrial Park Road West Unit J & K in Tolland.

The locally owned studio brings the glow up with professional makeup and hair artistry for weddings and special events, brings the energy with weekly fitness classes in six varying styles, and brings the transformation with personalized wellness coaching programs to elevate your confidence.

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
-Bridal Beauty
-Special Occasion Makeup & Hair styling
-Makeup Lessons

𝐅𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
-Dance Fitness
-Yoga (both power & restorative)
-Kickboxing
-Strength Training
-Fusion (a combo of cardio & strength)

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐞:
-Wellness Coaching
-Beauty Supplements
-Isagenix, Wellness Solutions

Their mission is to help everybody feel strong, radiant, and unstoppable, whether you're stepping into the studio, down the aisle, or into the most unapologetic version of yourself.
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Find more information on their services, book a consultation, and sign up for fitness classes here: https://www.shakeupmakeupllc.com/ or call (516)770-8705

A new restaurant is coming soon to Downtown Rockville!

Zach's Chicken & Grill is coming soon to 13 West Main Street in Rockville, the former Craig's Kitchen space across from Town Hall!

The restaurant recently filed for building permits for the space with plans to install a new hood system, grease interceptor, and other improvements. The applicant for the project is Zamira Amini.
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The restaurant would feature dine-in, takeout, and delivery; with a more fast-food style atmosphere. No opening timeline was immediately available.

A new store is coming soon to Rockville!

JohnSandras Re-Originals is coming soon to 19 West Main Street in Downtown Rockville, the former Dave’s Cobbler Shop before they moved up the road.

The new store is expected to open next week, selling Fenton Art glass, vintage items, antiques, and other ‘re-original’ goods!
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Stop by and check them out once they open.

The former Talcott Brothers School at 97 Main Street in Vernon is being targeted for a multi-unit residential conversion. The property is currently under contract to be sold to the developer.

Under plans submitted to the town, the former school house would be converted into 11 apartments, a mixed of one and two bedrooms units.

Plans are still subject to approval by the town. If approved, the site would receive a new renovation including new interiors, new windows, landscaping, sidewalks, parking improvements, and more. The exterior of the building would be preserved.
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The building dates back to 1880 when it was the Talcott Brothers School, named for the large manufacturer in that section of town. The building continued to be used for educational function until the late 2010s. The property was sold to Ticketnetwork by the town; the company planned and started a restoration/renovation of the building to serve as training center. These plans fell through during the 2020 lockdowns after work had already began.