Twelve New Businesses of 2012

Stonington, Mystic and Pawcatuck welcomed many new businesses to the area in 2012.

Nearly 100 individuals filed papers for business trade names certificates with the Stonington Town Clerk’s Office in 2012. Many of these businesses quickly became local favorites and others we are still getting to know.

Here is sampling of the business newbies of 2012 in Stonington, Mystic and Pawcatuck:

27 Broadway Avenue, Mystic. When Kate Straub decided to transition to a vegan diet for health reasons, it became quite clear that eating out in Mystic was going to be difficult, if not impossible. So she decided to do something about it, and the result is the opening of Kate's Cafe on Broadway Avenue in Mystic. .

Mel’s Downtown Creamery, 37 W Broad Street, Pawcatuck. Eight scoops of ice cream, seven toppings, a banana, a warm brownie, whip cream and cherries. Called the Big Kahuna, the ice cream sundae serves four and is one of the most popular items on the menu at Mel’s Downtown Creamery in Pawcatuck. Downtown Ice Cream Shop Reopens With New Owners And A New Name.

Wizard of Paws, 2 Avery Street, Mystic. Dr. Debbie Gross Saunders opened Wizard of Paws Physician Rehabilitation for Animals on Avery Street in Mystic with the idea that “No matter how old the dog, the goal always is the best quality of life for the longest time possible.” Wizard of Paws Helps Nurse Dogs Back to Health

FroyoWorld, 12 Coogan Boulevard. If you’re craving tacos, or a burger and fries, or a latte the Mystic Green Shopping Center off of Coogan Boulevard has it all and more. In the past few years the Mystic outlet center has transformed from mainly retail shops to the place to go for food. Coogan Boulevard Becoming The Place To Go For Food.

Wayne's Barber Shop, 3 Pearl Street, Mystic. With bright red walls, one main barbering chair and club chairs for those waiting, Wayne’s Barber Shop melds the feel of a historic shop with the comfort of the present day. Wayne’s Barber Shop Returns to Mystic.

McDonald's, 91 Voluntown Road, Pawcatuck. The new McDonald’s in Pawcatuck is an environmentally friendly restaurant that will attempt to have a low-carbon footprint by paying attention to where its food comes from, using energy-efficient appliances and paying attention to packaging, waste and recycling. McDonald’s Celebrates Grand Opening Of Pawcatuck Location.

Helpful Solutions for Living, Stonington. The organization helps people over the age of 60 with the services needed to stay independent in their homes.

Fields of Fire, 715 Noank Ledyard Road, Mystic. For nine years, Tom Vignato worked at Mohegan Sun, and people would ask him, “What else is there to do around here?” He’d suggest Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Seaport. But families would often say they’d been there, done that. Then the casino laid Vignato off, and he had to figure out what to do. He decided to try to answer that question he used to get asked. He emptied his 401K, used it as payment against a business loan, rented 50 acres in Mystic and opened a paintball park. Paint Ball Park To Open In Mystic This June.

La Luna Ristorante, 9 Whitehall Avenue, Mystic. "I love Mystic and I want to offer it my best thing, which is food," Edgar Ortiz said. Photos: Ribbon Cutting At La Luna Ristorante.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Semolina Pasta Shop, Olde Mistick Village. Stephen Clemente opened his first shop Extra Virgin Olive Oil in January of 2012 with 10 different oils and vinegars. Today, the shop has more than 40 different kinds and due to its popularity Clemente was able to open up Semolina Pasta Shop right next door. An Ounce of Olive Oil and Vinegar A Day.

Mystic Diner 253 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic. New owners and a new name came to equinox Diner on Greenmanville Avenue this year. A Q&A With The Mystic Diner For Restaurant Week