RIBBON CUTTINGS
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. As we stand alongside business owners and visionaries during these pivotal moments, we're reminded of the vibrancy, dedication, and dreams that shape Hartford's unique business landscape. Explore this page and join us in celebrating their milestones and contributions to our community.
Hart Lift Recipients
*Recipients of Hart Lift funding are indicated below
The Hart Lift program, a collaboration between the Hartford Chamber of Commerce and the City of Hartford aimed at activating the city’s vacant spaces. Leveraging $7,000,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Hart Lift supports property owners in Hartford affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restaurants
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.
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.
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.
After a successful first location in Granby, Four Dads Pub received a Hart Lift grant and opened a second brick and mortar at 114 Asylum Street. Aiming to create an old-school neighborhood joint for community to gather, Four Dads Pub offers tavern-inspired fare, specialty bourbons, select whiskeys, and an array of craft beers, alongside live music multiple times a week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.