North-Central Connecticut Business: Highlights Of 2019

NORTH-CENTRAL, CT — There was plenty of business news in north-central Connecticut in 2019.

Iconic establishments announced closings and that meant the ends of some eras. Other big names came to the area trying out new formats.

There was a major bank merger and a wrecked ATM, the latter caught on video. There was also a video showing off a major investment at the state's largest distribution facility.

Wages were also an issue.

Here's a look at the year in business in north-central Connecticut.

The Big Boxes

• Blue Light Officially Goes Out On Vernon KMart
• Opening Set For First Small-Format Target In Connecticut
• Tractor Supply To Put 18th CT Store In Stafford
• Bob's Store In Enfield to Be Shuttered
• New Owners Close On Enfield Square Mall
• Pharmaceutical Distributor Moving Out of Farmington
• Ice Cream Distribution Center Designated For Closure
• Temporary Curfew Program to Begin At Shopping Mall
• 4,365 Solar Panels — TicketNetwork's Latest 'Green' Initiative
• Video: A Tour Of Connecticut's Largest Distribution Center

The Small Boxes

• Longtime Simsbury Aerospace Business to Expand
• CT Gun Business To Leave State For Wyoming
• CT Radio Station Rebrands As 'Trump 103.3'
• Hartford Food Hall To Bring Restaurants, Shops
• Adventure Escape Business Closing In West Hartford

Eras Come To An End

• Iconic Vernon Watering Hole Doomed For Closure
• Historic Berlin Store To Close After 140 Years In Business
• Last Pitch Hurled At Southington Batting Cages
• Enfield Restaurant Closes After More Than 6 Decades In Business
• Popular Landmark Restaurant In Manchester To Close After 37 Years
• All-You Can Eat Restaurant — Last One In CT — Closes

New Beginnings

• Lifelong Friends Open Gift Shop
• First CT BJs Restaurant Springing Up Quickly
• After More Than 5 Decades, Paint Business Expanding
• Axe-Throwing Business Approved to Open
• Brewhouse Officially Opens
• Newington Couple Sells Business On 'Shark Tank'
• Geno Auriemma's New Manchester Restaurant Opening

The Banks

• United Bank, People's United To Merge In $759 Million Transaction
• Damaged ATM In Somers Will Not Be Replaced, Bank Official Says
• People's United Bank To Close 18 CT Branches: Here's Where

The Supermarkets

• Connecticut Stop & Shop Union Workers Go On Strike
• Vernon Price Chopper Closing, Being Replaced With Other Stores
• Imminent Closure Announced For West Hartford ShopRite Store

Wages

• Partial Judgment Favors Sports Bar Staffers In Wage Lawsuit
• TicketNetwork Increases Wage Scale Well Ahead Of State Schedule