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Public market in Newton provides space for entrepreneurs
Jerry Schwaller has an office across the way from the old Montgomery Ward building that sat vacant for years in downtown Newton. He saw the building and all its potential and started dreaming. Inspiration struck when he and his wife were walking through the Newton farmers market on a Tuesday afternoon. He recalls saying to his…
Lamont Roach vs William Zepeda: Live streaming results and highlights!
We’ve got a world title doubleheader tonight on DAZN and TNT, with Lamont Roach Jr and William Zepeda fighting for the vacant WBC lightweight title in the main event. That will follow the IBF lightweight title bout between Raymond Muratalla and Robson Conceicao, plus two more bouts on the main card this evening! We’ll have […]
Inside the CDC’s leadership vacuum: work at a ‘standstill’ and low morale as 80% of top posts remain vacant
Current and ex-officials at the CDC warn Americans’ health security in danger under RFK Jr’s direction
City seeks housing developers for vacant North Corktown lots
Detroit is offering the opportunity on 16 lots for 20 homes in the neighborhood near Michigan Central plus $2.5 million through its Small Buildings Program.
Aldi snags spaces vacated by Valley Big Lots, trampoline park
Aldi is taking up several big box retails spaces around the Valley that were left vacant by struggling businesses.
Ferguson’s failure to fill WA campaign oversight panel spurs recall bid
Two of the commission’s five seats have been vacant for months. Leaving them open for that long violates state law, according to the recall petition.
Fire breaks out at vacant Lancaster County business
A fire was reported at a vacant Lancaster County business on Thursday night.
At an angry time, the business of rage retreats is booming
Kristina McMenamin’s rage retreats started small. The events, called RAGEher, were 12-person affairs in Chicago. The attendees, all women, opened their arms wide in a vacant retail space McMenamin had
‘Just really unique’: Williamsport business preserves history — and finds surprise in basement
“You hate to see history disappear,” said Adam Roskowski, owner of Rosko’s Brew House in Williamsport. That was his motivation for buying the building now housing his craft beer pub at 601 Pine Street. After being vacant for years, Adam was keen to buy the Victorian – not just because of its historic charm but […]
Detroit investment programs help remove vacant storefronts, open new businesses
Itauma v Hrgovic upgraded to IBF world-title bout
British heavyweight Moses Itauma's fight against Filip Hrgovic on 29 August will be for the vacant IBF title.
Rockland Trust provides $9.4m financing for historic Hallsville School
The project will transform the vacant 1891 elementary school into a 36-unit, mixed-income residential community
Vacant North Philadelphia skate rink to become health center expanding care access to uninsured
A new project in North Philadelphia is transforming an old skating rink into a new comprehensive health center set to open in 2027.
Local construction firm bets on Mid City in buying former Brew-Bacher's site
Grand Construction is giving one of Government Street's long-vacant restaurant buildings a second life. The Baton Rouge-based commercial contractor purchased the former Brew-Bacher's property last … Already an INSIDER? Sign in. Already an INSIDER? Sign in
Rochester seeks development proposals for Science Park parcels
The city of Rochester requests development proposals for vacant land at 250 and 330 Science Parkway in the Rochester Science Park district.
Demolition of the New Orleans airport's old south terminal is coming. See when.
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport will tear down portions of the vacant south terminal, part of the airport's larger expansion plans.
‘Going to be a very busy place’: Partners talk Park City music festival plans
Soon, the “Back 40” — Gilley’s vacant, 40-acre backyard — will be teeming with food vendors and musical acts.
UFC 327 live blog: Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg
Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg battle for a vacant UFC title in UFC 327 main event
Yearlong water leak at vacant South Philly property ruins nearby business lot
New owner to convert Carmack Jay's space to spa business
The owner of a spa business going into a long-vacant building on North Market Street in Frederick says she was drawn to the idea of putting a new business in
Van crashes into former Benson business
A minivan drove through the side of a vacant building in Benson early Sunday morning, according to police.
