Businesses Open and Expand Throughout West Hartford

No municipality is entirely recession proof, but West Hartford comes pretty close.

Indeed, while other towns are still feeling the brunt of the recession, storefront vacancies in West Hartford are now “negligible,” said Rob Rowlson, the director of community services.

The town’s economic good fortune is no accident, according to Rowlson.

“West Hartford was well-positioned when the recession hit back in 2008,” said Rowlson. “We have been actively marketing the town brand for the last 15 years.”

Rowlson cited efforts from expanding outdoor dining opportunities to the opening of that resulted in the town gaining a lot of recognition as being a forward-thinking, enlightened community for businesses.

“I think we have weathered the recession relatively well in comparison to our brethren in other retail areas,” Mike Mahoney, a principal with , which leases properties in West Hartford Center, agreed. “[The town] is a unique retail environment in this part of the state.”

The result has been a recent boom of stores either opening or expanding in every area of town.

West Hartford Center

Residents can now satisfy their sweet teeth at Sugarbelle, an award-winning cupcake store that recently opened its doors in the center on South Main Street.

will expand its running shoes and fitness apparel operations by taking over the space currently occupied by .

Worry not, pizza lovers. Harry’s is moving into the old Pizza Hut location on South Main Street, next door to the Dunkin' Donuts.

In addition, Lululemon Athletica, a women’s exercise clothing store, is slated to occupy the former Bennett’s Card shop space.

A burger joint, aptly named The Burger Joint, is expected to open next to Lululemon.

is also expanding its operations from 800 to 2,000 square feet.

While the new businesses are great, Rowlson said that the business expansions are indicators of the health of the local economy.

Blue Back Square

Several new businesses will open in the near future, including Pinkberry, a fruit smoothie store, Ooh La La, a women’s fashion boutique, and Kennedy’s All-American Barber Club, which will take over the space formerly occupied by Roller Coaster hair salon.

Rowlson said that Falcetti Piano is also expected to open a location in Blue Back Square.

Bishop’s Corner

The Bishop’s Corner area of town is gradually getting a makeover, which includes the recent opening of in the space formerly held by Blockbuster.

A bank, the identity of which Rowlson would not disclose, will also be constructed in the southwest corner of the area, and potential tenants are in discussions about opening a family-style restaurant as well.

Elmwood

A new building, which is being constructed on the former Szechuan Tokyo site on the corner of New Britain Avenue and South Main Street, will house, among other things, American Eagle Credit, as well as other retail outlets.

Beachland Tavern’s eagerly awaited opening will occur this summer in the space formerly occupied by Elements Bistro.

Rowlson said that an exercise studio, a salon and a John Boyle Decorating Center will open in the .

Park Road

The owners of the Joey Garlic’s restaurant chain will open Joey’s Pizza in the location formerly occupied by Barb’s Pizza at 353 Park Road. The restaurant will feature a scaled-back menu that will include, among other things, pizza, grinders, shakes and the chain’s popular eggplant fries.

Finally, an extensive wine store will soon open its doors in the former Bazilian's space on Park Road.