2012 Brings Cheshire Business Closings

The fine-dining establishment, suddenly closed its doors last week, making it the third high profile local business to either close or announce its closing in the first weeks of 2012.

The 5,300 square-foot building at 1721 Highland Ave. that housed Brix for about 15 years, is for sale for $750,000, according to real estate agent, Press Cuozzo Commercial Services.

The owners of the former restaurant, Bernard and Onelia Gayraud, couldn't be reached for comment, but the listing shows the building, furniture, fixtures and equipment are included in the sale offer.

Just six months ago, Brix hosted a well-received forum on economic development for members of the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce. The dining room was packed with business representatives.

Two other highly visible local businesses - Holly's Hallmark Shop and Toyz Toy Store - are both holding liquidation sales with the intent of closing their doors in the next month or so.

A message posted at Holly's at 191 Highland Ave. in Maplecroft Plaza, notes the owners, Ron and Mary Taylor, have decided after 30 years of ownership, to close the store.

"It is with a heavy heart that Ron and I have decided its time to close our doors as we move forward with the next chapter in our lives," the note states.

Just down the street, Toyz Toy Store in the Watch Factory Shoppes at 136 Elm St., is also going out of business. Owners Bill and Anne DeFusco announced their intentions last week as they launched a liquidation sale. The couple also owns a store called Mr. D's at 50 North Main St. in Wallingford.

Both the toy store and the Hallmark store are leased locations in highly visible shopping centers in Cheshire. The Brix location, according to the listing, has a  traffic count of 17,500 cars a day.