West Hartford Business Buzz for Oct. 20: Openings, Closings and Other News

Plan B Burger Bar’s original location at 138 Park Road in West Hartford is undergoing a renovation that saw the popular restaurant temporarily close its doors. A visit to the location on Saturday revealed that there will be an expanded waiting area, a new bar and a new look for the kitchen area. The location will have a few more seats and a larger bar area, according to co-owner Shawn Skehan.

“It’s a facelift,” said Skehan. “It’s been six years, so it was time. We like to keep things looking fresh.”

The popular burger joint will re-open, hopefully, on Nov. 4, according to Skehan.

The Clothes Horse, the Junior League of Hartford’s thrift store (and fundraiser), has undergone a transformation and has launched its fall line, according to a press release. With the help of a professional stylist and visual merchandiser, the institution located at 175 Park Road has a fresh, new look. Here’s what the release says: “Not only does the JLH thrift-ique provide customers with a thrill of the hunt experience every time they walk through the door, customers can also keep up with the latest finds and guest stylist recommendations on the store’s blog (www.clotheshorsethrift.blogspot.com).  

“The Clothes Horse is a go-to store whose proceeds support the JLH community impact projects that directly benefit the local Greater Hartford community.  The Junior League of Hartford’s current community impact is empowering women and girls to overcome obstacles. The Clothes Horse is open Tuesday through Saturday weekly and will be hosting a can’t miss Customer Appreciation Event on Thursday, Nov. 7.”

If you didn’t see Monday’s lead story on the Studio of Dance and West Hartford Youth Ballet looking for a new home, check it out. Bette-Ann Libin, owner/operator of the studio and youth ballet company, has been at the Masonic Lodge on South Main Street for 21 years, but must vacate in February 2014, as the building has been sold to Maurice and Charles Kaoud.

West Hartford Puppy Center and Aquarium located at 1148 New Britain Ave. has officially closed. Signs hung in the windows advise former patrons to visit All Pets Club (locations in Southington, Branford, Wallingford and North Windham) for “pet and pet supply needs.” West Hartford Puppy Center and Aquarium has been in business in Elmwood since 1966. The business recently sectioned off some of its store to accommodate Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana

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.