A beloved Watertown landmark that has served the community for 82 years has made the difficult decision to close its doors on Wednesday April, 16th 2025
Joey’s Army Navy Store, located at 28 Depot Street in Watertown, CT, has a rich history that began during World War II when it first opened out of the back of a humble station wagon. The store has been a cherished resource for quality offerings, including used military supplies, repurposed factory rejects, and overstock items that filled a unique niche in the community. Its original owner, known only as Ray, dedicated himself to driving to farms and other customers, sharing what he could and capitalizing on military surplus to support those in need. Ray eventually established his first storefront on Lakewood Avenue in Waterbury, naming it Ray’s Army Navy Store. The shop has moved twice since then, including to a location on Main Street in Watertown, before settling at its current home on Depot Street, where it has welcomed customers for the past 32 years. Joseph F. D’Averso, who started working at the shop when he was just 15 years old, purchased it from Ray and renamed it Joey’s, keeping the spirit of service alive. In July 2020, Joseph sold the business to the dedicated current owner, Kristen Hyduchak. Joey’s Army Navy Store has been a place of connection and support, open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special after-hour appointments are available by calling the store or reaching out to Kristen via email. For those looking for more information, you can visit their website. • 860-274-3278 • [email protected] • https://joeys-army-navy.square.site As this chapter closes, the community reflects on the memories and the contributions Joey’s Army Navy Store has made over the decades. It will surely be missed by many.
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Schmidt and Serafine's is a renowned family-owned and operated business that has proudly served the community since its founding in 1925.
In the early days, Charles Schmidt Jr. would personally traverse the city in a truck, taking orders from customers directly. He returned the following week to deliver their chosen products, embodying a personalized service that has become synonymous with Schmidt’s and Serafine’s. This business reflects a commitment to traditional values: honesty, hard work, and integrity. The company continues to be guided by the principles established by the generations of men and women who laid its groundwork, consistently delivering unparalleled service to a loyal customer base. While the world around them evolves rapidly, Schmidt's and Serafine's steadfastly remains rooted in its core values. The original repair facility, established in 1953, serves as a testament to the extensive experience they have accumulated in power equipment sales and service. Customers can trust that they will receive the right part and effective repairs for all makes and models of power equipment, backed by nearly 60 years of expertise. This deep-rooted knowledge has positioned them as the leading power equipment repair facility in the Greater Waterbury area. However, the iconic Schmidt and Serafine's True Value Hardware Store is now up for sale. This prime property includes two retail buildings: a spacious 7,920 square foot retail hardware and garden center, as well as a 2,550 square foot repair shop. The sale encompasses both the real estate and the business, although inventory will be sold separately. The asking price for the buildings is $1,500,000, and for the business, it is available for $1,295,000. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of local history while continuing the legacy of quality and service that Schmidt and Serafine's exemplify. 
Get ready, Dunkin’ fans! The beloved Dunkin’ Donuts at 1174 Main Street is about to get a fabulous makeover! The remodeling starts on March 24, 2025, and we can’t wait to see the fresh, new look!
Did you know this iconic shop has been serving up your favorite brews since February 1970? Check out the grand opening ad that showcases the original design! Over the past 47 years, it has undergone a few transformations, and now it’s poised for another amazing upgrade! Throughout the state, Dunkin’ locations in places like Plainville, Danbury, and Wolcott have recently received some stunning renovations. While we don’t have specifics on the timeline, remodeling can vary. Some locations are getting just a sprucing up, while others might unveil entirely new stores! We’ve reached out to the property owners for more details and will keep you posted as soon as we hear back! But don’t worry—while construction is happening, you can still satisfy your Dunkin’ cravings at these nearby spots: 750 Straits Turnpike, Watertown, CT 06795 1565 Watertown Ave, Waterbury, CT 06708 Stay tuned, and get excited for the amazing transformation coming to your Dunkin’! 
Toast'd is set to debut soon in the charming, historic locale of the former Serendipity Gifts at 659 Main Street in Watertown, CT.
Introducing Toast’d—your upcoming favorite spot for freshly baked bagels - is artfully topped to satisfy every craving. The menu features an array of handcrafted schmears in innovative flavors paired with a selection of bold, delectable toppings. At Toast’d, They are dedicated to transforming your bagel experience with A Fresh Way to Bagel. Prepare for the ultimate bite each and every time! Keep an eye out for our grand opening celebration and exclusive sneak peeks of our mouthwatering offerings. Stay informed by following them on Facebook for all the latest updates here https://www.facebook.com/toastdbagelshop. The visionary behind The Itty-Bitty Cookie Company is the proud owner of Toast’d. When the opportunity arose to expand into the neighboring space, she recognized it as the perfect moment to introduce a distinctive bagel experience to the Watertown community—thus, Toast’d was born! A heartwarming detail: this very space holds fond memories for the owner, as it was the initial home of Itty-Bitty during the challenging times of COVID-19 in 2020 before the company transitioned to a larger venue in 2022. Now, the team is thrilled to once again bring something fresh, flavorful, and utterly delicious to their beloved community. At Toast’d, we’re all about elevating your bagel experience! Offering over 20 unique schmears and spreads alongside a wide variety of fresh toppings, we’ll help you create crave-worthy bagel sandwich stacks. While they won't be serving hot egg sandwiches, their focus will remain on delivering the finest bagels complemented by premium Boar’s Head meats and extraordinary, bold flavors. Mark your calendars—there anticipating a grand opening in early April of 2025! 
