Thursday, March 19, 2015

Sweet treats, antiques fill storefront in Ansonia

Scott and Traci Grim chat with visitors at the grand opening of their business Thursday. 

ANSONIA - It was with a twinge of nostalgia today that I walked into a combination pastry and antiques shop on Main Street.

Traci's on Main Pastry and Antiques Shoppe at 94 Main St. is located in a storefront that once housed the New Haven Register's Valley Bureau office. 
And I worked out of there for many years, until the paper closed the bureau in April 2007.

After that, a jewelry store moved into the space, and when that business left it was followed by a roll-your-own cigarette shop.

Temptation!

Derby residents Traci Grim and her husband, Scott Grim, opened the shop in October, but decided to wait a while to hold their grand opening. She is an Oxford native, he grew up in Seymour.



The storefront is on the first floor of the former Ansonia Opera House, a building that is on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti congratulates Traci Grim on Thursday.

Traci Grim said she has been a pastry chef for 26 years. When you walk into the shop you immediately see the love she and her husband have for antiques, from furnishings to paintings, jewelry, and more.

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President William Purcell said the business features "an interesting and eclectic mix by combining pastry and a love of antiques."

Mayor David S. Cassetti called the shop "a vibrant space," and he wished the couple great success. He said he has been a regular customer since the shop opened.

Traci Grim said she feels right at home in the shop. "I like downtown, I like Main Street, and I like my neighbors," she said, adding, "Anything sweet is my specialty." 
The store is stocked with cupcakes, cookies, cream puffs, and scones, and she also sells regular and flavored coffees. 

Scott Grim thanked Cassetti and his team for supporting them and their business venture.

The couple plans to stay open in the evenings as the weather gets warmer for people to stop by and sit outside to enjoy a pastry with a cappuccino or espresso.

I also wish them the best in their new venture.


New Ansonia shop holds grand opening today


Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell, left, joins Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti and Traci's on Main owners Traci and Scott Grim in cutting a ribbon Thursday morning to celebrate the new business in downtown Ansonia. 


Stay tuned for more info.

Market in Shelton celebrates local artisans


SHELTON - Downtown Handmade Market, a celebration of handmade artisans, is held on the first Saturday of every month in the Conti Building, 415 Howe Ave. (near Farmer’s Market).
“When we shop local, we are supporting and building opportunities for local entrepreneurs and business owners, strengthening our local economy by creating a more self-reliant and durable community, and empowering citizens to guide the development of our immediate surroundings,” said Michael Skrtic and Nicole Heriot-Mikula. The two call themselves "the Celebrate Shelton duo."

Downtown Handmade Market will continue from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 4.

Artisans include: Triangle Tea Life, The Liquid Lunch,Stone Gardens Farm, Spoiled, Bowtique by Alexa, Benny The Baker, Lisa’s Soaps, Bel Mare Creations, Reid's BBQ, Look and Sea, Bead Dangle Design, GPC Designs, The Little Dog Laughed, BooBoo Bags, Hipponotic Candle, Little Bee of CT, BBA Bracelets and TJJ Sews, Origami Owl, Lilla Rose as well as year-round Conti Building shops including bringtheHoopla, The Glass Source Stained Glass StudioPeriodic Tableware, Nikki's Candy Boutique and Shadee Lady Window Treatments and Interior Design

Featured nonprofit of the month is Moving With HOPE.

Celebrate Shelton has recently announced Downtown Sounds Concert Series which will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Park on Fridays, July 17, July 24, and Aug. 7 from 6-9 p.m.

Learn more about Celebrate Shelton at www.celebrateshelton.com and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/celebrateshelton) and Instagram.
For any questions, email celebrateshelton@gmail.com or call 203-924-4368.

Ample parking is available and the location is handicap accessible.


This is a press release from Celebrate Shelton.