Northern Connecticut Brokerages Merge

The troubles in the residential real estate market along with a shift in business practices helped drive the merger of two real estate brokerages, Enfield-based Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado and Stafford-based Century 21 HJ McQuaid.

Under the merger agreement, which was finalized earlier this month, the company will operate under the Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado name with 69 employees — seven from the HJ McQuaid team.

The HJ McQuaid team, led by Ilene Whitmarsh, will work out out its Enfield office. The real estate firm will also have offices in Suffield and South Windsor.

Jerry Alaimo, broker-owner of Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado, said the merger came about for a variety of reasons. “We’re going to continue to face challenges as brokers and with the current state of the market,” he said.

Part of the industry’s evolution is the growth of the Internet, which has expanded a broker’s reach. “Our agents have a broader area to cover that is farther away from their brick and mortar location,” Alaimo said. “It’s better for everyone involved to cover a wider area and have more [office] locations.”

That was a goal for both firms, said Alaimo, who noted that their commonalities helped facilitate the deal.

The downturn in the real estate market is also impacting the sector as housing sales and prices have both fallen in 2008. “Timing-wise, it probably played a role,” said Alaimo, who referred to the current market conditions. “It wasn’t the only factor, but the challenging market was definitely a key factor.”

Century 21 Alaimo & Corrado bills itself as “one of the highest producing real estate brokerages in northern Connecticut.”

Restaurant Boom Continues

Another restaurant chain will be competing for diners in Connecticut. The Counter, billed as a premium burger restaurant, opened its first New England eatery at Blue Back Square in West Hartford earlier this month.

There are currently 13 Counter locations nationwide and one in Ireland.

The concept for the restaurant — a build-your-own-burger — was created in 2003 by California restaurant industry veteran Jeff Weinstein. The Counter touts itself as offering more than 300,000 possible combinations for a patron to prepare the perfect burger.

For the West Hartford location, a local former banker, Brett Long and his wife Beth, will own and operate the restaurant, according to a company press release.

“Ever since we announced The Counter was in the works, we’ve had an increasing number of inquiries from local residents who have visited The Counter’s original restaurant in Santa Monica,” Long said. “The Counter is going to be around for a very long time.”

Company officials said they are planning to add 10 new locations throughout southern New England and southeastern New York in the next five years.

The Counter’s announcement comes on the heels of the launches of national chains Einstein Bagel Bros. and Pollo Tropical into the Connecticut market.

Saint Joseph Grand Opening

Saint Joseph College in West Hartford recently celebrated the opening of two new residence halls for the fall semester.

The new buildings will serve as housing for juniors and seniors at the college with suite-style rooms, shared living space and “green” elements.

The second phase of the college’s renovation is underway and will include renovations to existing residence halls.

It is being financed by a tax-exempt bond issued through the state’s Health and Educational Facilities Authority and from funding from the college. The renovations are expected to be complete by August 2009.

Sean O’Leary is a Hartford Business Journal staff writer.