WESTFIELD – Things are shaping up at 99 Springfield Road.
The building, owned by Nabil Hannoush, is home to the Hannoush family’s Shortstop Bar & Grill and once housed their Expert Fitness gym. When Hannoush built a building next door for a new Planet Fitness and Results in Wellness, he closed Expert Fitness, freeing up the large space that fronts Springfield Road.
The square footage was divided into three storefronts, including the law office of Bacon & Wilson, Gift-ology and a third store Hannoush is not yet ready to reveal.
“That store is currently still in the permitting process,” said Hannoush.
Gift-ology is slated to open by mid-April. Currently located in Longmeadow, the gift shop is packing up, getting ready to open in Westfield.
“I think it is a really good fit for Westfield,” Hannoush said. “They will carry the same lines they have now, plus some new products.”
Gift-ology offers a full range of wedding and shower gifts from artists such as Michael Aram, Simon Pearce, Beatriz Ball, Annie Modica & Sid Dickens. The retailer is also the area’s largest seller of Alex and Ani with hundreds of bangle bracelets to choose from, as well as a large variety of Vera Bradley items and Kringle Candles.
Hannoush said another property he owns at 81 Springfield Road has a new tenant, Smithland Supply, which is also set to open this month. The property has been home to several garden supply stores over the years and that tradition will continue with Smithland, which offers Agway products, among others.
“I still have interior space available at 99 Springfield Road,” said Hannoush. “I’m always working on a project.”
Hannoush said it was no small feat to open new businesses during the pandemic, and even more challenging was keeping Shortstop up and running.
When COVID-19 first hit and restaurants were only allowed takeout orders, Shortstop Bar & Grill felt the same strains as other locally owned businesses.
“It was very hard,” he said. Covid’s been difficult for the restaurant business. You have to stay cutting edge to meet the challenges.”
The Hannoush family was able to do that and once outdoor dining became an option, used its large patio space to bring Shortstop customers back. Inside, Hannoush follows all COVID guidelines and opened up the banquet space for regular dining. Hannoush said business is coming back and he is happy about that because “when you’re limited to strict seating capacity, it hurts.”
Hannoush said he expects to reveal the third storefront very soon once the business completes the city permit process.
