By Dave Matlow

Commuter Coffee, 46 Railroad Place, the iconic family-owned eatery across from the westbound platform of the Metro-North Westport station in Saugatuck for four decades, is for sale.

Family-owned Commuter Coffee has been a Railroad Place mainstay since 1976. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“It’s time to move on. We’re at the end of an era,” said owner Fred Whelan, son-in-law of original owner Tom Papan.

Papan opened the business in 1976 and expanded it in 1988 by adding an eating area.

Whelan emphasized: “We’re not closing. We’re not going out of business. We’re working closely with our landlord to make it easy for a new owner to take over, but we don’t know what a new owner will do with the space.”

The Whip Salon, a hair salon and medi spa, opened today on the upper level of Bedford Square. “Our 10 operators were busy all day, from the moment we opened,” said Joanne Chapdelaine, head of operations (behind counter.) The new business has 18 stations, each with its own charging station, and free WiFi. Owner Amy Pal said: “The aim of Whip Salon is to create a hassle free, and high end experience for people on the go.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Alegre, a women’s apparel store at 180 Post Road East, has closed after less than two years in Westport. The store, which opened in April 2016 next to the AT&T store, was co-owned by Sheryl and Eli Blit who operate Havana Jeans in Stamford and Rye, New York. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Boca Restaurant & Bar, 43 Main St., will close on Saturday night according to Assistant Manager Desiree Carbone (above). The eatery, located in the space formerly occupied by Acqua Ristorante Mediterraneo for 20 years, opened in September 2016 and is owned by East Norwalk resident Revison Bonfim. Carbone, employed at Boca since last summer, said, “The rent is high, the business fluctuates from season to season, and we needed to be able to carry it through the down times. We have so many loyal customers who enjoy our casual, upscale, friendly place—the warmth of our fireplace, the night views across the river, the menu. We’re sad to close.”  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com