Hartford Chamber Ribbon Cuttings

The Hartford Chamber of Commerce is proud to be present for the many businesses opening their doors throughout Hartford. From startups to business expansions, each ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolizes not just the opening of a new space, but the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship and community within our city. Thanks in part to the Hart Lift program, we saw over 25 businesses open their doors from 2022 - 2023. Take a look below and explore what Hartford has to offer!

Hart Lift Businesses

The Hart Lift program, a dynamic collaboration between the Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hartford aimed at activating our city’s vacant spaces. Leveraging $7,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Hart Lift supports property owners throughout Hartford affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Business are marked as *Hart Lift if they received Hart Lift Funding

Restaurants

*Hart Lift Funded

Aroma Café*

Aroma Café is a family-run coffee shop that serves a variety of drinks and snacks. Located at 100 Constitution Plaza, it provides a convenient stop for office workers and students at the nearby UConn campus.

Big Up Brew

A new Chamber member, Big Up Brew is a locally roasted specialty coffee brand. Earlier this year, this business got wheels and went mobile with their coffee truck, making stops all over Hartford and beyond.

*Hart Lift Funded

Bloom Bake Shop*

Creative entrepreneur and passionate baker Monica Beaudoin started Bloom Bake Shop in 2020. Her sister, Alexandra Pilon, joined the company in 2021. Today, Bloom Bake Shop has set up shop on 80 Pratt Street, offering coffee, pastries, plants, floral arrangements, and other goods.

BP Cuisine & Pastry

Located on Main Street, BP Cuisine and Pastry LLC is a Jamaican restaurant with an expansive bakery section. The restaurant also makes bespoke cakes and desserts perfect for any upcoming party or event.

*Hart Lift Funded

City Steam Brewery

After a flooding incident closed the brewery’s doors, City Steam reopened with a refurbished look, happy to serve drinks and comedy nights the same downtown location its occupied for years.

Fire by Forge*

From food-focused nonprofit Forge City Works (FCW), Fire by Forge is a Pan-American inspired, chef-driven concept that includes a café, full-service restaurant, bar, and catering operation. After landmark restaurant Firebox (another social enterprise by Forge City Works) closed during the pandemic, the organization secured Hart Lift funding and reopened as Fire by Forge. Located at 539 Broad Street, the restaurant is fully integrated with FCW's culinary and customer service job training program.

*Hart Lift Funded

The Brownstone*

Situated in the heart of Hartford, The Brownstone is the meeting point of tradition and innovation, creating a unique pizza experience. This Hart Lift recipient is the local hub for great food, sports, live music, and community spirit.

RAW*

From the minds of Hartford-based brunch spot Place 2 Be comes RAW*, an upscale spot at 280 Trumbull Street focused on seafood, specialty cocktails, and a unique environment you won’t find anywhere else. Equal parts fancy and edgy, RAW* is the next place to be for seafood.

*Hart Lift Funded

Secrets Bar & Bistro*

A Jamaican restaurant and wine lounge on 250 Main Street, Secrets Bar and Bistro focuses on quality food for in-house dining and catering alike.

Sunberry Restaurant and Bar*

This Pratt Street staple used Hart Lift grant funds to renovate its restaurant into a welcoming spot perfect for lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks.

Retail

*Hart Lift Funded

Capital Spirits

After being at their previous location for a number of years, Capital Spirits relocated to a bigger storefront… right across the street! Still on Pratt Street, this liquor store has a collection of wine, beer, liquor, and specialty drinks stocked from world-renowned and local brands alike.

Gentle Bull Shop

Gentle Bull Shop opened its doors at 42 Pratt Street last fall thanks to the Hart Lift program. This unique and curated vintage shop focuses on gifts, unique finds, local handmade goods, and plants.

The Caf

A men’s and women’s fashion boutique located at 229 Trumbull Street, the Caf stocks unique local brands as well as goods from national and international brands to create an in-person location for customers who would otherwise need to buy online.

Tito Vacci

A newly-opened Hart Lift business on Main Street, Tito Vacci is a brand, clothing store, and fashion house. The creation of Hartford native Tylon Wells, he worked to create a brand that was inclusive, contemporary, and a style reflective of one's own culture.

The Rundown

Apparel and footwear company Rundown opened its second location in Hartford after meeting initial success in Bridgeport. Thanks to the Hart Lift grant, the Rundown caters to many local customers from its brick-and-mortar right on Pratt Street.

Ymonne’s Closet

As this online clothing boutique continued to grow in popularity, it needed a location to store inventory. Ymmone’s Closet opened its first warehouse space at 479 Farmington Ave this summer.

Entertainment

Penthouse Pour

After sitting vacant for years, Union Place has started to see an influx of new businesses using the space. One such example is Penthouse Pour. This destination aims to bring people together for a creative experience that will last a lifetime!

Social House

This Hart Lift business on Market Street is your new favorite weekend spot. Anybody can throw a paint party, but no one has done it like Social House. They've leveled up the sip ‘n paint experience with bites, cocktails, a DJ booth, and a selfie museum, where visitors can stage their own photoshoot against 15 different backdrops.

Services

All My Sons Moving Company

All my Son’s Moving Company has expanded its reach in Connecticut by opening an office and storage facility on Airplane Road in Hartford. The business offers moving and storing solutions for homes, apartments, and office buildings.

bTone Fitness

A boutique fitness studio that got its start in Boston has opened its first Connecticut location in Hartford! Located on Pearl Street, bTone Fitness classes offer a unique way of working out in a warm, welcoming environment.

CT Lighting Center

Connecticut Lighting Center was established in 1972 in Hartford, CT and continues to be family owned and locally operated. Using Hart Lift grants, the company relocated to a large space on Murphy Road to expand its showroom and storage facilities.

Curaleaf

Curaleaf opened a medical and recreational-use Cannabis center at 92 Weston Street, bringing cultivators, creators, and matchmakers into the city to provide consumers with quality cannabis for health, wellness, and the enjoyment of life.

Hispanic Health Council

A product of the Hispanic Health Council and the Hart Lift program, the Family Wellness Center opened at 590 Park Street this summer, offering holistic health services focused on physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, as well as additional career services to help serve the community in a one-stop-shop style location.

Only Smiles

Located at 100 Farmington Avenue, Only Smiles Adult Day Services is an adult service provider that delivers both employment and day services to individuals with intellectual disabilities who are eligible for Department of Development Services (DDS) in Connecticut.

Russell Speeder’s

This full-service car wash opened a new branch on Albany Avenue early this summer, offering a welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike to get a clean ride.