2021 was a doozy, amiright?
Happy (almost) new year! 🍾
Whew. While we may have thought 2020 was a rough year, 2021 seemed to laugh and say "hold my beer."
Local businesses were also still reeling from the effects of 2020 this past year, dealing with the economic fallout effects and navigating how to operate during a pandemic. Some decided it was time to bow out or list their businesses for sale, while many others still managed to open.
You can read more details about the trends local businesses faced in 2021 here.
But hey, we made it and there's much to be thankful for.
I want to extend a special thank you to those who have subscribed this past year. I've heard from many who were, frankly, really angry over the new paywall and I get it because I like getting things for free too. But for more than 100 years, people paid for their newspaper and simply put, as the newspaper industry has evolved digitally, so must The Tribune.
So thanks to those of you who continue to support the once 9 year-old girl who loved jean jackets, Lisa Frank notebooks, gel pens and made her debut in the South Bend Tribune almost 20 years ago. Your support allows for her to continue her dream and it is sincerely a privilege to report on our community.
And for those of you who haven't subscribed yet but enjoy Market Basket and want to see it continue, you can sign up here.
In other retail and restaurant news
✂ For 45 years, the DeWinters have operated Hair Crafters in South Bend, specializing in cuts, color, compassion and mentorship. But with an evolving industry, they say now it's time to let someone else have a go.
🍷 530 Wine Bar in Elkhart opened this Wednesday. The wine bar is located at 530 E. Lexington Ave. and will feature a variety of wine and small plate options. You can read more about the new wine bar here.
🧇 Meek and Melz Curbside Cafe has closed in downtown South Bend. The breakfast and lunch restaurant opened inside the lobby of the Emporium building in Sept. 2020. In a social media post, owners encourage people to keep following them because they have plans to "dive right into our next adventure." In the post, owners Melany Gotsis and Kimiko Hunt are pictured standing in what appears to be a food trailer.
🍳Harvest Cafe in Niles has permanently closed. Operators of the restaurant on South 11th Street said in a social media post that the decision was "sudden" and based on a lot of factors, including the impact of COVID, inflation and equipment malfunctions. "You will all be greatly missed and loved," they wrote.
🍕 Bourbon Street Pizza has opened its Mishawaka location. The spot at 2000 Lincoln Way E. near Capital Avenue offers pickup, delivery and dine in services. It is open seven days a week from 4 to 10 p.m., with plans to offer lunch hours in the near future. Orders can be made at bourbonstpizzasb.com or call 574-227-6899.
📝 And a small housekeeping note, Sunday's column will be published in Monday's paper due to some deadline conflicts. While we celebrate the new year, I dive into what you can expect from retail and restaurant news and there's more than 30 reasons why you won't want to miss it.
Other local news I found interesting
► 2021 in pictures: The Tribune's top photos of the year
► From South Bend to California: Overdue book returned to River Park library branch in South Bend — 53 years later
► 22nd time: Indiana Gov. Holcomb extends public health emergency... again
► ND Insider: Notre Dame QB Jack Coan looks to complete long football journey with a win at Fiesta Bowl
Let's end the year howling
Thanks to all of you who sent ADORABLE pictures of your pets celebrating the holidays! Here we have Ella, Cammie and (my pup) Lady feeling a bit festive.
Also, in case you haven't seen it, Tribune reporter Howard Dukes wrote about how one South Bend pastor is searching for his missing dog, Rome. You can read more about it here and keep an eye out!
And keep sending your pet pics my way! I'll never turn down an opportunity to share adorable fur-ever friends.
Have a safe and happy new year,
Mary
Contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Market Basket newsletter Dec. 30 2021
