Big Y has reopened its West Hartford, Connecticut, supermarket following a comprehensive remodel that expanded prepared foods, updated fixtures across all departments and added a new café with digital menu boards.
The redesign features a reconfigured entrance, modern décor and updated graphics throughout the store. The Kitchen department received the most significant expansion, adding a fresh salad bar, hot foods station, soup bar, hot chicken counter and an increased selection of grab-and-go items.
“The remodel reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the shopping experience for the West Hartford community we proudly serve,” said Roberto Bonaparte, store director. “The updates highlight our focus on quality, variety and creating a more enjoyable place to shop and work. Visit today and experience the refreshed family market.”
New fixtures and cases across all departments allow for expanded variety and improved product presentation. Big Y invested in equipment upgrades designed to enhance both the customer experience and employee workspace.
Kosher commitment
Big Y maintained its extensive Kosher offerings throughout the remodel, preserving its service to West Hartford’s Jewish community. The bakery remains Pas Yisroel and Hartford Kashrut Commission supervised, ensuring continued access to products meeting dietary requirements and traditions.
The store’s Kosher assortment extends across multiple departments, providing options that align with religious dietary laws and community preferences.
Local Product Expansion
The remodeled store features an expanded selection of New England producers. Local brands include Between Rounds Bagels from Vernon, Yosi Kitchen hummus from Windsor, Grote & Weigel hot dogs from Bloomfield and Twin Pines Farm honey, jams and pickles from Thomaston.
Additional Connecticut suppliers include Angela’s Kitchen pasta, pizza sauces and salsa from Cheshire, Lamothe’s Sugar House maple syrup and honey from Burlington and Avery’s Beverages from New Britain. The local product program reflects Big Y’s regional sourcing strategy and support for New England food manufacturers.
“As shoppers’ expectations continue to evolve, we remain focused on offering an experience built on quality, value and innovation,” said Nicole D’Amour Schneider, SVP of retail operations and customer experience. “We also prioritize a clean, safe work environment with the tools and technology our employees need to serve our customers well.”
Bonaparte said customers have shared positive feedback on the new layout’s convenience, while employees are responding well to the improved workspace design.
Promotional launch
Big Y will run special sales during the weeks of Jan. 22 and Jan. 29 to mark the reopening. The promotions aim to drive trial of the expanded prepared foods offerings and reintroduce customers to the updated store format.
Big Y Foods operates supermarkets, Table & Vine fine wine and liquor stores, and Big Y Express fuel and convenience locations across the Northeast. The company employs more than 10,000 people and has earned recognition from Forbes as a Best-In-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut for seven consecutive years. Newsweek has named Big Y one of America’s Most Trustworthy Companies for three years running.
Brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour founded the chain in 1936. The company takes its name from a Y-shaped intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts.
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