New Owner of Jimmy's Smoke Shop New Britain, CT

Several months ago Rashmi Patel was looking to open a convenience store with what he believed had some promise for expansion. He came across Jimmy's Smoke Shop on West Main St. and saw a new vision for the longtime New Britain institution.

"I saw it as a good opportunity with a lot of potential," said Patel who has owned the smoke shop for five months. "Not much had been done with it in many years."

Patel has done some minor renovations and moved furniture and various items around so far, but he has a lot more ideas for its future.

"I cleaned up and did some rearranging," he said. "I made the floor more open, got rid of the video machines which no one used in years and fixed the roof upstairs."

Patel plans on keeping many of the old features such as a large variety of cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco's. But, he wants to add new coolers and shelves to make the store more of a convenience store.

"I want to add groceries and items people use everyday," said Patel of Avon. "We also want to sell coffee and pastries."

Previously Patel owned a coffee shop and wants to take some of what he learned from owning that store.

Many old items such as the vintage pay phone booths will be removed. A new modern pay phone has been installed.

The Greyhound bus tickets are still available, although tickets are sold at the cashier now rather then at a separate booth.

"It was ridiculous to walk back and forth just to sell tickets," Patel said.

Tickets are available every day for bus trips to both Connecticut casinos and Atlantic City. Buses all over the country are available as well.

Patel also plans on renting the upstairs of the building as apartments.

"He is a definite plus for the city," said Gerry Amodio, director of the New Britain Downtown District. "He has a great vision and wants to improve upon the things he has."

But all these new additions do not mean you cannot get some of your favorites at the store. You will still find candy, comics, newspapers, cigarettes, pipe paraphernalia, tobacco, Zippo lighters, adult items, local state postcards (including one of the library at Central Connecticut State University), lottery tickets, magazines and more.

"Jimmy's is the best little shop in New Britain," said John Massirio of K&G Masonry who stopped in for a cold drink. "His freezer has the coldest drinks around."

Jimmy's Smoke Shop, 64 West Main St., is open every day of the year including Christmas and Chanukkah, said Patel. It is open from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.