Connecticut
Semifinals: Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut » CBIA
After more than 87,000 total votes, we’re down to the top four of the Coolest Thing Made in Connecticut competition.
Semifinal voting is underway now. The matchups are:
The single-elimination, bracket-style competition is being led by the CBIA Foundation in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing and CONNSTEP and made possible through the generous support of CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.
The competition is an opportunity to showcase Connecticut’s vibrant manufacturing sector.
World-Class Workforce
“These four companies—and all 16 finalists—highlight the best Connecticut has to offer,” said CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima.
“And this is a chance to celebrate not only the products they manufacture, but the world-class workers who make them.”
During an appearance on Fox 61’s morning news, Connecticut Department of Economic Development commissioner Daniel O’Keefe noted the nearly 5,000 manufacturing companies and nearly 160,000 employees that make up the workforce.
“We’ve been able to develop this very specialized workforce over the last 100 years that make these highly engineered products.”
DECD’s Dan O’Keefe
“We make very complicated things here. We’ve been able to develop this very specialized workforce over the last 100 years that make these highly engineered products,” he said.
Semifinal voting is open through Sept. 17.
The overall winner will be announced at the Oct. 2 Connecticut Manufacturing Summit at the Connecticut Convention Center.
A group of business leaders nominated the 16 products in the first year of what will be an annual competition.
Nominations are open now for next year’s contest.
Connecticut
State opens investigation into former New Haven police chief amid stolen money allegations
Connecticut State Police and the Chief State’s Attorney have opened an investigation into former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobsen and allegations that he misused public funds.
The City of New Haven reported the allegations to State’s Attorney John Doyle on Monday.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said Monday Jacobson admitted to stealing money from a fund used by the New Haven Police Department to pay for an support its confidential informant program.
Several officers flagged irregularities in the account and notified the three assistant chiefs in the department, according to Elicker. It was then that the assistant chiefs confronted Jacobson on Monday morning.
Elicker said after being confronted, Jacobson admitted to taking the funds. The assistant chiefs then notified Chief Administrative Officer Justin McCarthy, who then notified Elicker.
Jacobson was called in for a meeting with Elicker, where he was to be placed on administrative leave. Elicker said that before the meeting, Jacobson handed in his paperwork to retire, effective immediately.
The mayor was unable to share additional details on how much money was reportedly taken or for how long due to the ongoing investigation.
Assistant Chief David Zannelli has been appointed as the acting police chief.
State police will conduct the investigation and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin has appointed New Britain Judicial District State’s Attorney Christian Watson to oversee the investigation to avoid any potential conflicts of interest.
Connecticut
Made in Connecticut: Rochambeau Memorial Monument
Connecticut
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet In South Plainfield Offers Endless Delicious Options
The Greater Danbury area isn’t exactly known as a buffet hotspot, but if you’re willing to venture beyond your zip code, the state delivers some awe-inspiring all-you-can-eat experiences. A recent “Only In Your State” feature crowned one buffet as the best in Connecticut — and that raised a very local question: Do any buffets near Danbury compare?
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The Top 5 Buffets in Connecticut
Topping the statewide list is the Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, celebrated by Only In Your State as Connecticut’s best. This place is the gold standard, known for its huge seafood selection, sushi bar, hibachi grill, and sheer variety. Crab legs, shrimp, steak, noodles — it’s all here, and it’s why people happily drive across the state for it.
Other standout buffets earning consistent praise include Osaka Hibachi Buffet in Stratford, loved for its cleanliness and sushi options, and Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in South Plainfield, which boasts hundreds of rotating items and a popular cook-to-order hibachi station. Rounding out the top five are Imperial China Buffet in Watertown a dependable classic, and Royal Buffet Sushi and Grill in New Milford, which is especially important for Greater Danbury diners.
So… What About Buffets Near Danbury?
Here’s the honest truth: Danbury doesn’t have a Pacific-level buffet. But there are a couple of respectable local options. Grand Century Buffet at 1 Padanaram Road remains the city’s most familiar buffet, offering a wide selection at reasonable prices. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Meanwhile, Agogo Asian & Sushi Buffet, 15-19 Backus Ave., has earned strong reviews for quality — especially sushi — even if the buffet itself is smaller than the state’s heavy hitters.
The Bottom Line
If you’re chasing Connecticut’s best buffet, it’s worth the drive. But if you’re staying local, New Milford and Danbury still offer solid options that satisfy the all-you-can-eat craving without a road trip.
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