West Hartford Business Buzz August 4: Openings, Closings and Other News

West Hartford residents love to be "in the know" about happenings in town, especially the openings — and closings — of local businesses. We hear things all the time, and some of them turn into big stories. But sometimes we don't have enough news to write an entire story, even though the information is definitely newsworthy.

Every Sunday we'll highlight the business stories you may have missed during the past week, and give you the scoop on the other news you may not have heard about. And if you have tips about businesses opening or closing, please include them in the comments or send an email to ted.glanzer@patch.com.

This week marked the end of an era when the owner of the Prospect Cafe confirmed on Thursday that it will close its doors for good on Aug. 11. With the closing of Bazillions several years ago, the few remaining stalwart businesses in the Park Road area include Effie’s and A.C. Petersen’s.

There was much rejoicing, however, with the Friday opening of Tory Burch in the Westfarms mall. The upscale retailer is located on Westfarms’ Center Court upper level, in the spot formerly occupied by Solstice and Munsons, and not far from other luxury shops Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton.

Blue Back Square has announced that Gift-ology (“perfecting gift giving”) is coming in the fall. According to its website, the small chain already has three locations - Eastfield and Longmeadow, Mass. and Buffalo, NY. Items available include custom-made gift baskets, jewelry, cards and more.

Three-time Super Bowl champion, Tedy Bruschi, who was recently inducted into the New England Patriot Hall of Fame, dined solo at the bar at Besito Mexican Restaurant in West Hartford. “Feeling like celebrating, the former linebacker bought shots of pricey Partida Elegante tequila ($45 a shot) for fans at the bar,” according to a press release. “He paired his celebratory shots with crab cakes and filet mignon.”