New businesses in Chittenden County include toy store coming soon to downtown Burlington

Lilly St. Angelo, Burlington Free Press
·3 min read

It's almost time for back to school and cooler weather, but not quite. New places to get sweet treats, pizza, Indian food and toys in Chittenden County are perfect for local late summer adventures.

Try a smoothie, an ice cream scoop or vegetarian Indian food at three new businesses in Williston, order from a new pizza chain in South Burlington or patiently await the opening of Burlington's new downtown toy store.

Here's what's new and coming soon to Chittenden County:

Little Caesars, pictured Aug. 17, has officially opened on Williston Road in South Burlington. It is one of two Little Caesar's in Chittenden County.
Little Caesars, pictured Aug. 17, has officially opened on Williston Road in South Burlington. It is one of two Little Caesar's in Chittenden County.

Little Caesars Pizza

What: This national chain has established a second location in Chittenden County, this time closer to Burlington. James Allen, president of Las Vegas-based Grey Peak Development, recently bought the Essex Junction Little Caesars and opened the new South Burlington location. He and his wife plan to open up to 12 Little Caesars in Vermont.

Where: 1241 Williston Road, South Burlington

What's nearby: Al's French Fries, McDonald's, Higher Ground, Dunkin', Zachery's Pizza-South Burlington, Everest Indian-Nepali Restaurant, The Fish and Chip

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday

Island Homemade Ice Cream has a new scoop shop in Williston, pictured Aug. 17, 2023. The small-batch ice cream company is Vermont-based.
Island Homemade Ice Cream has a new scoop shop in Williston, pictured Aug. 17, 2023. The small-batch ice cream company is Vermont-based.

Island Homemade Ice Cream

What: This Vermont-based ice cream company sells pints in many grocery stores in the area, and now it has a Williston scoop shop. Yard signs will guide customers to their new building off of U.S. 2.

Where: 21 Commerce St., Williston

What's nearby: Affectionately Cats veterinarian, Goodwill Williston, BSC Industries, Weathertite Inc., New England Chimney Supply, Overhead Door Co. of Burlington

Hours: 2 to 8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday-Sunday

The Tinkering Turtle, a toy store co-owned by ECHO and Vermont Teddy Bear, is opening Sept. 23 next to Common Deer on College Street. The store will sell "imaginative toys" and will feature a Vermont Teddy Bear Design Studio where kids can design their own bear.
The Tinkering Turtle, a toy store co-owned by ECHO and Vermont Teddy Bear, is opening Sept. 23 next to Common Deer on College Street. The store will sell "imaginative toys" and will feature a Vermont Teddy Bear Design Studio where kids can design their own bear.

The Tinkering Turtle

What: ECHO science and nature museum and Vermont Teddy Bear are partnering to open a downtown Burlington toy store next to Common Deer on College Street. The store will be the only downtown business to exclusively carry toys which will include hands-on STEM toys, games, puzzles, as well as a design studio for creating one-of-a-kind Vermont Teddy Bears in store. All proceeds will go to science education and ECHO. The gift store at the museum will continue to be open as well.

Where: 210 College St., Burlington

What's nearby: Common Deer, Home & Garden Vermont, Belleville Bakery, Pho Son, Zabby & Elf's Stone Soup, Tailfeather

Grand opening: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 23

Aroma's of India Sarita's Kitchen, pictured August 17, 2023, is a new restaurant in Williston that serves vegetarian cuisine from northern India. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, dine-in and carry-out.
Aroma's of India Sarita's Kitchen, pictured August 17, 2023, is a new restaurant in Williston that serves vegetarian cuisine from northern India. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, dine-in and carry-out.

Aromas of India by Sarita's Kitchen

What: Aromas of India by Sarita's Kitchen is a new restaurant in Williston that serves vegetarian cuisine from northern India. The menu includes samosa, pakora, naan, 28 entrees of paneer, lentil-based dal, chickpea-based chana and other plant-based Indian dishes, as well as mango lassi and chai. It is located where Naru Asian Cuisine once was.

Where: 202 Cornerstone Drive, Williston

What's nearby: Williston Coffee Shop, Chef's Corner, Polli Properties Real Estate, Oasis Day Spa and Salon

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for lunch and 4:30 to 9 p.m. for dinner, Thursday-Tuesday

Green Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies, pictured Aug. 17, 2023, now has a second location in Williston's Cottonwood Crossing. Their other location is in Essex Junction.
Green Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies, pictured Aug. 17, 2023, now has a second location in Williston's Cottonwood Crossing. Their other location is in Essex Junction.

Green Mountain Nutrition and Smoothies

What: This new smoothie shop at Williston's Cottonwood Crossing is focused on nutrition. Green Mountain Nutrition and Smoothie's second location in Chittenden County, the store offers smoothies, pre-workout, protein shakes, CBD and vitamins.

Where: 31 Cottonwood Dr. #102, Williston

What's nearby: Jr's Williston, Champion Comics and Coffee, Allen Pools & Spas, Community Bank

Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday

Contact Urban Change Reporter Lilly St. Angelo at lstangelo@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @lilly_st_ang.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Chittenden County retail: Toy store among business openings