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Hello A-J readers!
This week saw the long-awaited end-of-the-year content finally publish. This included articles on the 120 new businesses of 2024, what closed, the trends we saw in 2024 and what we can expect new business-wise in 2025 (including a free online version focusing solely on restaurants). We also had a quick highlight piece on the biggest business topics of 2024, which included the ransomware attacks at Lubbock and West Texas medical facilities, a nonexistent water park and which decades-old businesses closed.
Did you know about the Brazilian food truck, three sushi restaurants or the continuing convenience store boom in Lubbock? An article, published on Thursday, mentioned every new business and restaurant we know of that opened in the city in 2024. In total, there were more than 120, including restaurants, retail, drink stops, health and services.
In the article on closures, we catalogued which restaurants and shops closed in 2024 and why. This included several beloved barbecue joints, bankruptcy claims and unexpected losses. In total, there were at least 46 closures.
The article after these two looked at the numbers from both stories and calculated growth, losses and recognized trends. January had the most openings in one month (16), while October had the most closures (8). Altogether, Lubbock saw an average of about 10 openings and four closures per month.
Another end-of-year article looked back at what business-related stories our readers were surprised by. We chose six topics: the ransomware attack on two area medical centers, a waterpark that never existed, the loss of businesses that were at least a decade old, the historic renovation of the Jim Kimmel Center, United Supermarket’s three changes to the area, and the opening of the retail electric market in the Hub City.
With the new year, I also want to add a new best bite. Though I technically went before the holidays, this is the first column I could include it in. Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse, 5107 82nd St., #109, opened on Dec. 23 and it may be the best new restaurant of 2024.
Everything I had – from the garlic steaks to the cinnamon pineapple – was well-cooked and delicious. Servers expertly explained the concept, what items were and helpful when it came to questions. If you are planning a trip, I highly recommend any of the garlic beef dishes, the cinnamon pineapple and the Guaraná soda. I’ve never been to a restaurant like this before, but I will certainly be returning. Pro tip: Make a reservation and let them know if it is your birthday.
Next week, I plan on speaking to a group about tourism following the Ruidoso, New Mexico wildfire and a salsa company with Lubbock ties. There’s bound to be some interesting articles coming soon, so stay tuned.
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.