By Avice Meehan

A mere six months after the closing of the Norfolk Pub, life in Norfolk’s village center is abuzz with change. The fate of the former pub space may be unconfirmed and its windows papered over, but the owners of Infinity Hall made good on their commitment to reopen the Bistro five nights a week. Ryan Craig, owner of the Berkshire Store, has also announced extended hours for Fridays and Saturdays and will remain open until 6 p.m. on both days.

Other moves are afoot. Les Renards, the bookstore that opened a year ago in the Royal Arcanum building, will be moving across the street into a storefront in the building owned by the Norfolk Hub. Work on renovating the space began last week, with owner Tricia Deans saying it would likely take several months to complete. Aaron Aujla, one of the three owners of the Royal Arcanum and the bookstore’s current landlord, did the design.

Dave Rosenfeld, cofounder of GoodWorks Entertainment, which owns Infinity, has become a frequent sight in Norfolk as he works on building out the framework he shared with residents at a townwide meeting on May 14. During an informal conversation at the June 26 Friday Night on the Green, he outlined how Infinity and GoodWorks would partner with the Yale Chamber Music Festival (lots of cross promotion) and a busy schedule of meetings with local and regional community and business leaders.

The Infinity Bistro opened slightly ahead of schedule with a simplified menu and table service on non-concert nights. Chef Tyler Morgan’s onion rings already have a dedicated fan base. On a recent Sunday night, the atmosphere was quiet but lively. First Selectman Henry Tirrell was there having dinner with his wife, Robin, and two children. Mike Listorti, a member the Board of Education and the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, sat nearby with his family, while a group of old friends occupied a corner table by the front window for a social hour over drinks and appetizers. Over at the bar, Star and Michelle Childs had a quick bite with their son, Starling. It was as though the Bistro had never closed.

Later in July, with the help of a grant from the Northwest Council of Governments, a two-hour workshop will be held at the Norfolk Hub focused on “Building Interest in Main Street.” It’s planned for July 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. and those who are interested in participating should contact the Selectmen’s office at 860-542-5829