New Businesses, Signs Popping Up Across City
By Robin Vinci | Editor at July 16, 2024 | 6:30 pm | Print
Driving around New Britain this week anyone can see new things are happening.
On Sunday, Popeye’s on West Main St. opened to big lines with cars backed up to the street. Construction at Costco shows the initial foundation in place. Frisbies Ice Cream and Dairy Bar on Farmington Ave. is set to open and new historical signs have been put across the City as part of a walking tour.
“New Britain is truly back on the map in terms of business development, there is always room for more, and we welcome those potential business owners who want to make New Britain their home,” said Mayor Erin Stewart. “Let’s keep them coming.”
Last Spring Amodio & Co. Real Estate announced the sale of 523 and 527 West Main St. that became Popeyes. The former 1,700 square foot Taco Bell/John’s Auto Sales building at 527 West Main St. underwent extensive renovations transforming the property into the new fast food location.
Costco is building a new store on 15.49 parcels of land on Hartford Ave. and the construction is moving rapidly. An opening is expected some time this Fall.
Michael Frisbie of Hunter Development has been building multiple businesses on Farmington Ave. Frisbies Dairy Bar, which is set to open on Friday, will be located in a Cape Cod Style building of about 3,000 square feet. There will be 30 seats with a seating area also outside and music. It we be surrounded by a retaining wall. Students from Central Connecticut State University helped in the design and several of the original booths from Guida’s Ice Cream will be inside.
New historical signs are located in various areas in town and more are coming for walking tours around the City.
“I am excited that they are beginning to pop up all around the downtown area and they look beautiful,” said Stewart. “When completed, this will be another exciting tourist attraction to showcase our beautiful city. We are grateful to all of those who helped in this process, and I cannot wait to be one of the first tour guides!”
There are 25 signs in total that will go up. Not all are up as there are several around Central Park set to go up after construction is completed and two more will go up at the Route 72 Overpass once the bridge is redone with a new exciting beehive design.
“We worked with various members of the community to get this done,” said Mark Moriarty, public works director. “The New Britain Industrial Museum did a lot of the signs, the new historian (Pat Watson) and Leah Glaser from CCSU did a lot of reviewing.”
Signs around the police department used input from the police department.
“We spoke with the appropriate people for every sign we used,” said Moriarty.
The signs are burgundy and will take you on a walking tour with the history of the City once they are all completed.
“They look nice and are a good read,” Moriarty added.
The City is finalizing a brochure for a guided tour and a website with more information. The New Britain Industrial Museum will also be a contact to set up a tour.
Also this week a new sign on Broad St. across from McCabe Park went up notifying people that they are Welcome to Little Poland.
Two new businesses recently opened in Little Poland including “Euro Plate” featuring Polish Cuisine and New Britain Bait Shop.
“None of the improvements would have been possible without a supportive city, business community and residents,” added Adrian Baron of the Polonia Business Association.
