If you haven’t spent much time in North Stamford recently, be prepared for things to look and feel a whole lot different the next time you’re at High Ridge Center. In addition to old favorites like Peter Suchy Jewelers and Trader Joe’s, High Ridge is now home to new boutiques, eateries and wellness offerings. This conveniently located hub just off Exit 11 on the Merritt Parkway has something for everyone. From tacos and milkshakes to books, wardrobe refreshes and even a Botox boost, an afternoon of retail therapy is just around the corner.
SAVORIES, SWEETS + SIPS
From tasty takeout to sit-down meals—and even a fan-favorite grocery store—High Ridge serves up a full menu of dining choices
THE MILKSHAKE FACTORY
This confectionery café opened in November, but it’s part of a company franchise that’s been in business for over a century. It was founded in 1914 when Greek immigrants Charlie and Orania Sarandou opened a chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh. In 2003, the name MilkShake Factory was coined to highlight the company’s take on a variety of inventive shake flavors. The shop at High Ridge is the first location in Connecticut, specializing in hand-spun milkshakes and small-batch premium chocolates. There are creative sundaes, too—with ice cream flavors like Campfire S’mores and Confetti Frosted Cupcake. “Stamford is the perfect place for MilkShake Factory because families, students and neighbors are out and about every day, and there’s been a real gap for premium ice cream and handcrafted chocolates,” said Stamford MilkShake Factory General Manager Norissa Weston. “High Ridge is a vibrant hub. We’ll be everyone’s go-to spot for a sweet treat.”
VITALITY BOWLS
Motivated by their daughter’s severe food allergies, Roy and Tara Gilad, co-founders of Vitality Bowls, created a menu packed with superfoods and antioxidants, yet free of fillers and artificial preservatives. Originating in San Ramon, California, in 2011, Vitality Bowls has since opened more than 100 locations, including one at High Ridge, which began serving customers in September. The health-food café specializes in açaí bowls, smoothies, salads, wraps, grain bowls and more. Whatever you order, you’re sure to leave feeling more nourished than when you walked in. Bill and Gabriela Neblock own the location. The couple lives in Westport but say Stamford is the perfect spot for the business. “We felt Stamford was ripe for our concept,” Bill told Stamford Patch last fall.
CRUMBL
Two cousins joined forces with the mission of creating the perfect chocolate chip cookie: the quintessential ratio of flour, sugar and chips. The first official location for Crumbl opened in Logan, Utah, in 2017. The cookies found a following when Crumbl went viral on TikTok. Since then, the franchise has expanded its locations across the nation and abroad and grown its menu significantly. The Stamford location lures cookie connoisseurs with a wide variety of flavors in big portions. The company is also known for its limited-edition “drops” of new cookie flavors, often featuring collaborations with influencers and personalities – mostly recently with Martha Stewart.
WONDER
Here, you’ll find fast(er) food and more convenience than ever. Wonder partners with local restaurants (20 to date) to provide delivery, take-out and dine-in options. It’s a nice alternative for groups looking to share a meal, just not the same meal from the same kitchen. Wonder describes itself as a “new kind of food hall,” a multirestaurant concept offering several cuisine styles under one roof. Founded in 2018 in New York City, it has been expanding throughout the tri-state area. With the ability to place just one order and satisfy the appetites of your whole party, the simplicity that diners find at Wonder can’t be beat.
The colorful dining room elevates the upbeat atmosphere at Taco Project.
Margaritas and tacos are staples on the daily menu.
THE TACO PROJECT
The Taco Project—Stamford is the chain’s first Connecticut-based location, with five other establishments in New York. It opened a few years ago, but not all locals are familiar with the location’s vibrant colors, jovial atmosphere and mouthwatering aroma of homemade Mexican food. It’s impossible to walk through these doors without instantly craving a margarita. “We chose Stamford—specifically North Stamford—because it truly reflects the kind of community The Taco Project is built for. It’s a family-focused area with great energy, strong local pride and a growing demand for high-quality, chef-driven fast casual dining,” says Sebastian Aliberti, one of the three owners. “It’s the perfect blend of a neighborhood feel and accessibility.” In addition to their in-house dining, The Taco Project also operates a truck, available to come to you to add fun and spice to any event or party.
FAMILIAR FAVORITES
There are new places to eat at High Ridge, and some that have been on site for years with a loyal fan base. Among them is Chopt, where grabbing a salad on the go is a snap. The menu is packed with plant-powered options, so if you’re looking for a healthy boost, it’s impossible to go wrong. Choices range from custom-built salads to warm veggie bowls with protein, wraps and seasonal soups. Spices, sauces and dressings add bold flavor to all-natural ingredients.
Rye Ridge Deli has been a Stamford staple since 1983 and is one of the most coveted kosher-style delis in the area. It’s a great option for those who want to sit and enjoy a meal, pick up a sandwich to go or even cater an event.
At Cobs Bread, there are fresh, fluffy and crusty breads galore, from muffins and pastries to hearty loafs. It’s a carb lover’s dream and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates quality baked goods.
Then there’s Trader Joe’s. An anchor location at High Ridge, it’s the grocery store with seasonally inspired treats, adventurous private label finds and friendly prices.
HEALTH, BEAUTY + BALANCE
High Ridge hosts everything from high-energy workouts to restorative treatments, offering effortless access to a healthier you
Serotonin
“Stamford is a community that values health, ambition and longevity. I chose to open a serotonin anti-aging center here to help people feel energized, balanced and confident as they pursue their best lives—inside and out,” says owner Chris Rotondi, who opened the doors in Stamford in May 2025. His professional career began with a local startup transaction processing company. But after 21 years there, Rotondi—who has had a lifelong interest in health and wellness and owning his own business—explored franchise opportunities and connected with Serotonin. At this location, the staff comprises licensed medical practitioners and personal health coaches that work one-on-one with members to design personalized prescriptive health plans. Services focus on hormone restoration, medical aesthetics (Botox, fillers, etc.), medical weight control programs and immunity, to help optimize the health and happiness of members, according to the company.
Face Foundrié
Created to help clients keep up with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Face Foundrie’s personalized skincare solutions help clients look and feel their most beautiful with services ranging from 40-minute facials to brow tinting, lamination and waxing services, all available for same-day bookings. “I love being in Stamford because High Ridge has that perfect neighborhood rhythm,” says owner Cavan Pohlschroeder, who opened the location with wife Lisa in September. “There are people popping in after a Trader Joe’s run, parents stopping by after the school drop-off, and professionals here on their lunch hour. It’s the ideal spot to make expert skin care feel easy, upbeat and welcoming.” Pohlschroeder says the staff is passionate about making professional and luxury skin care approachable, accessible and affordable. “No intimidation, just real results and care,” he says. “Seeing clients leave brighter, both inside and out, is why we do this.”
TRIED AND TRUE
One of two Orangetheory locations in Stamford, the High Ridge group fitness center opened in 2019, and still offers a fast-paced, heart-pounding, muscle-burning workout. The studio’s signature 60-minute class combines strength and cardio through treadmill work, rowing machines and strength-training intervals. By focusing on heart-rate zones, fat burning and oxygen efficiency are maximized, leaving clients feeling and looking stronger.
When you’re actively working on your health, what you wear on your feet matters. Step up your game with footwear and sports apparel at Athletic Source. From running and hiking to cross-training and tennis, this shop has all the gear and accessories needed to bring your performance to the next level.
Then there’s Restore Hyper Wellness. With services ranging from cryotherapy and red-light therapy to infrared saunas, compression, mild hyperbaric oxygen treatments and biomarker assessments, this studio has many science-backed therapies for health, recovery and performance. Customers have been taking advantage of these services since the location’s opening in 2017, and have enjoyed results that include less inflammation, better sleep, more energy and more youthful looks.
STYLE + STOP-INS
Retailers brings books, toys, jewelry, dressy looks and casual wear together in one convenient stop
Accessories at Love Bella
Rack at Roundabout
Good Reads At Barnes & Noble
BARNES & NOBLE
It is still the No. 1 book retailer in the U.S., so now that a two-story location has moved into the corner plot of High Ridge Center, local book lovers are buzzing. You can browse the massive aisles of this super- store and take in the intoxicating aroma of freshly inked pages. Or just grab a coffee and pastry at the café. It’s hard to imagine not being able to find what you’re looking for here. While Barnes & Noble is well-known for being in the business of books, this store offers more than reading material. There’s a section of toys and games for children, stationary for a digital detox, a section of curated small gifts, music and even movies. There are in-store events, too, ranging from book release parties and author conversations to signings, meet-and-greets and children’s story times. The bookseller has expanded significantly over the last year, opening more than 60 new stores, with Stamford now home to two of them.
LOVE BELLA
With its fourth location having opened in High Ridge Center, “expanding to Stamford just made sense,” says owner and founder Ellie Zieminski, a Stamford resident. “It’s home, and it deserves great shopping.” She opened her first women’s clothing boutique in 2003, based on the premise that women can look beautiful and feel comfortable in their own skin regardless of their age or size. She quickly developed a following with her ability to style clients and ensure they walk away happy. “At Love Bella, our team isn’t made up of salespeople. We’re experienced stylists you can trust. It’s never about just making a sale. It’s about finding pieces that flatter you.” Love Bella carries everything from basics to eveningwear. There’s holiday attire and accessories, as well. If you don’t need anything for your own closet, it’s the perfect place to pop into when you’re looking for a gift for a friend.
ROUNDABOUT RESALE COUTURE
Established in 1989 by Laurie Perren, Roundabout Resale Couture is not only a local favorite, but an original purveyor of luxury resale. There are three locations in Fairfield County, and each one offers a different selection of clothing. Perren has described the Greenwich shop as a Bergdorf Goodman, Westport as a Barneys and Stamford’s High Ridge shop as an Anthropologie. The selection of women’s clothing is extensive, although designer handbags are fan favorites and fly off the shelves as quickly as they land there. But, depending on the season, anything from leather and shearling outerwear to evening dresses can become top sellers. Racks are filled with closeout items from other boutiques, which is why the stores never have a shortage of great finds on sale.
DON’T MISS
At Peter Suchy Jewelers, there’s a glittering selection of beautiful vintage, antique and estate pieces on display. Suchy, who had always dreamed of launching his own line, officially brought it to life and now also sells his own handcrafted pieces that include a variety of gems used to make pendants, rings and earrings. Suchy’s store is the only one to consistently win the “Best of the Gold Coast for Estate Jewelry” Award from Moffly Media.
To do’s
High Ridge Center is also a great place to knock out those weeekly errands and appointments.
Fashion Nails Manicures, pedicures and waxing are on the menu. And you can enjoy all three services without breaking the bank. The salon is open every day except Sunday and walk-ins are always welcome.
Sea Breeze Cleaners This location spiffs up clothes without the chemicals. All-natural and non-toxic cleaning methods keep you looking and feeling fresh.
Cost Less Wine & Liquors This package store offers a wide array of domestic and international wines, beers and spirits at value prices.
LM Salon This family- run salon has been based in Stamford for decades and specializes in curly hair, balayage and hair extensions. Make an appointment for a free consultation or hair analysis. Referral programs and discounts are available.
Optimum Stamford residents can pop in for discounts on TV, mobile and internet services. Plus, this location even features a full-service cellphone store for your wireless needs.
UPS Store You can take care of all your business and personal administrative errands right here. Ship, print, shred and then slide those stamped envelopes into the mailbox.
PHOT0GRAPHS BY DAVID POLLARD