West Hartford Business Buzz for Dec. 15: Openings, Closings and Other News

Hello Business Buzz fans!

Just nine shopping days until Christmas.

My wife advised me not to write that, as it would likely stress people out. Namely her.

Mission accomplished.

The town is entering the quiet, holiday phase before the storm of first quarter 2014, when things really begin to heat up from the development side.

Corbins Corner Shopping Center filed an application with the town to amend its special development district for the construction of a free-standing, 6,051-square-foot Jared the Galleria of Jewelry store by New Britain Avenue. The Town Council on Dec. 10 received the application and set the matter for public hearing on Jan. 28, 2014.

There is no shortage of neat boutiques that have cropped up in town, from Lila Mae to Quirky. Add Vivenda, a West Hartford-based online bricolage outlet, to the mix. Started by West Hartford resident Mariana Sgarbi and Flavia Falci of Glastonbury, Vivenda is an online store for “one-of-a-kind pieces of home decor,” according to a press release. To learn more about Vivenda, visit www.vivendabric.com, connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vivendabric, find tweets at @BricVivenda, and pins at www.pinterest.com/vivendabric.

Shish Restaurant-Lounge has found itself in hot water again, as an incident in the early hours of Dec. 8 led West Hartford Police to refer the club to the state Liquor Control Commission for allegedly allowing an underage patron inside. It’s the fourth time in six months that the establishment has been referred to the commission, three of which have been for allowing underage patrons inside, according to Assistant Chief Robert McCue, who noted that police have responded to 125 incidents related to Shish since its opening in 2009. In addition, the Hartford Courant reported that Shish has been investigated by the Liquor Commission 11 times since it opened, and was fined $700 in the spring for two violations that occurred in 2012. It’s the latest in a history of issues Shish has had with the town, which has cited the establishment for acting more as a nightclub than a restaurant. Town zoning regulations prohibit an establishment whose primary function is to serve alcoholic beverages. Shish serves Middle Eastern cuisine, according to its website. But its Facebook page features photos of DJs, people dancing and patrons holding alcoholic beverages. There are no photos of food or of people eating.