Mom-and-Pop Business Owners Grapple with Harsh Times
Report shows small business owners in NYS less optimistic about the economy. Taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now, they say By Aaron Gifford [caption id=attachment_11067 align=alignright width=300] Ashley Ranslow is director for New York state at The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).[/caption] Owners of mom-and-pop businesses in New York state have been less optimistic lately than their peers in other parts of the country, a recent report indicates. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), based on a survey of 11,000 of its members in the Empire State, reported that taxes, inflation, labor costs and competition from larger businesses are major concerns right now. “Indeed, while taxes are a major problem in New York and the United States overall, New York small businesses notably are struggling more with the state’s onerous, multi-level tax burden,” Ashley Ranslow, NFIB’s director for New York state, said in the July report. Compared with surveys of business owners in other states, far fewer New York respondents rated their businesses as in excellent or good health. The report also said labor costs here are about 25% higher than the national average and are the “single most important problem” facing businesses. One respondent to the New York-specific survey complained that too much red tape, taxes and laws that restrict high-yielding companies have stifled their operation’s growth. Others said high disability and workers’ compensation insurance costs, alarming increases in utility rates and excessive building regulations are discouraging. Statewide, New York has a gross domestic product of $2.53 trillion (third in the nation, followed by Texas, $2.90 trillion; and California, $4.25 trillion), a per capita income of $90,500 (sixth) and an unemployment rate of 4.6% (34th). There are 2.4 million small businesses that employ 3.9 million people. [caption id=attachment_11112 align=alignright width=451] Member of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce gather at one of the several functions the chamber organizes monthly. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed,” says Megan Wilmot, the chamber director[/caption] “New York state boasts one of the largest, wealthiest and most diverse cities in the world — and that’s still only about half the state’s population,” the report said. “In other words, the state is both its iconic city and so much more — geographically, demographically, economically. But New York is not without its challenges, challenges that include notably high taxes and other weaknesses that impact the small business environment,” it said. The report includes an optimism index that compares responses from New York (NFIB) members with those of their peers in other states across several categories. This ranges from plans to increase employment to expectations for higher sales, to plans to increase inventory or expand. The scores for Empire State business owners were lower in most categories, but they did score higher than the national average in noting that they have current employment openings, and that they are hopeful that the economy will improve. “The metrics so far paint a picture of a state with a series of challenges for small businesses, from a slightly below national average Optimism Index to a more seriously below national business health to very substantially below national Employment Index. What is going on with businesses that are creating these differences?” the report stated. In Central New York, the regional labor force comprises nearly 398,000 workers. The median household income here is $71,463, and the gross domestic product for the region last year totaled $61.3 billion, according to the CenterState CEO economic development and research organization. About half of the region’s labor force works for small and mid-sized businesses, although the number of people employed in that sector has decreased by 7% since 2010, according to CenterState’s 2026 economic forecast report. “While record-high employment in large-scale enterprises provides a strong foundation for Central New York,” the report says, “the long-term health of communities depends on a thriving small business sector to serve as a stabilizer.” Area employers identify several barriers to Central New York’s anticipated growth, including lack of specialized or skilled workers, government regulations, unaffordable housing options and long-term construction disruptions. In the city of Syracuse, the number of jobs in retail trade decreased by 1,500 or 4.7% between July 2025 and this past July. By contrast, the number of jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector increased by 2.5% or 700 jobs, in the same annual period, according to the New York State Department of Labor. Still, there’s plenty of interest for new businesses across Central New York. U.S. Census figures show that the number of applications for new businesses in all four counties increased significantly in the past 20 years. In Cayuga County, there were 324 applications in 2005 compared to 470 last year. In Madison County, the number increased from 385 to 480; Onondaga County, from 2411 to 4132; and Oswego County, from 553 to 836. Downtown Cazenovia is exemplary of Madison County’s trend: In the past year, the village welcomed a bait shop, a thrift store, a vitamin infusion center, a pizzeria, a Pilates studio and an Italian restaurant. A candy store is scheduled to open on the main drag in the months ahead. Oswego’s list of interesting new businesses in the past year includes a bubble tea shop, a hot dog eatery in Fulton, a specialty grocery store that features New York state products in Mexico, a beauty and esthetics studio in Hannibal and a hardware and farm supply store in Sandy Creek. In Onondaga County, the Liverpool area has also enjoyed a steady stream of new shops and eateries in recent years. That suburban community is unique in that, unlike neighboring communities, most of the restaurants are family-owned and not part of a national chain. [caption id=attachment_11116 align=alignright width=300] Megan Wilmot is the executive director of the Greater Liverpool’s Chamber of Commerce.[/caption] Megan Wilmot, executive director of the Greater Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, said independent business owners in her community maintain a strong sense of pride in holding their own against national companies. The chamber helps boost morale with red carpet events, ribbon cuttings, coffee hours and five-year anniversary celebrations for participating businesses. “We have built such a strong community,” Wilmot said. “Everyone in this business community encourages each other to shop local. Everyone just wants to see each other succeed.” In Syracuse, the downtown retail occupancy rate last year was about 82%, a slight improvement from 2024, according to the Downtown Syracuse Committee’s most recent annual report. Buildings with the largest amount of vacant space included The Galleries, One Park Place, and Equitable Towers, though not all of those spaces are designated for retail use. New businesses that opened in downtown Syracuse last year: Better with Time Clothing, Dakshin Curry & Biriyani, Havana Tattoo Society, Milano Bean Café, Miss Daisy, Pausa Coffee, Sweets for Babe, The Society CNY and Yafah Beauty Studio. The Destiny USA mall’s occupancy rate decreased from 80% in 2023 to 72% by the end of 2024, according to Integra Realty Resources. That leaves more than a quarter of the mall’s retail space vacant. “Looking ahead, the retail market is expected to see minimal rent growth, with vacancy rates likely remaining stable in community and neighborhood centers but continuing to rise in enclosed malls,” Integra’s report said. “New construction activity is low and redevelopment plans for former malls like Shoppingtown and Great Northern are still in the planning stages. The proposed Micron chip plant may spur development, but challenges remain in finding co-developers for large-scale projects.” Nationally, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce expects that small businesses will remain resilient and see their sales and revenues eventually improve. That organization, in a recent national survey, found that 25% of small business owners expect the economy to improve in 2027, while 45% indicated that they plan to increase employment in the next 12 months. And 69% said they believe their small business is in good shape and 70% said they are comfortable with their current cash flow. Thirty-one percent of small businesses reported raising their prices in July and 28% are planning to raise their prices within the next three to four months, the report said. Twelve percent indicated that this is a good time to expand their business. “Small business owners voice optimism for future revenues and hiring,” the report said. “High costs continue to be a wet blanket on reinvestment.” The NFIB reported in July that Main Street, despite gas price hikes, “is OK … for now.” Its small business economics trend report said sales across the country have been strong compared to last year, but continued inflation and higher prices from mom-and-pop establishments are causing some “cracks” to show. “If costs stay this high for much longer, reduced investment will have a tangible economic impact,” the report said. “The status quo is OK, but the outlook? The outlook is uncertain.”
PFL Washington: Jean vs. Rodriguez live results, highlights
Keep up with live results and highlights from PFL Washington, which features Thad Jean vs. Ernesto Rodriguez for the vacant welterweight title.
Dane County budget plan would reduce health insurance costs, cut jobs
County Executive Melissa Agard’s proposal would eliminate vacant roles and tap $23 million in rainy day funds to make ends meet.
Familiar sports bar replacing shuttered uptown Hooters. It’s ‘something special’
Expect classic bar bites like chicken wings, burgers and signature sandwiches coming into a space that’s long been vacant.
I'll send Itauma back to high school
Filip Hrgovic tells British heavyweight Moses Itauma he will "send him back to high school" when they fight for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title on Saturday.
Rochester seeks developers for last vacant Science Park sites
Rochester is seeking developers for two vacant Science Park parcels near CityGate and UR, targeting research, office and manufacturing projects.
WTC Health Programs aims to fill vacant jobs after pressure from NY delegation
The WTCHP serves about 140,000 people dealing with a variety of health issues tied to the 9/11 attacks.
San Diego Politics Show: The vacant homes tax on the June ballot
Shane Harris the spokesperson against Measure A, the vacant homes tax on the June ballot, joined the San Diego Politics Show.
Vikings down to 5 finalists for vacant general manager position
The Minnesota Vikings reportedly have a list of five candidates as their finalists for the vacant general manager job.
Movie theater chain says it's moving to Swansea. What we know
Local movie theater chain Entertainment Luxury Cinemas said it is coming to the Swansea Crossing plaza, where a long-vacant Regal once stood.
New Flomaton bookstore aims to spark downtown growth amid vacant storefronts
FLOMATON, Ala. -- The town of flomaton's business landscape grew.With a population of just over 14-hundred people, it's downtown landscape is changing.Its done
‘Furious’ Pellegrini Refuses to Leave Lazio After Squad Omission
On Wednesday, Lazio raised eyebrows by dropping Luca Pellegrini from their Serie A squad list, even though two spots were left vacant.The BackgroundThe 27-year-old is a lifelong Lazio supporter who jo...
Evanston pairs small business startups with vacant retail space in Space to Place incubator
Evanston is providing small business startups with vacant retail space downtown in its Space to Place incubator.
Business in Brief: New Van Ness businesses; Intelsat auction canceled; Whale Tea rebrands; I’m Eddie Cano bankruptcy update | Forest Hills Connection | News and Life in Our DC Neighborhood
Some Forest Hills Connection reporting involves poking our heads through open doors. Doing so recently yielded the news that the last remaining vacant retail space at Park Van Ness (4455 Connecticut Avenue) has been leased to an IV hydration spa. A contractor getting the space ready told us Hydralive Therapy is moving in. Similarly, we […]
UFC 327: Prochazka vs. Ulberg Final Face-Offs
The vacant light heavyweight title is on the line in the UFC 327 main event on Saturday. Former titleholder Jiri Prochazka faces No. 3 ranked Carlos Ulberg in the featured fight at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. During Friday's UFC 327 Ceremonial Weigh-In, the athletes faced off ...
Steven Roth sells former Queens department store to Northwell Health for $236M
Two of New York’s frequent real estate shoppers just made a $236 million deal on an abandoned department store in Queens.The seller was Steven Roth, who acquired the 340,000-square-foot retail property in 1995 after a battle for control with now-President Donald Trump. Roth and partners stand to reap a nearly $150 million gain from selling the building near the Long Island Expressway to Northwell Health. The deal was disclosed Monday by Alexander’s Inc., a real estate firm Roth runs that is named after the big-in-its-time department store that once operated in the building. Alexander’s filed for bankruptcy in 1992 and closed all 11 of its locations. The site later became a Sears. It has been vacant since Burlington and Marshalls moved out last year.
Op-ed: Brooklyn’s empty storefronts should become on-ramps for M/WBEs
A June analysis by New York City Comptroller Mark Levine found approximately 15,700 vacant storefronts citywide.
Vacant South Philadelphia property pipe leak creates 8-inch deep "pond" in nearby business lot
New Orleans hospital destroyed by Katrina to be reborn as a science hub
While other universities scale back research amid federal funding uncertainty, Tulane University will lead a sweeping redevelopment of the vacant Charity Hospital.
Patriots make decision on starting right guard vs. Bills
Ben Brown is slated to fill the vacant position along the Patriots offensive line.
Husted wins uncontested primary, set to face Brown in general
Husted was appointed to succeed Vice President JD Vance’s vacant seat in January and has received the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
Vacant Mission Chase bank to reopen as Hidden Frequency arts venue
A key nightlife change is coming to a well-known Mission District corner, and neighbors are already taking note.
Colorado Republicans elect software engineer Craig Steiner to fill vacant state chairman position
The Colorado Republican Party on Saturday elected Craig Steiner to fill the party’s vacant state chair position at a state central committee meeting in Buena Vista, just over a week before primary ballots go out to voters and five months before the general election. The former Douglas County GOP chair takes over from Eric Grossman, […]
Neighboring business makes top bid for vacant Reserve Center in Grand Rapids
A Grand Rapids industrial equipment dealer placed the highest bid in the auction for an old Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center next door.
New sports bar to open at former Harpo's site
The bar aims to revive a long-vacant Arapahoe Avenue location.
Drew Doughty named captain of the Kings, succeeding Anze Kopitar
Drew Doughty was named captain of the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, inheriting the leadership position left vacant by Anze Kopitar's retirement. The 36-year-old Doughty is the franchise leader among defensemen in numerous categories, including goals, assists, points and games played and was a key piece in their Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014. “Being named captain of an NHL team is something I’m truly honored by, and it’s something I take great pride in,” Doughty said in a statement released by the team.
5 SWLA residents accused of stealing equipment from closed business near Crowley
Five Southwest Louisiana residents are among several people accused of stealing from a vacant building off I-10 near Crowley.
Former AMC theater in Grand Forks to become entertainment destination
The former AMC theater on 32nd Avenue, vacant for years, will be transformed into a new entertainment destination.
Former 49ers TE clears waivers, could return to practice squad
The San Francisco 49ers could fill their vacant practice squad spot with a player they recently placed on waivers.
Philly nonprofit spurs popups to give small businesses the spotlight on Market Street
An effort to give local entrepreneurs retail space in vacant storefronts will revitalize a block of Market Street through the end of July.
Trump purges National Science Board: Scientists warn of AI shift
With Trump purging the National Science Board, and the NSF director seat vacant, scientists warn of a shift away from fundamental research toward a narrow focus on AI.
Cambridge redevelopment project creates sustainable opportunities
The Packing House – a historic landmark in Dorchester County – has transformed from a vacant factory into a bustling site for businesses, entrepreneurs, food production, and community programming. Originally constructed in 1920 as the Cambridge...
Riverhead sets hearing on condemning science center building
A split Riverhead Town Board voted Tuesday to set a May 20 public hearing on the proposed condemnation of the Long Island Science Center’s long-vacant building.
Taylor would consider permanent Exeter City role
Matt Taylor says he will have talks about the vacant manager's role at Exeter City once the season ends.
Recap: Warren Council Bars Self-Storage Downtown, Advances Vacancy Tax Changes
Warren Town Council removed self-storage from the business district and advanced vacant-property tax changes, with snow fines set for November.
Judge approves March 2027 special election for Purcellville Town Council seat
At least for now, a special election is set to take place March 9, 2027, to fill the Purcellville Town Council seat left vacant by Susan Khalil's resignation earlier this
Cam Neely Makes Surprising Admission About Bruins Captain Decision
David Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy appear to be obvious candidates,, but Cam Neely revealed why the Bruins might leave their captaincy vacant again.
Long-vacant city-owned lot on edge of French Quarter to become mixed-income apartment building
The design calls for three buildings with 50 apartments between Esplanade Avenue and Kerlerec Street.
New sushi and hibachi restaurant to bring 'a little showtime' to long-vacant downtown corner
The space has been vacant since Cleo's moved to Canal Street in 2018.
Grants Boost New Waynesboro Businesses
Heading into Waynesboro on Route 250 past the Rockfish Gap entrance of Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Tunnel’s western portal, signs of an entrepreneurial wave are easy to spot. The Virginia Metalcrafters Marketplace, a cavernous industrial space where metalworkers forged iron and brass products for more than a century before sitting vacant for
Harrisburg appoints new business administrator; council concerned with his experience, hasty vote
Harrisburg has a new chief of staff. At a meeting Tuesday, City Council approved Antonio Megna as the new business administrator, a position that has been vacant since a legal battle between council and the mayor resulted in the former office-holder’s termination. Megna previously served as the special assistant to the business administrator for about […]
Three grocers walked away from a vacant Fillmore Safeway. Now it’s a political battle
Supervisor Bilal Mahmood argues the failure to revive the site shows the need for his proposal to bring Mamdani-style government grocery stores to SF.
Silencer Central acquires vacant Wells Fargo building for future growth
A former Wells Fargo call center is off the market -- bought by its neighboring business for future growth.
New state bill seeks to make filling vacant elected positions more transparent
The OPEN Appointments Act seeks to force local and statewide offices to post a public notice for every vacant position.
Ishbia family taking swing at youth sports facility for vacant Office Depot
(Editor’s Note: Alex Harrison Perry reported this story for Evanston RoundTable, a neighboring independent newsroom. It was shared with The Record as part of an ongoing collaborative effort.) The vacant Office Depot building at 2722 Green Bay Road — just a block south of Wilmette — could become a year-round site for youth sports, as a North Shore family […]
Downtown Middletown businesses say vacant storefronts continue to hold city back
Vacant storefronts have been a challenge in downtown Middletown for years, and some business owners say a lack of enforcement on existing rules has allowed the problem to continue.
DOL renews charter for OSHA advisory committee
Eight of the 12-member committee’s seats are vacant, and the terms of the remaining four members are set to expire in January.
NC county social service agencies brace for deluge of work as Medicaid work requirements go into effect
About 10 percent of county social services positions dedicated to Medicaid are currently vacant, even as recertification work will double.
Many NH Homes Sit Empty Despite a Tight Housing Market: Business NH Magazine
New Hampshire has the 9th highest home vacancy rate in the country at 14.3%, according to a LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data from 2024. But vacant doesn’t mean available to rent or buy.
Sports Haven Demo Watchers Get Ready
As the vacant ex-betting venue's teardown gets pushed back to early next week.
Golf driving range proposed for Route 7 in Ridgefield
A vacant lot on Route 7 in Ridgefield could become an outdoor golf driving range under a proposal before the town’s Commission.
What to expect in Georgia's special election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's former seat
A crowded field of 22 candidates initially filed to run for the vacant U.S. House seat, but that number fell to 17 active contenders after a handful of withdrawals from the race.
Distribution and training facility proposed for Bristol business park
Two, 10,000-square-foot buildings for a distribution and training facility have been proposed for a vacant lot in a Bristol business park.
Mark Cruz (Klamath) Nominated to Head Indian Health Service
The White House announced on Monday, June 1, that Mark Cruz, a citizen of the Klamath Tribes, has been nominated to serve a four-year term as director of the Indian Health Service (IHS).The IHS director position has been vacant since the start of the second Trump administration, following the resignation of former Director Roselyn Tso […]
Demolishing Midway CVS is a step forward, St. Paul business owner says
The demolition of a vacant CVS is a step forward in the eyes of one St. Paul business owner.
Minivan crashes into vacant Benson business
WOWT 6 News 10 p.m. Sunday newscast
More than 20 local businesses, artists will fill vacant Kansas City storefronts ahead of World Cup
The city of Kansas City is working with local businesses and organizations to fill and transform vacant spaces around the community before thousands of visitors arrive for the FIFA World Cup.
Newly vacant Ballard Starbucks could be yours
The Ballard Starbucks at 999 Leary Way N.W. received its certificate of occupancy in February of this year. Last week the coffee giant announced plans to shutter 250 shops nationwide.
New public dining, entertainment space coming to downtown Rochester
More than $1.5 million will help to finance the project, which will transform a currently vacant commercial building into an outdoor public space for dining and entertainment.
OpEd: Let DTLA Do the Work for More Housing - Los Angeles Business Journal
I live and work in downtown Los Angeles. Daily, I pass vacant storefronts, empty historic buildings and surface parking lots where residential towers
Fells Point bar owner warns vacant storefronts signal strain on Maryland businesses
Sitting inside Max’s Taphouse in Fells Point, owner Gail Furman discusses the stretch of vacant spaces near one of Baltimore’s most recognizable bars.
Pro sports owner eyes north Evanston for youth practice facility
The vacant Office Depot building at 2722 Green Bay Rd. could become a year-round site for youth sports, as a wealthy North Shore family with stakes in
Why vacant offices are still one of NYC's top housing strategies
Safety issues at NYC office-to-apartment projects have made headlines this summer. The city still needs them for housing supply.
Business Briefs: June 19, 2026
Greenfield Business Association commissions pollinator mural to enliven vacant storefront GREENFIELD — Just in time for May’s 16th Annual Greenfield Bee Fest, the Greenfield Business Association partnered with the owner of 220 Main St. to transform a vacant storefront into a vibrant, pollinator-themed mural that injects fresh color and energy into downtown. Part of a […]
Popular rec facility Hi-Five Sports leaving Northbrook Court Mall, new location coming
Hi-Five Sports, which draws hundreds of families and kids to the mostly-vacant Northbrook Court, is moving out with a new location coming soon.
