Business & Tech
Adjacent Small Businesses Expand In Shops Of East Granby
A collectibles shop and a small restaurant have both expanded in a shopping center in the center of East Granby.
EAST GRANBY, CT — Operating a small business in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic proved extremely difficult for most entrepreneurs, and starting a new venture during those trying times was virtually impossible. Two adjacent yet unrelated businesses in the Shops of East Granby on Route 20 not only survived the difficult startup period, but have thrived enough to have both expanded in recent weeks.
A chain reaction of sorts began when former plaza tenant Signs Plus bought the former Northwest Community Bank building at 8 School Street. In early 2022, former next-door neighbor Fearless Cards, Toys and Collectibles, which had opened in Oct. 2020, assumed the 3,200 square-foot space vacated by the sign company.
More than tripling in size from its original 900 square feet, Fearless, owned by Brandon Rocco, now offers an even wider selection of cards, collectibles and memorabilia. A gaming lounge has been added, featuring Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo games, and a new arcade area offers foosball, air hockey and pinball games. All games are free for patrons to enjoy.
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Card shows are held on the last Sunday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with vendors offering a variety of wares. Admission is free to the shows.
Hours at Fearless are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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One door to the west of the memorabilia store is TJ's Burritos, which was opened by Tricia Martin and Jeremy Jackson in Feb. 2021. A wall was knocked down, giving TJ's the opportunity to expand into the former Fearless space and add a full-service bar. An enlarged outside dining area is also available.
Hungry customers can enjoy the delicacies at TJ's beginning at 6 a.m., with breakfast favorites such as egg sandwiches, burritos, toasts, bowls and a Sunday brunch. Lunch and dinner selections include tacos, burritos, fajitas, cheese steak and chicken sandwiches.
Monday is Trivia Night at TJ's, and live music is provided Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
TJ's is open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photos: Tim Jensen/Patch
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