Froyo World, a frozen yogurt shop, has opened at 361 Post Road West near John’s Best. Official opening celebration will be Saturday, June 30 when, according to owner Sharon Brockwell, the first 400 customers will receive a free t-shirt.  She said the shop offers 10 flavors of low-fat and nonfat yogurt with a choice of 45 toppings, including fresh fruit every day. She said there is no small, medium and large selection. Instead, all purchases are priced on a flat 55 cents per ounce.  “I’m a huge fan of yogurt, and Westport is a health conscious community,” said the lifelong Westport resident and mother of four. Store hours are Sunday-Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. and Friday/Saturday open until 10:30 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Joe’s Pizza, formerly located at 143 Post Road East, has opened at Westport’s 190 Main St. in Main Street Commons (see WestportNow May 16, 2012). Co-owners Joe Canicatti and wife Gloria said the official grand opening is scheduled for June 23 when $1 cheese pizza slices will be available all day—one slice per customer. He said that the new location offers table and takeout service and, starting next week, will have six patio tables with umbrellas. He said that although the new location does not have a beer and wine license, customers can bring their own alcohol beverages and he will provide wine glasses. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport’s unemployment rate in May jumped to 6.0 percent from 5.3 percent in April, according to the Connecticut Department of Labor.

The department said the number of Westport unemployed in May was 766, up from 662 in April.

The May labor force in Westport numbered 12,824, up from 12,553 in April, and there were 12,058 employed, up from 11,886 employed in April, it said.

A year ago in May, Westport’s unemployment rate was 6.5 percent. Economists said the May rate likely reflected an influx of returning college students seeking work.

Akram, a men’s and women’s apparel shop, celebrated its grand opening tonight at 9 Sconset Square across from the Christ & Holy Trinity Church. (See WestportNow May 11, 2012).  Co-owners Akram Enany and his wife Seham Ibrahim previously owned the 4@1 store at 141 Post Road East. The Sconset Square space was formerly occupied by Green Earth Design. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Silver Ribbon Jewelers, located in Playhouse Square for the past 17 years, will move to 1240 Post Road East, near Fortuna’s Deli, sometime in July, according to owner Lida Ghiorzi.  Ghiorzi, the owner of the business for 35 years, said that her shop was located on Westport’s Main Street in different locations for 18 years before moving to Playhouse Square. She said the latest move is because “it’s a better location and more convenient for customers who expressed concern about parking at Playhouse Square.” She describes Silver Ribbon Jewelers as “an affordable jewelry gallery.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Bella Bridesmaid opens on Saturday at 9 Post Road West across from Westport’s National Hall.  According to owner Marybeth Ross, a Wilton resident, she acquired the business, formerly located on the second floor of 16 Taylor Place, in December 2011 with the intention of expanding its business which specializes in bridesmaids dresses, bridal gowns, mother-of-the-bride attire and apparel for special occasions.  Ross said that she and her husband, Larry, a physical therapist, also own Triloma Spa and Hair Design in Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford and Torrington. Store hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.. Pictured are Marybeth Ross (l) and daughter Madison. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Achorn’s Pharmacy, formerly located at Westport’s 166 Main St. since 1927, has opened at its new location at 289 Post Road East in Playhouse Square. Anne Iacurci who has worked there for 18 years, said she likes the new shop on Playhouse Square. “It’s very open, bright, a newer atmosphere,” she said. “It’s nice being welcomed by our old customers and we’re seeing many new faces too.” She said being near the busy Organic Market attracts a few new customers who come in and look around. Karen Levinstim, the daughter of the former owner of Achorn’s and who has worked there for five years, said, “Everyone likes the way it looks.”  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By James Lomuscio

Westport restaurateurs are cheering the Representative Town Meeting’s (RTM)  approval Tuesday of an ordinance allowing restaurants to serve liquor two extra hours on Sundays before federal holidays.

The owner of Viva Zapata in Saugatuck said he was pleased with the extended hours on Sundays before federal holidays. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

In fact, Bob O’Mahony, owner of Viva Zapata in Saugatuck, said the legislative body gave restaurateurs more than they had originally asked for when he first approached RTM member Matthew Mandell with the proposal.

“We were talking to Matt, and we really weren’t asking for too much,” O’Mahony said. “Originally, we were asking for the Sunday before Memorial Day, Labor Day and the Fourth of July weekend. But at the RTM meeting two weeks ago, they said let’s do it for all federal holidays, and we got more than we bargained for.”

The approval, which would allow town restaurants to stay open until 1 a.m. on such Sundays (the state allows 1 a.m. on all Sundays), is just another example “of how the town is pro-business now” when it comes to restaurants, O’Mahony said.