Reopening Day: Hartford, Tolland Counties Slowly Back In Business

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Wednesday's initial phase of the coronavirus reopening process seemed to offer two things to Hartford and Tolland county residents — a chance to shop again or at least get out of the house.

One thing was obvious as the day began — a lot more vehicles were on both Interstates 84 and 91. State police seemed to be ready for the increased volume, with speed enforcement details stationed at notorious straightaways in Enfield, Windsor and Manchester.

All roads, of course, led to an increased number of stores open in both counties, along with restaurants which, in accordance with more lenient building and zoning guidelines, fashioned outdoor seating to give folks a chance to have, "a real meal out."

That was the consensus of Jim and Lisa Keller, who made it to the Country Diner in Enfield early in the day. The popular eatery had both tables and tents set up in the parking area.

(Tim Jensen/Patch)

In Vernon, New England Ski & Scuba co-owner David McClure opened his doors at 11 a.m. for the first time since the pandemic restrictions reared their ugly retail heads in March. At 11:02, a sport utility vehicle entered the parking lot and a customer made her way inside to return seasonal rentals. The shop also had an outdoor table for those who chose not to go inside. McClure, as a precaution, was wearing a mask and had a shield set up at the counter.

McClure said he was all too glad to be back open. Winter sales had gone well and the shop was carrying a lot of momentum heading into the spring snow sports markdown season and the start of scuba trips.

It all came to a crashing halt and McClure was now faced with collecting and turning over 400 rental packages after losing a month of business.

He said he was happy to be back.

(Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Another businessman on the sports front glad to be back open was Mike Disibio, who owns the New Balance franchise at the Shops at Evergreen Walk in South Windsor. He rearranged fitting benches and customer traffic according to the guidelines, and offered a disinfecting station at the door and the store was still able to offer precise individual fittings.

He said spring is usually his busiest season with lacrosse, baseball and softball, track and field and those just wanting to get out in the warm weather in need of footwear. He said, despite most sports on hold, he was still "trending" to have a good first day.

(Chris Dehnel/Patch)

Not every store was open throughout both counties.

The scene at Westfarms mall on the Farmington-West Hartford line was one of both satisfaction and consternation.

Hannoush Jewelers raised its gate a few moments before 11 a.m. struck, and immediately went to work helping a young couple.

(Tim Jensen/Patch)

Nearly a dozen people waited outside the Disney store as 11 a.m. approached, but apparently it was not about to open. One prospective customer from Berlin said, "Within the past few months, Disney has released limited edition pins and mouse ears, which are increasingly difficult to get online. We were hoping it would open, but no one from the store has come in."

At Forever 21 on the lower level, a long line waited to get into the store, as an employee was checking temperatures before allowing customers inside.

Only a handful of stores actually opened at the mall, prompting an upset woman from Tolland in the corridor to complain, "They should be ashamed of themselves, it's false advertising."

A sign on Route 44 in Avon proclaimed Bodytalk to be "cautiously open." Owner Anna Mancinone said the women's clothing store, open for 35 years, is currently open by appointment. However, "If you're going to be around the area and call us, we'll likely get you in," she said.

(Tim Jensen/Patch)

As the dinner hour approached, staffers at Pancho Loco in Vernon were happy to be serving the restaurant's southwest style dishes again — even outside.

Pancho's deck opened Wednesday with tables 6 feet apart.

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Patch editor Tim Jensen contributed to this report.