Living in Connecticut & Massachusetts

New Businesses Coming to Westfarms Mall in Farmington, Connecticut

Westfarms continues attracting major brands while many malls across the country struggle to stay relevant. In 2026 several notable businesses are arriving at the property, including Barnes & Noble, Pop Mart, and Riviera French Café. At the same time, Big Y has received approval to build a grocery st

Stanley Black & Decker Closing New Britain Factory Ends a Chapter in Hardware City

Disclosure: I previously worked for Stanley Black & Decker in the company’s Towson, Maryland office during 2018 and 2019. This article reflects publicly available information and historical context about the company and the city of New Britain. Stanley Black & Decker Closing New Britain Factory Mark

Tony’s Flour Shop in Cromwell: A Queer-Owned Bakery with Deep Local Roots

Tony’s Flour Shop has become one of the most distinctive small businesses in Cromwell. It is a bakery and coffee shop with a very personal feel, shaped by family recipes, Italian influences, and a small-batch approach that gives the menu a lot more character than a typical neighborhood bakery. The b

The Laurel Restaurant in West Hartford: A Lesbian-Owned Dining Destination

The Laurel is one of the most interesting new additions to West Hartford’s restaurant scene. Located at 1046 New Britain Avenue in Elmwood, the restaurant opened in early 2025 with a concept centered on globally inspired food, locally sourced ingredients, and a warm, personal style of hospitality. I