The Shops at Main Street, located at 620 Main Street, are now on the market with an attractive asking price of $1,550,000. This well-maintained property features three distinct areas, currently occupied by two established tenants, along with a spacious, vacant second floor. The first tenant, Walgreens, is a well-known pharmacy chain and has a solid lease agreement running until 2028, ensuring a reliable income stream. The second tenant, Town & County Cleaners, is nearing the end of its lease term and presents an opportunity for new negotiations or potential re-leasing. The vacant second floor boasts an expansive 10,100 square feet of available space, offering an excellent opportunity for new business or expansion. Originally constructed in 1945 and thoughtfully remodeled in 1994, this property has a rich history, having housed a pharmacy for over 30 years, making it a trusted location in the community.  The Century Plaza, strategically located on West Main Street, is now on the market with an asking price of approximately $7.6 million, as detailed in a recent real estate listing by Encore Real Estate Investment Services.
Constructed in 1994, this well-established strip mall spans an impressive 36,680 square feet of retail space and boasts a robust occupancy rate of 91%. The property includes a generous 225 parking spaces, catering to both customers and tenants alike. Notable tenants contributing to the plaza's strong tenant mix include national brands such as • Walgreens • H&R Block • Top Shelf Wine & Liquor • Boost Mobile • Advance Auto Parts. Enhancing its appeal is a freestanding KFC restaurant complete with a convenient drive-thru window, as well as one of the only two Monro Auto Service and Tire Centers situated within the city limits. Century Plaza is set on a sprawling 4-acre site, positioned just west of downtown Waterbury at the critical T intersection of West Main Street and Thomaston Avenue. Its prime location also offers easy access to major transportation routes, being in close proximity to ramps for both Interstate 84 and Route 8, making it highly accessible for both local and traveling customers. Encore REIS has set a sales price of $7,585,057 for the Century Plaza, which translates to an attractive rate of $207 per square foot, positioning it as a compelling investment opportunity in an area with persistent retail demand. 
The Walgreens store in Waterbury at 11 Meriden Road will permanently close their doors on April 22th.
The store is located on the corner of Meriden Road and East Main Street in Waterbury. Both the pharmacy and the store will be closing. Prescriptions can be accessed at any Walgreens across the country. This store joins the previously announced closings in Hartford and New Haven. The closures are part of 1,200 store closings planned over the next 3 years. “Our retail pharmacy business is central to our go-forward business strategy. However, increased regulatory and reimbursement pressures are weighing on our ability to cover the costs associated with rent, staffing, and supply needs" company spokeswoman Fraser Engerman said in a statement to The Connecticut Scoop earlier this year. 
After more than a decade of serving the community, Wayside Market, located at 2742 South Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut, will sadly close its doors permanently on Saturday, April 19th, 2025.
Wayside Market is not just any grocery store; it specializes in a carefully curated selection of imported Portuguese, Brazilian, and Cape Verdean goods, catering to the diverse tastes of the local community. Renowned as a cherished gem in Waterbury, CT, Wayside Market is famous for its warm and inviting atmosphere, which resonates with both longtime customers and newcomers alike. The store is particularly known for offering the best Portuguese rolls around—freshly baked and always a customer favorite. In addition to these rolls, the market features an impressive array of homemade foods that authentically capture the rich flavors of Portugal, from traditional pastries to hearty stews. Customers consistently praise the warm and friendly demeanor of the staff, noting that their welcoming attitude contributes to a familial vibe that permeates the establishment. Whether patrons are making their routine grocery runs or planning catered events, they can always count on the high quality of food and personalized service. Each visit to Wayside Market feels like a nostalgic journey back to Portugal, filled with authentic flavors and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in search of a truly unique grocery shopping experience. Two stores will be leaving the Brass Mill Center! Hot Topic is currently liquidating their store at the mall! The store will permanently close at the end of business on March 27th. Famous Footwear will also be closing their doors at the Brass Mill Center according to employees at the store. It does not appear a liquidation sale will happen. They are expected to close in the coming months if not sooner. Burlington is planning to leave their current location in the mall, moving to the former TJ Maxx space at Brass Mill Commons. The store is expected to move this fall, with the mall store closing slightly before the opening of the new location. Brass Mill Center and Brass Mill Commons are owned by Kohan Retail Investment Group and their subsidiary Summit Properties. Both have seen numerous tenants close in the past years including TJ Maxx, TGI Fridays, Michaels, Bath & Body Works, FYE, and many others.
Carter's & OshKosh B'Gosh are planned for Waterbury!
The Co-branded baby and toddler clothing store are planning a new location at Waterbury Plaza on Chase Avenue! The store will be located next door to Bath & Body Works in the plaza, occupying over 4,000 square feet of space. Construction is planned to begin this summer with an opening in late summer/early fall. Carter's has been on an expansion spree throughout Connecticut in the past years; including new stores in Meriden, Bristol, Norwalk, Enfield, and others. Waterbury Plaza has seen an increase in leasing activity in the past year. Bath & Body Works relocated their Brass Mill Center store to the plaza last year. Five Below opened a second Waterbury in the plaza; and Go Health Urgent Care opened a new facility in the shopping plaza! |
