Here are the eight business closings that caused the most buzz in 2023: The Buzz
We at The Post-Crescent love writing about hopes and dreams coming to life, and the opening of a new restaurant or business is The Buzz's bread and butter (so to speak).
But what happens when the business plan doesn't quite work out?
As it turns out, readers were just as interested in significant business closures this year, too.
While it's never fun to hear about a favorite place shutting its doors, these events are still an important part of business news in the Fox Cities, and readers often come to our comments section to offer well wishes or favorite memories to the outgoing owners.
In chronological order, here are eight business closures that caused the most conversation this year.
Applebee's leaves Grand Chute
Along with a Racine location, the Appleton Applebee's on 111 Westowne Drive shut down Jan. 30 due to a "lack of profitability," according to Wisconsin Apple, the franchisee who owns Wisconsin's Applebees locations. The company still maintains a location on 3730 W. College Ave.
"We're always sad to close restaurants," said Wisconsin Apple vice president of operations Cas Banaszek. "But we're also excited to continue to invest in the others and keep the Applebee's brand strong in Wisconsin."
Home Run Pizza closes after nine years
Frozen pizza retailer Home Run Pizza closed their restaurant March 31 at 1216 W. Wisconsin Ave. The company, which started out as a pizza fundraiser for St. Joe's church, had been in business for nine years before it closed.
A comment from the Home Run Pizza account on Facebook said that the company's frozen pizzas will still be available in stores, but did not provide specific locations.
Famous Dave's location trades southern BBQ for Asian
The barbecue chain closed its Grand Chute location late June at 1170 N. Westhill Boulevard.
However, when we last caught up with the new owner of the building, Ping Cheng, she told us she hopes to open a new Asian restaurant that offers hot pots and table grilling, both of which are popular in larger cities.
"(I) am very, very excited and confident to run this restaurant because it's going to be something very unique," Cheng said.
Houdini's Escape Gastropub becomes Thai-American fusion
Houdini's Escape closed in July due to financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It struggled with staffing shortages, an increase of prices for food, alcohol, utilities and even subscription services, like the restaurants' point-of-sale system.
But 1216 S. Oneida St. wouldn't stay empty for long. About three months later, the restaurant reopened as Mad Elephant, a Thai fusion restaurant run by the former owners of Taste of Thai.
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The Legacy Supper Club turns into Dhami Super Club
The supper club, which has been in business for 30 years, closed in August after owners Bob and Mary Blair decided to retire and sell the building at 5334 N. Richmond St.
"Bob and Mary would like to thank you very much for the last 30 years," read an Aug. 14 post on the club's Facebook account. "It has been wonderful meeting all of you. Can't wait to start retirement and relax."
The next month, the restaurant reopened with new ownership as a supper club-family restaurant hybrid called Dhami Super Club.
The Grand Meridian sold to a church
The Grand Meridian, an event and catering venue at 2621 N. Oneida Street, closed Dec. 17 after the death of longtime owner Ken Vandeyacht. His daughter, Michelle Vandeyacht, sold the building to the Appleton Pentecostal Assembly for $1.3 million.
"I would have loved for (the building) to continue on as The Grand Meridian but I'm thrilled that it's continuing on as a gathering space," Vandeyacht told the Post-Crescent in October. "Although it's taking a completely different form, it's still going to be a place where people are in a community, together."
Murray Photo and Video, Inc., others leave downtown Appleton amid redevelopment
The longtime camera shop at 10 E. College Ave. closed Nov. 18 after 31 years in business. A changing retail landscape, small profit margins and the redevelopment of the City Center Plaza all played a role in the store closing, according to owner Pat Murray. He told the Post-Crescent in November he plans to retire.
Murray Photo and Video is one of several businesses that have left the City Center Plaza ahead of its redevelopment into Fox Commons. Others include Joseph's Shoes, Squire Hairstylists, Anderson Pens, J. Hawkinson Clothiers, Aunty's Café and Hazelmade Art Studio.
Wendy's closes one of its Fox Cities locations
The Wendy's location at 3815 W. Wisconsin Ave. closed in November after the franchise owner, Starboard Group, declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The franchisee also closed another of its Wendy's locations in Oshkosh.
However, you can still get Frostys and square-patty burgers at the Appleton location on 3301 S. Oneida St and in Green Bay at 110 Radisson St.
Contributing: Alexandria Bursiek Kloehn.
Rebecca Loroff is a breaking and trending news reporter for northeastern Wisconsin. Contact her with story tips and feedback at rloroff@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Eight business closings that most interested you in 2023 | The Buzz
