Hello A-J readers!
The weather may have been cold this week, but the business beat was burning up with news. From hot chicken and salads to the loss of four businesses, here are the highlights from the week’s business news.
One of the hottest bits of news came from the long-awaited Dave’s Hot Chicken. The restaurant began remodeling the former Taco Bueno at 6309 82nd St. in February, and will be opening next week. It is known for hot chicken tenders and sliders, with spice levels ranging from “No Spice” to “Reaper.
“We are excited to bring a fun, exciting, and fresh concept to Lubbock,” said Mickey Rogers, one of four franchisees. “Dave’s Hot Chicken focuses on perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders with a variety of spice levels.”
On Thursday, the first Salata Salad Kitchen at 7503 82nd St., Suite 100 hosted a grand opening celebration. This new restaurant is part of a Houston-based franchise focused on customizable, built-to-order salads and wraps.
Another interesting announcement that came this week involved both Lubbock and Amarillo. Lubbock’s Curby’s Express Market purchased Amarillo’s The Station Food & Fuel, 7200 W. McCormick Road, with the intent to transform it into the first Curby’s in Amarillo. Lubbock has been experiencing a boom in the opening of new convenience stores since 2023, when Amarillo’s Toot’n Totum stores began a “Lubbock or bust” campaign.
Lubbock also began to say goodbye to three businesses this month. Hillside Lounge and Cafe, 2510 MLK Blvd., closed on Jan. 5 and Sprinkles Cupcakes, 8004 Quaker Ave., Suite C., closed on Jan. 11. Retro Riley’s, Aisle 9 inside of KK’s Corner Mall at 6409 Indiana Ave., also announced it will be closed by the end of the month. Pei Wei, Kingsgate Center North at 4210 82nd St., #230, ended an 18-year run as well.
Going into next week, keep an eye out for a story on a Lubbock-born salsa company that is gaining popularity across Texas and state lines. We also have a few project ideas we are hoping to pursue in the coming weeks, but I can’t spill the details on those just yet.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Got a news tip? Contact her via email.