Westport’s sweet tooth gets sweeter today with the official opening (5 p.m. – 7 p.m. ) of Cake Suite at 47 Saugatuck Ave. Michelle Klem of Fairfield, who previously operated her business within the Marcia Selden catering organization in Stamford, said she wanted to set out on her own. A New York University graduate with a degree in fine arts, Klem previously worked in the pastry kitchens of New York’s The Rainbow Room, The Plaza Hotel, and The New York Hilton. “Our business is specialty cakes and amazing cookies,” she said. “We can anything that’s custom. I have pride in making things that taste even better than they look.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Retail regular gasoline prices in Connecticut moved just 0.1 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.88/g today, according to ConnecticutGasPrices.com.

This compares with the national average that has stayed flat, moving just 1.8 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.72/g, the Web site said. However, it said some of the highest regular gas prices in the state were in Westport (most recently, $3.27/g at Mobil, 302 Post Road East).

Including the rise in gas prices in Connecticut during the past week, prices today are $1.01/g higher than the same day one year ago and are 13.8 cents per gallon higher than a month ago, the Web site said.

The national average has increased 14.7 cents per gallon in the same period, ConnecticutGasPrices.com said.

Sexy is supposed to sell but not in this recession, according to Margaret Wagner, proprietress of Bedroom Matters, a shop on Railroad Place across from the Westport train station. The store sold everything from sex toys to boudoir furnishings and is closing its door on Friday after two years on the street and moving the business online.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Caroline Howe for WestportNow.com

Westport-based The Ad Works, Inc. said today it will offer free advertising consultations to aid local businesses in the current difficult economy.
Dick Commer: Offering a helping hand. Contributed photo

“In difficult times like these, we are offering a helping hand in the form of pro bono advertising consultations to local businesses, organizations, service companies, professionals and chambers of commerce members in Westport and Fairfield,” said Dick Commer, head of the agency.

Commer, whose business is marking its 25th anniversary this year, said he has already offered the pro bono help to some locals.

“The response has been most gratifying and because of the need for it, we are continuing this no obligation service for the next few months,” he said.

Westonite Eli Carter, 13, a dedicated fan of Five Guys Burger and Fries, was so happy to have one open in Westport that today presented co-owner Dana Marona with a framed dollar bill to commemorate their first burger transaction at the newly opened restaurant. Carter, a Weston Middle School eighth grader, said he became familiar with Five Guys while traveling to New Haven to compete in swim meets. “I really can’t compare these burgers and fries to anyone else—like none I’ve ever had,” he said. Mariann Marona looks on. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Five Guys Burgers and Fries officially opened its Westport franchise today with a ribbon cutting. Taking part were (l-r) Selectman Shelly Kassen and Five Guys family management team of sister and brother Dana and Nick Marona and their mother Mariann. The restaurant at 538 Post Road East will employ 47 workers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Depot Liquor, a longtime fixture at 40 Railroad Place opposite the Westport train station and next door to Mario’s, has closed. Owner Sharon Goldstein, who took over the business from Ed Strauss about eight years ago, was not immediately available for comment. A real estate source said another liquor store could open in its place pending resolving issues about transfer of a liquor permit. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Five Guys Burgers and Fries welcomed family and friends today in a pre-opening run through before Tuesday’s official launch at 538 Post Road East. The restaurant franchise is co-owned by Newtown residents Dana Marona, 24, her brother Nick, 26, and their mother Mariann. According to Dana, the family already operates Five Guys in Newtown and Brookfield and plans to open a total of 10 Fairfield County restaurants in the next seven years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Plaza Too, a women’s footwear, handbag, and accessories store has closed its store at Westport’s 125 Main St. A sign in the window asks shoppers to visit stores in Greenwich and New Canaan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Caroline Howe for WestportNow.com