Here’s what’s new in Darien business from the past week (we may make this a regular feature):
Mark Shakley has joined the Darien office of William Raveis real estate agency. He’s got an interesting background, related on the Raveis blog: “Mark co-founded Newmark Rug Company […] After selling the business to Mohawk Industries, Mark began to purchase and develop homes in Connecticut. […] Shakley Properties then developed two waterfront homes on Five Mile River in Rowayton. The prospective buyers had some reservations about the property location on a main street.
“Mark knew they would love the serenity of the river and suggested them to “try it out” and spend a weekend living in the house. Creative marketing to overcome a buyer’s objection paid off and they made the purchase. It is the type of ingenuity and dedication that sets Mark above the rest.”
Town tax assessments for Darien businesses went down in the past year, including the “personal property tax” on business equipment, real estate taxes and even taxes paid on business-owned vehicles. You can see the list of top 10 personal property tax assessments here, the most expensive real estate properties in town here and (for fun) the 10 priciest motor vehicles in town here.
Le Boudoir is new to Darien and recently had its grand opening at 13 Grove St., where Brooke Hascoe is manager and Mamoune Tazi is the owner. Here’s a picture posted on the salon’s Facebook pages:
Amanda Smith Caterers announced its move from 1440 Post Road to 30 Old Kings Highway South.
The Water’s Edge at Giovanni’s doesn’t just have a Valentine’s Day special: Again this year, couples can renew their wedding vows with a justice of the peace. “The vow renewal or ceremony is complementary, but couples, families and guests are invited to stay and enjoy a gourmet prix fixe dinner before or after the ceremony.”
This is not a picture of a small can of beer. This is a cake. Palmer’s Market Bakery made it and posted the picture along with some other stunning pictures on their Facebook page:
Helen Ainson is looking for a “full-time fashion consultant” to work at the store.
Register here for this event Tuesday at Darien Library:
We thought you should know that sweet ricotta ravioli exists (it’s news to us, anyway), and here’s proof, courtesy of Meatball & Co.’s Facebook page:
Darien Depot is looking for businesses to sponsor teams for the Darien Community Spelling Bee, taking place on March 6. Find out more here.
In case you missed it …
… A project to bring natural gas service along the entire length of West Avenue is being negotiated between the town and Eversource, and they’re discussing the “final details,” First Selectman Jayme Stevenson says. …Darien Diner is in its new digs and … Gardener’s Center & Florists has been renovating.
Seen in town …
A sign in front of Coco & Grace during last week’s “Indoor Sidewalk Sales”: