Bora Bora Smoothie Café will open its second Connecticut location in a Newington retail plaza at 2394 Berlin Turnpike, taking over a space that housed Vacuum Village for nearly four decades.
The international dessert and beverage chain signed a lease for the Newington location in September, according to O,R&L Commercial, which brokered the deal. Bora Bora expects to open in March 2026 after completely renovating the space.
Bora Bora Smoothie Café, known for its tropical aesthetic and island-inspired atmosphere, specializes in smoothies, fruit bowls, crepes, croffles, coffee and milkshakes. The brand, which originated in Kuwait, has been rapidly expanding across the United States.
The chain currently operates locations in New York, Florida, Illinois and Michigan. Its other Connecticut location is in New Haven.
Vacuum Village, a vacuum cleaner retailer, occupied the Berlin Turnpike space for 38 years before closing.
The Berlin Turnpike corridor in Newington has seen increased commercial development and retail activity in recent years, making it an attractive location for expanding restaurant chains.
Jay Morris, of O,R&L Commercial, represented landlord Newington Retail Associates LLC, while Joe Sullo of SM Real Estate Advisors represented Bora Bora in the deal.
