​​Three New Leases Signed In Downtown Storrs

STORRS, CT — Three businesses have signed new leases for retail and restaurant space in Downtown Storrs and have plans to open in the coming weeks.

Action Packed, a shop specializing in vintage comic books and video games, and Nautical Bowls, a
franchise offering superfood bowls, both plan to open in 34 Wilbur Cross Way in December, Mansfield Downtown Partnership officials said.

Across the street, at 33 Wilbur Cross Way, the owners of a local, long-established, popular business plan to open a new full-service restaurant offering lunch and dinner. Huskies Restaurant and Bar will open in late winter 2024, Mansfield Downtown Partnership officials said..

Mansfield Downtown Partnership Executive Director Cynthia van Zelm said she is excited to welcome these businesses to Downtown Storrs.

"The owners of these businesses all live and work locally and have strong ties to our community," she said. "We are very happy they have chosen to grow their businesses in Downtown Storrs and are looking forward to the added vibrancy they each will bring."

Kevin and Lisa Hinderleider moved to Mansfield to be closer to family in New England, and their three children all attend local schools. As they have gotten to know the community, they said they saw an opportunity to provide a new option for fresh, healthy food and decided to open their first Nautical Bowls location in Downtown Storrs.

Said Lisa Hinderleider, "We fell in love with the area while seeking our new home and touring colleges with our oldest child and are excited to be able to contribute in a new way to our community."

Nautical Bowls’ menu focuses on all-natural, plant-based ingredients in "nutritious and delicious
superfood bowls," many of which are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Columbia resident Greg Cavanagh is looking to create a local hub for comic book fans, video game enthusiasts, and collectors at Action Packed.

"Action Packed will fill a niche in the area for people interested in retro video games, comics, and collectibles,” Cavanagh said.

The shop will have every N64 game ever made, he said.

Huskies Restaurant and Bar has signed the third new lease for 33 Wilbur Cross Way and is looking to create "a gathering place for local residents and university members to share a meal, watch a game, or unwind on the weekend."

The full-service restaurant will serve lunch and dinner, offering a pub style menu.

Huskies Restaurant and Bar has been under the same ownership in town since 1993. The group
also operate Huskies Tavern and A Step Above Catering.

Managing Partners Dan and Will Prokop are excited for the new location.

"As we celebrate our 30th year in business in Storrs, we are thrilled to be opening a new location downtown. The new concept will provide a unique gathering place for residents of Mansfield and the University community. Our goal is to offer something for everyone — residents, faculty, staff, visiting alumni, students and their families. We are very excited to be a part of the new wave of businesses opening in Downtown Storrs and for this new chapter for Huskies Restaurant and Bar."

With the addition of these three businesses, there are now 73 businesses and organizations operating in Downtown Storrs, Mansfield Downtown Partnership officials said.

"Downtown Storrs continues to attract interest from business owners and entrepreneurs," van
Zelm said. "As the national economy continues to strengthen, we’re seeing that reflected locally."

There are currently eleven spaces available for new opportunities throughout the downtown, which spans from 1 Dog Lane south to 1132 Storrs Road and from Whetten Woods, a Joshua’s Trust
property, west to 10 South Eagleville Road, Mansfield Downtown Partnership officials said.