Celebrating new ideas, new businesses, and the people building them.
Good things are happening across Greater Utica—and we’re shining a light on them.
Our new monthly column in The Sentinel, What’s New, Utica, celebrates new businesses, community connections, and the people helping our region grow. From fresh storefronts to packed networking events, this column is about progress you can see—and be part of.
This new monthly column exists for one simple reason: to spotlight the good things happening across Greater Utica. Not hypotheticals. Not wishful thinking. Real businesses opening their doors, real people showing up, and real momentum building. From quiet beginnings to not-so-quiet “WE’RE HERE!” moments, this column celebrates the change-makers helping our region grow.
New Business Openings in Utica
Over the past few weeks alone, the Greater Utica region has been busy in the best possible way.
Families celebrated the opening of Fun Nation Action Park, bringing high-energy indoor entertainment and year-round fun to the area. Trampolines and obstacle courses meet bumper cars and virtual reality. This place will make you say, “wow,” no matter your age.
Comfort meets adventure with the return of an old friend. Jrecks Subs recently opened in Rome, continuing a regional favorite’s growth in the Mohawk Valley, one meatball sub at a time.
Creative energy found a new home with Utica Creative Reuse, a space that champions sustainability, imagination, and accessibility for artists, teachers, and makers of all kinds. Insider tip: coming soon, a refurbished and brightly painted, 1950s cigarette machine now stocked with mini artworks!
Community support strengthened with the launch of Better Together Support and Advocacy, reinforcing that compassion and care remain cornerstones of this region. Located within Utica Center for Development’s footprint, the space sparks creativity, socializing, and recreation for individuals with special needs.
And yes, retail is alive and well. Handshake Antiques opened its doors, adding character, charm, and another reason to shop local. Find a one-of-a-kind gift or unique treasure for your home while you shop the intentionally curated vignettes throughout this New Hartford vintage boutique.
Community Events and Connections
But growth isn’t just about storefronts, it’s about people connecting.
The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce’s recent Business After Hours at Bagg’s Square creative studio, The Portal, brought together professionals from across industries for conversation, collaboration, and a reminder that relationships still matter in business. Meanwhile, the Chamber’s Catalyst Group, our young professionals network, packed the room at Pizza Boys, proving that the next generation of leaders isn’t waiting around for opportunity. They’re creating it. These monthly Chamber events are open to the public, and everyone is welcome.
Support for Local Growth
Here’s the thing: none of this happened by accident.
It happened because entrepreneurs took risks, nonprofits stepped up, volunteers showed up, and residents said yes to attending, to supporting, to trying something new. That’s how communities grow. Not overnight, not perfectly, but steadily.
This column will continue to highlight what’s opening, what’s happening, and who’s doing the work behind it. And trust me, this is just the beginning.
If you haven’t checked out one of these new spots yet, now’s a good time. There’s plenty more opening, and plenty of seats at the table.
Consider this your invitation.
Sean Farrell is Special Projects Officer at the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, where he works to support local businesses, build community connections, and highlight what’s new and growing across the region.
