2 New Openings, 1 Relocation, Put Downtown Storrs Business Roster At Impressive Level

MANSFIELD, CT — The Mansfield Downtown Partnership is welcoming two new businesses to Downtown Storrs and is touting a third for its brand new location.

Here is the rundown from the partnership:

Cut to the Chase, a long-time fixture in Downtown Storrs, has moved to 1206 Storrs Road. Owner Lori
Petrella opened the independent, Redken-based salon which specializes in popular trends, in 2010.
Cut to the Chase offers a wide variety of services, including haircuts and styles for men and women,
highlights, color, fashion color, perms, conditioning treatments, and lash extensions as well as K18
services and retail. While online booking is available, walk-ins are always welcome.

Cut to the Chase celebrated the grand opening of their new location on Saturday, August 30. Family,
friends, and staff enjoyed a ribbon-cutting, door gifts, discounts, and more. Mansfield Mayor Toni Moran provided welcoming remarks and was joined by Ms. Petrella in cutting the ribbon to the new salon.

Next up, Nikki’s Dog House will welcome hungry fans to the grand opening of their new restaurant in Downtown Storrs. A beloved, independent institution in Putnam, Nikki’s Dog House has been serving up retro eats and modern fun since 1980. Their new spot, located in 1244 Storrs Road, is their second location.

Owners Larry and Erica Groh purchased the Putnam restaurant from the Johnson family, the original
owners who named the business after their daughter. Since then, the Grohs have strived to continue
the Nikki’s Dog House legacy by blending nostalgic charm with bold, modern flavors. Their menu
includes a wide selection of creative takes on Coney dogs, milkshakes, tacos, and more.

"We are so excited to be welcomed to the Mansfield community. We look forward to serving you our
famous Coney Island hot dogs and more!" said Larry and Erica Groh of Nikki’s Dog House.
The Partnership and the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce (NECT Chamber) have
teamed up to congratulate Nikki’s Dog House on their expansion on Saturday, September 6. The fun
begins at 10:30 AM.

Ledgebrook Massage Center will open the doors to their new location in 1244 Storrs Road on September 18. This small, family-owned massage practice has been proudly serving the Mansfield community since 2021.

In addition to traditional massage modalities like deep tissue, Swedish, trigger point therapy, sports
massage, stretching, warm bamboo, and myofascial release, the team of medical massage
practitioners at Ledgebrook blend traditional massage with clinical treatment, specializing in pain
management and advanced lymphatic drainage for swelling, surgeries, and sickness.
As a medical massage practice, Ledgebrook provides insurance-ready documentation for client
reimbursement, accepts VA Community Care and HSA/FSA forms of payment, and offers affordable
oncology massage. Staff at Ledgebrook Massage Center provide comprehensive treatments and
coordination with clients’ medical care team.

Ledgebrook Massage Center will host their grand opening, with help from the Partnership and the
NECT Chamber, on Thursday, September 18 at 4:00 PM. Plans include tours of the new location, a
chance to win a free massage, exclusive discounts, and chair massage demos.

Mansfield Downtown Partnership Executive Director Steven Ferrigno stated “The Mansfield Downtown Partnership is thrilled to welcome Nikki’s Dog House and Ledgebrook Massage Center to Downtownn Storrs and to celebrate the continued success of Cut to the Chase Salon. With UConn’s academic year kicking off, there is an incredible energy in town and these businesses add even more life and vibrancy to our wonderful community.”

“The Northeastern CT Chamber is excited to partner with the Mansfield Downtown Partnership to
celebrate these new chapters for local businesses! So far in 2025, we've cut the ribbon for 30 grand
openings across our 23-town region - each one is a reminder of the incredible strength of our business community. We look forward to continuing to support amazing businesses in the northeast corner of Connecticut," remarked Elle-Jordyn Sherman, Executive Director of the Northeastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce.

With the opening of these three businesses, Downtown Storrs is now home to 72 businesses and
organizations. Over fifty percent of the businesses are independently owned and operated, with the rest comprised of a mixture of national and regional chains, locally-owned franchises, and non-profit organizations. Several University of Connecticut entities are also located in Downtown Storrs, including UConn Health and the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry.

“The fact that two businesses are opening here and another is expanding their presence shows just
how attractive Mansfield is as a place to do business,” said Ferrigno. “We are a rare blend, a classic
New England town with the energy and opportunities of a vibrant college community, and our diverse business blend reflects that. We welcome creative entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to Mansfield and invite residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy the varied attractions and
businesses we are proud to host here.”