Around the Hub: Looking back at 5 of the biggest Lubbock business stories of 2022
Hello A-J readers!
Welcome to 2023! I hope all of you had a wonderful and safe holiday.
We're looking at another busy year, with several businesses preparing to move or expand. In 2023, we should see Tropicale Foods open their newest facility, Oceans Behavioral Hospital start services, many Toot'n Totum stores and more.
With the holidays over and only being one day into the new year, I don't have much business news to include in this column. Instead, I thought I'd share five of the biggest business stories from 2022.
First, we have to discuss one of the first stories I did for the A-J in June. It was also my article with the most views for the year: Here's a look at the history of the West Texas 6666 Ranch, which sold for over $320 million. The historic ranch sold to Taylor Sheridan, director of Yellowstone. By Dec. 21, the article had been viewed 132,401 times.
The top restaurant story of the year was a bit of a sad one. The popular downtown restaurant, The Ranch House, suddenly closed its doors on Oct. 29. A reason wasn't given, but the business will be missed by many of the 8,800 people who read that article.
A series of articles regarding Lubbock's favorite local amusement, Joyland, also made waves. From the closing, the possible auction, and the final saving of the park, our readers showed they cared. Altogether, these received more than 11,000 views.
Another interesting piece that looked into the future of Lubbock involved Amarillo's Toot'n Totum's "Lubbock or Bust" campaign. When the article ran in October, company officials detailed that Lubbock would get at least 18 locations, but could get more. The convenience stores will also bring a few restaurants.
More:Toot'n Totum to open nearly 20 Lubbock locations: Here's when, where and what's next
There is one story that holds a special place in my reporter's portfolio. When my partner and I came up to Lubbock the first time in the summer to get the moving process started, I found Omybrownies while scrolling through Instagram. As a celebration gift for getting the business reporting position, we decided to order some sweets for the drive.
Outside of meeting my coworkers, Omybrownies owner Alyssa Prince was my first in-person interaction with a Lubbock resident. Her treats and conversation made me even more sure that Lubbock is where I had to be. Though it has been several months since the move, Omybrownies will always be an extra sweet treat followed by a sweeter memory.
More:A sweet deal: Lubbock mom turns love of sweets into successful home bakery
As always, thank you for reading and supporting the A-J.
Alana Edgin is a journalist covering Business News in Lubbock and the surrounding area. Send her a news tip at aedgin@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Top 5 biggest Lubbock business news of 2022 includes Joyland, Ranch
