The Businesses Ledyard Gained and Lost in 2012

Business was booming in 2012 or so it seems. According to the Town Clerk's office 50 people filed applications to register trade names in town. And that’s not a full accounting of the businesses that opened this year as some types of commercial enterprises, like a LLC for instance, do not have to file with the Town Clerk’s Office.

Most trade names certificates reference home-based businesses, thus actual storefronts, a.k.a. "brick and mortar" businesses do not appear to be quite so prolific.

The biggest and most notable of all was the CVS/pharmacy now located on the Route 12 corridor in Gales Ferry. Opening in September it's the first brand name business that has come along in years.

Just down the road, Seasonal Home of Gales Ferry, located in a beautifully renovated and restored old church building opened its doors for business as an antique and collectables reseller. The store also offers original work crafted by talented artisans.

Also, the old Gales Ferry School on Hurlbutt Road has become a bit of the business incubator it was meant to be. The Jazzercise and Zumba classes that began early this year are still going strong and a couple local businesses have established a presence in the school as well. Love at First Stamp, Kindermusik with Miss Terri have set up shop in the old elementary school.

Also, Q2 Nails, a salon located in the Ocean State Job Lot plaze opened this year. The place offers "professional nail care for ladies and gentlemen" including all varieties of manicures, pedicures and waxing.

Other businesses, such as Mo's Burger and Brew, simply changed its name from the previously established Reya's, but is still operating in the same location and appears to have a loyal following.

Ray's New Haven Pizza, then Goodfella's New Haven Style Pizza both occupied a space at the Pumpkin Hill Market Plaza but didn't make it through the year and closed late this year. It should be noted that the markeplace itself closed late last year due to financial reasons and re-opened again this year under new ownership.

Also, Tradewinds at Stonecroft Country Inn located on Pumpkin Hill Road opened and closed within the same year. Legend's Cafe which was located at 1598 Route 12 closed its doors in the spring and, under new ownership, re-opened as Wicked Pissa, which also closed this fall.