Vernon Plaza Welcomes Indoor Pickleball Courts: A once-struggling plaza on Hartford Turnpike is showing promising signs of revitalization, with a new Peruvian restaurant and the town’s first indoor pickleball courts set to breathe new life into the area.
Toby’s Restaurant, a local favorite in East Hartford, is relocating to the plaza as redevelopment plans for its previous Silver Lane Plaza location move forward. With demolition on the horizon at the old site, Toby’s operators have made the decision to set up shop in Vernon, taking over the space formerly occupied by Wang’s Buffet.
While official permits have yet to be filed, Shaun Gately, Director of Economic and Community Development, noted that a restaurant fits within the existing zoning regulations. Toby’s could potentially use the existing cooking equipment, streamlining their move. Once they pass a health inspection, they’ll be ready to serve customers at their new Vernon location.
The timeline for Toby’s opening remains uncertain, but Gately sees this as a positive development for the area. “Another new business in the heart of our retail corridor is a great sign,” Gately said.
Adding to the momentum, Vernon is also set to welcome its first indoor pickleball courts. Approved by local officials in May, these courts are currently under construction in the former Sears Hardware space within the same plaza. Though the opening date for the courts is still unknown, the addition is seen as a key piece in revitalizing the area. The special permits granted for this project also allow for the serving of alcohol, potentially enhancing the venue’s appeal.
The plaza, once anchored by Kmart and currently home to Stop & Shop, has faced significant tenant losses in recent years. The departure of the Salvation Army thrift store in March was another blow to the area. But with these new additions, there’s a sense of optimism.
“Finally, we’re getting a little activity there,” Gately said. “Getting more foot traffic in there is only going to help the plaza as a whole.”
For a plaza that’s seen its share of challenges, the arrival of Toby’s and the pickleball courts could mark the beginning of a turnaround, offering a glimpse of what might be a brighter future for Vernon’s main economic corridor.
News in Brief: Vernon Plaza Welcomes Indoor Pickleball Courts
A revitalization is underway for a struggling plaza on Hartford Turnpike in Vernon, CT, with new additions including Toby’s Restaurant and the town’s first indoor pickleball courts. Toby’s, relocating from East Hartford, is set to occupy the former Wang’s Buffet space, pending health inspection and permit approvals. The plaza will also feature indoor pickleball courts in the former Sears Hardware space, with construction underway and special permits allowing alcohol service. These developments are expected to boost foot traffic and breathe new life into the plaza, which has faced significant tenant losses in recent years.
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