Ciara Hooks

New Britain

Digital Reporter at Meriden Record Journal

Writing is one of my passions. Trying to make something out of it. Business & Entertainment Staff Writer at the @NewBritHerald, but sky's the Limit. CCSU Alum

Articles

Former Cottage Restaurant in Plainville to become new retail and housing project

1 week ago | ctinsider.com | Ciara Hooks

PLAINVILLE- The former Cottage Restaurant building is officially gone, but a new project is coming to take its place. The site at 427 Farmington Ave. that once held a "cozy" cafe and bar will be transformed into a new mixed-use development. It will join other businesses on the street, including Rebel Dog Coffee, Hungry Bull Burger and Zen Bar.
Southington has slight declined in 2024 Grand List from previous year

2 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Ciara Hooks

SOUTHINGTON- Southington did not see a drastic change to its 2024 grand list compared to the prior year. With a total net assessment of $4.68 billion, Southington's Oct. 1, 2024, grand list reflects a 0.1326% decrease over 2023. The grand list is an annual assessment of all taxable real estate, motor vehicle and personal property in town. This information helps determine the following fiscal year's town budget calculations; so, 2024's assessment will be used for fiscal year 2025-26.
Plainville mother and daughter turn their candle making hobby into a business

3 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Ciara Hooks

PLAINVILLE- Mother and daughter duo Heather and Taylor Gelinas turned a recreational and healing hobby into TCG Candles and Gifts, a gift shop on Whiting Street that offers handmade candles and other gifts. The Gelinases were both born in Waterbury, but Heather Gelinas and her husband Robert relocated to Plainville when Taylor was 2 years old.
Southington Board of Finance approves a $188 million proposed town budget

3 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Ciara Hooks

SOUTHINGTON- The town's Board of Finance has proposed a budget for the upcoming fiscal year that would raise taxes by 4.27%. The proposal, which goes to the town council for approval, came after the finance board received a proposed general government budget with a 4.4% spending increase of $2.3 million and an education budget proposal with a 6.6% spending increase of $7.7 million, said finance board Vice Chairman Joseph K. Labieniec.
Meriden Mall announces pizza and grinder shop coming to the food court in coming months

3 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Ciara Hooks

MERIDEN- A New York and Neapolitan-style pizza and grinder restaurant is coming to the Meriden Mall in the coming months. Moz Pizza & Grinders is opening in the mall's food court next to Charleys Cheesesteaks, according to Meriden Mall general manager David Roy. "We are excited for their arrival," Roy said.
Here are 9 new Connecticut restaurants to check out in April

3 weeks ago | darientimes.com | Jayden Nguyen |Ciara Hooks |Abby Weiss |Austin Mirmina

From a pizza restaurant inside an old firehouse that serves loaded mashed potato pizzas to a high-end steakhouse, here are some new restaurants to check out in Connecticut this April. Farm-to-table cafe The Farm Belly opened its first brick and mortar location in March, after years of serving food from a food truck. Owner Meg Fama decided to start The Farm Belly with a food truck she found in Massachusetts in 2015.
Here are 9 new Connecticut restaurants to check out in April

3 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Jayden Nguyen |Ciara Hooks |Abby Weiss |Austin Mirmina

Located at 99 Farmington Ave., Hibachi Buffet held its grand opening on March 12. The restaurant features a multitude of food options ranging from Japanese, Chinese, Mexican and American foods, including sushi, chicken, pork, noodles, french fries, pizza, fruits and vegetables, in addition to desserts and beverages. Hibachi Buffet's manager told CT Insider in March that the Bristol location was chosen for the restaurant because "it matches what (they're) looking for."
Here are 9 new Connecticut restaurants to check out in April

3 weeks ago | milfordmirror.com | Jayden Nguyen |Ciara Hooks |Abby Weiss |Austin Mirmina

From a pizza restaurant inside an old firehouse that serves loaded mashed potato pizzas to a high-end steakhouse, here are some new restaurants to check out in Connecticut this April. Farm-to-table cafe The Farm Belly opened its first brick and mortar location in March, after years of serving food from a food truck. Owner Meg Fama decided to start The Farm Belly with a food truck she found in Massachusetts in 2015.
Here are 9 new Connecticut restaurants to check out in April

3 weeks ago | middletownpress.com | Jayden Nguyen |Ciara Hooks |Abby Weiss |Austin Mirmina

From a pizza restaurant inside an old firehouse that serves loaded mashed potato pizzas to a high-end steakhouse, here are some new restaurants to check out in Connecticut this April. Farm-to-table cafe The Farm Belly opened its first brick and mortar location in March, after years of serving food from a food truck. Owner Meg Fama decided to start The Farm Belly with a food truck she found in Massachusetts in 2015.
Duck Donuts announces opening date for its first Connecticut location in Orange

3 weeks ago | ctinsider.com | Ciara Hooks

ORANGE- North Carolina-based company Duck Donuts is opening its first Connecticut location in Orange next month. The company made a big announcement on Facebook on March 10 that the Orange location would be opening its doors soon. It recently shared the official opening date will be April 5. The grand opening will include giveaways, according to one of the company's Facebook comments. Patrons can find the company's "warm, made-to-order" donuts in the plaza at 350 Boston Post Road.