Danbury/Waterbury trip - 01/26/07

Went to Danbury and Waterbury, CT recently with my dad. In Danbury, we stopped downtown, found an old Sears turned Salvation Army, then proceeded to the old Danbury Hojos, and the local Target.

We then proceeded to Waterbury to visit the Howard Johnson's one last time. I say "one last time", because the owners have decided to rename the restaurant. For more details about this, visit www.orangeroof.org or www.hojoland.com. We took pictures, explored the property, had lunch and the now non Hojos ice cream.

The new owner of the Howard Johnson's brand, David Kushner, head of La Mancha Group, LLC has stated that he would like to see new original ice cream back on supermarket shelves by April, in New York(I'm guessing mainly the New York City area), and Peurto Rico. We'll see what happens. So far, there have been no advertising campaigns, and no franchise support or agknowledgement(one of the reasons the owners of Waterbury are jumping ship). While I don't necessarily agree with them changing the name, and turning the last most authentic looking Hojos in the world into something else, I can see why they made the decision they did.

After Waterbury we stopped at a rare two level Kmart in Southbury, then proceeded back to Danbury(Lot of "Bury's" in CT hehe), to stop at the Danbury Fair Mall, Borders, and Barnes and Noble. Then we proceeded home.

All in all it was a good trip. I'd like to head out there again someday.