All articles tagged with #local business
As Washington, D.C., readies for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, race-zone preparations and restrictions are denting foot traffic for local eateries and shops, with at least one restaurant noting weaker business and a nearby school opting for remote learning on Friday to accommodate the race preparations.
Goochland County will get its first dedicated coffee shop this fall as Sipping Sunshine Cafe opens a 1,300-square-foot brick-and-mortar location at 2913 River Road West in the courthouse area; the venture, run by Lori Traficanti who currently operates a mobile coffee trailer, will offer a rustic, bohemian interior, expand the menu with smoothies and locally baked goods, operate 7 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays with potential Saturday hours, and hire about five staff while still using the trailer for some events.
Protests following a July 22 police shooting have reduced foot traffic on Willy Street, with roadblocks near Willy and Baldwin affecting the neighborhood's shops and eateries. Lazy Jane's Cafe is operating at roughly one-third to one-half of its normal volume, while The Weary Traveler has cut staff and is juggling rent and loan payments as business slows; owners fear longer-term impacts if conditions don’t improve. The City of Madison had not commented at press time.
A century-old Gary staple, Koney King, gains global attention after The Bear's final-season episode titled 'Gary' centers on a Gary visit and includes an unscripted, single-take scene with Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Jon Bernthal, and local employee Elisha Evans. Released May 5 on Hulu, the episode highlights the restaurant’s 106-year history, its iconic chili-cheese hot dogs, and the town’s legacy, helping drive new visitors while owner James Hendricks preserves the original recipes and atmosphere for future generations.
A Pittsburgh Public Source piece narrates how the NFL Draft weekend failed to deliver the hoped-for crowds to downtown independent venues, leaving servers and staff with underutilized schedules, overstocked kitchens, and meager pay despite hype and planning. While VisitPittsburgh framed potential long-term benefits, many local businesses feel misled by the promise of a citywide boost, coining the term “DraftFished” as they cope with softer-than-expected turnout and ongoing financial strain.
The Salty Otter in downtown Santa Cruz ditched its colorful AI-generated logo after months of online criticism and one-star reviews blaming the AI design. Owner Rachael Smith—who has decades of experience in graphic art and the restaurant industry—replaced the logo with a simple black-and-white text design, saying the backlash has crushed her lifelong dream and was directed at the logo rather than the food or ambience.
A longtime Bristol bike shop, Biker's Edge, abruptly closed after being acquired by Specialized Bicycle Components in 2021, ending a 54-year run and prompting sadness from customers and the Bristol mayor as the Torrington location also shut its doors.
In response to a nationwide general strike over immigration enforcement, Chicago-area small businesses are closing or donating profits to immigrant-rights nonprofits, with owners citing solidarity and community support; several notable spots—ranging from Merz Apothecary to Lakeview restaurants—are participating by closing Friday or giving proceeds to groups like the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
Detroit's longtime brewery staple is taking a break after 31 years, pausing operations for now.
Several stores in Raleigh and Durham, including Legacy Oriental Rugs, Macy's at Triangle Town Center, and Loft at The Streets at Southpoint, are closing due to reasons such as lease non-renewals and business restructuring, with last days for shopping approaching.
A Black- and women-owned plant nursery in Southeast Portland, Birds & Bees Nursery, is closing after 14 years due to financial difficulties exacerbated by recent challenging years, with owners seeking community support to sell remaining inventory and settle debts.
Two restaurant chains, Blaze Pizza and Rusty Taco, have closed all their locations in New Mexico, while local restaurant Tap and Taco plans to open a new location in northeast Albuquerque, indicating a shift in the local dining scene.
Griddle 145, a beloved breakfast and lunch spot in Whitehall Township, is closing after 13.5 years as owner Taylor Eisenhard prepares to open a new restaurant, The Broken Record, in Lower Macungie Township, promising a modern American menu with international influences and continued favorites from Griddle 145.
Most major stores and grocery chains are closed on Christmas Day 2025, but some convenience stores like CVS, Walgreens, and 7-Eleven are open, along with select restaurants such as Applebee's, Domino's, IHOP, and some McDonald's locations. Post offices and the stock market are closed, while UPS only offers limited delivery services. It's advisable to check specific store hours before visiting.
Most major U.S. retailers close or have reduced hours on Christmas Day, with some stores like Walgreens, CVS, and 7-Eleven remaining open, often with modified hours. It's advisable to check specific store hours online or by calling ahead before visiting during the holiday.