Two national retail names appear headed for Hartford's Charter Oak Marketplace, with Ross Dress for Less and Panda Express both slated to open new locations at the Flatbush Avenue shopping center. Ross is expected to take over the former Dollar Tree space next to Marshalls, while Panda Express is planned for the existing building formerly occupied by Texas Roadhouse, next to Denny's.
The plans come from a lease plan posted by Paramount Realty, according to The Connecticut Scoop. The Panda Express is planned for the existing building formerly occupied by a Texas Roadhouse, next to Denny's. That Denny's location closed by June 12, 2026, Hartford's economic development director Jack Benjamin confirmed at the time, as reported by CT Insider.
No square footage or opening timeline has been announced for the Ross location at Charter Oak Marketplace, per the lease plan. Ross stores are also planned for former Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft spaces in Newington, Hamden and Manchester.
Panda Express Would Join a Small But Growing CT Footprint
Panda Express was also proposed for a 1,500-square-foot space in Hamden Plaza's former Panera Bread location. An opening date for that Hamden eatery had not been announced.
More Turnover at the Flatbush Avenue Shopping Center
Charter Oak Marketplace has seen several tenant changes this year beyond the departures of Denny's and Dollar Tree. Five Below is also planned for the center, set to move into the former Famous Footwear space, though no opening timeline has been announced for that store either, according to the earlier Connecticut Scoop report. Dollar Tree had planned to permanently close its Charter Oak Marketplace location on November 2, based on a sign posted at the store, while KPot remains open as a tenant at the center. The marketplace is on Flatbush Avenue in Hartford.
