From Peruvian Food To Pickleball, Gaping Holes Filled In Vernon Plazas

VERNON, CT — After many years of gaping holes and residents wondering when, and if, businesses would come back, a Peruvian restaurant and a sport that is all the rage these days are headed for vacancies in neighboring Vernon plazas.

Over the past few days, a sign emerged at the old Wang's Buffet at 295 Hartford Turnpike announcing that Toby's Rotisserie Chicken, specializing in Peruvian cuisine, is "coming soon." That's the plaza anchored by Ocean State Job Lot, Town Fair Tire and the Ninety-Nine restaurant.

Vernon Community & Economic Development Coordinator Shaun Gately said the restaurant is a "conforming use," and therefore only needs health department-related permits. An interior "build-out" is close to beginning, he said.

The Wang's sign is still up, but the Toby's sign now hangs below it, above the front door.

Toby's also has a location on Silver Lane in East Hartford. It has been pounding social media over the past few days with "coming soon" announcements for Vernon.

Toby's will be taking the place of Wang's Buffet, which ended an on-again, off-again presence in the plaza in February 2020. While the "open" sign was still illuminated, a plain white sheet of paper with "close" written in black marker appeared on a window.

The year 2020 was an up-and-down one for the plaza. Five months after the blue light went out on KMart, in August, Ocean State Job lot moved into part of the vacancy after a quick and extensive conversion. Two months earlier, the Ann & Hope bath outlet, was shuttered. That unit remains vacant.

Meanwhile, across the driveway at 10 Pitkin Road, The Pickleball Place is committed to the old Sears Hardware vacancy. For years, the end unit seemed vacant, but was rented by Stop & Shop for storage, Gately said. A special permit for the use was approved in May.

Eight courts are planned and the company already has a website. In addition to playing opportunities, The Pickleball Place will also be offering lessons with trained coaches.