The Best Hug of the Day
- My new friend Joshua
I’ve been visiting businesses around the state recently, mostly mom-and-pop shops, to talk to owners and patrons about how they are faring in the current economy and what their concerns are for the future.
Last week, I toured retail areas in West Hartford, Westport, Waterbury, and today I was in the historic downtown district of Cromwell.
I started off this morning with a cheddar-cheese omelet at Mitchell’s on Main. Mitchell’s owner Tom Barnes greeted us and I spoke with several patrons, including Joshua, a 1-year-old boy having breakfast with his family. He gave me a big hug; the best hug I had all day.
I stopped by Melilli Café & Grill, where customers were eating breakfast while engrossed in a World Cup soccer match on TV. Owner Sebby Milardo, who recognized me from my campaign commercials, thanked me for visiting.
At Tea Roses Tea Room, which opened last week, I bought a blend of two organic black teas with rose petals, cinnamon stick and vanilla bean made by owner Peggi Camosci. This has been a 15-year dream of mine,” Camosci said. “Rents were good, and I just decided to do it.”
I finished my tour of downtown with a stop at nearby Watercolor Creations, an instructional painting studio for children and adults. Shannon Peterson has owned the studio for 5 years and is happy to finally get a sidewalk poured in front. “It’s all about the foot traffic,” I told her.
I admire small business owners like these who open shop and don’t lose sight of their dream. Many have told me it’s been scary, but they are working hard and are hopeful the economy will turn around.