Local businesses damaged by West Eugene fire
A vacant home was completely destroyed and three nearby businesses were damaged in a second alarm fire in West Eugene on Sunday evening.Just before 6:30 p.m., E
SPECIAL REPORT: Tough Business
A string of vacant restaurant buildings shows that many restaurants in the region are struggling — and several are closing By Stefan Yablonski [caption id=attachment_11132 align=alignright width=401] Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008.[/caption] By their nature, most restaurants have a limited life. An astonishing 60% go out of business within three years of opening, largely due to fundamental flaws in the planning of the operation. But even restaurants that experience years of success almost always face eventual closure. The restaurant business is very hard and because of both personal factors and external factors beyond anyone’s control, restaurants don’t last forever. For many restaurants, age is a big factor, according to Kenneth Walsleben, professor of practice, entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises at Syracuse University. “The owners have been at it for 20 or 25 years, if not longer, they want some time to themselves,” he said. Such was the case for Jocko’s Famous Ritz Diner in Oswego. Jocko Reitz bought the building in the late 1970s from Robert Shapiro. However, when he stepped away from the business, it eventually closed. [caption id=attachment_11142 align=alignright width=402] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s Restaurant passed through three generations of family in Oswego. It closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025.[/caption] For nearly 80 years, Vona’s passed through three generations of family in Oswego. Vona’s Restaurant officially closed its doors on Dec. 31, 2025, when no family member wanted to take over. It is on the market. The Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026. The restaurant faced multiple temporary health department closures in 2024 and 2025 due to persistent fruit fly and foundation pest issues. Management posted a final closure notice on the doors in mid-April 2026 and the building was put up for sale. The same pattern has been happening in Onondaga County. The big building once used by Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill on Route 31 in Clay remains empty, more than six months after the restaurant closed its doors in April. It had been in operation since at least 2008. [caption id=attachment_11130 align=alignright width=401] Ruby Tuesday in Oswego operated for about two decades before permanently closing in April 2026.[/caption] Just down the road from Smokey Bones, the popular Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty. Other very popular restaurants in the northern suburbs of Syracuse have recently closed. Among them, Fireside by the River in Baldwinsville and Primo Nestico’s Bistro Bar in North Syracuse. “I haven’t really paid attention to the Syracuse area. There has always been some turnover, but there probably has never been a tougher time to be a restauranter than now. It’s just brutal,” Walsleben said. In the first year, roughly 20% to 25% of restaurants close or change hands, according to the National Restaurant Association. [caption id=attachment_11122 align=alignright width=401] Outback Steakhouse closed in August 2024. Another restaurant took its place, La Cocina Mexican Restaurant, but it closed shortly after. The building sits empty.[/caption] “Depending on what statistics you look at, you’ll find that any business has a high mortality rate in the first year. That is just the nature of entrepreneurship,” Walsleben said. “There are certain ones that are getting hit hard while others are more fruitful. “And when you look at the restaurant industry you have to factor in labor which is a large part — typically a third of your expenses — and those costs are going up. And there is always turnover which means investing money to train people. Then you’ve got food costs, which is also a third of the typical restaurant budget. Since the pandemic labor has gone up 41%, food costs have gone up 35%. That’s a big tight squeeze righty there. That’s two-thirds of your budget that has gone up 35% to 40% in the last few years. And then the only way you can make that work is to raise the prices.” The National Restaurant Association reports menu prices are up 36% since February of 2020. In a survey released by the association, more than eight in 10 restaurant owners reported that their food, beverage and labor costs are now higher than before the pandemic. You have to deal with the reality of are the customers willing to pay for that? Walsleben added. Restaurants historically have very thin margins; their profit margin is about 5%. “You have a third that goes into food, a third that goes into labor and about 28%, 29% that goes into everything else — overhead, insurance etc. So that brings you down to your 5% leftover,” he said. “Everything is going up. Customer expectations are going up and people aren’t going to spend that much more. So, you have a tight squeeze here,” Walsleben continued. “Restaurants who use delivery apps, they pay a fee to those guys. Those guys don’t work for free. So, you can kind of see where the squeeze comes from.” Stuck in the middle There are pockets of opportunity; the two extremes of the market can make a profit. But the middle gets squeezed out. “If you are a low-end fast-food kind of place, there is room for that. People have changed their budgets. They are still going out, but they are not spending more,” according to Walsleben. “The high end remains positive. If you have a restaurant that brings a specific experience … a great food product or you are catering to high end customers who aren’t so budget conscious, those patrons are going to expect a high-end experience. They expect excellent food every time. They are expecting excellent service. If you can meet those expectations there is room for you at the top. It’s just the guys in the middle are getting the squeeze from both ends. Tough competition, customer expectations, costs are up. Menu items, you can’t raise the prices as much as you need to. That is why you are seeing a lot of restaurants baling out.” The ones that can adapt quickly are the ones who are doing OK. “Success is heavily dependent on the strength of a restaurant’s concept development and the planning of its execution. Eventually things aren’t always new. Things change. So, if you are in the restaurant business you have got to change your menu — keep things new, fresh and update your meals. It is very fickle industry. One year carbs are out, the next year berries are out. Everybody’s diet changes — constantly chasing the latest phase. You have got to adjust your menu and move with those modifications. If you have a static menu that you have used the last couple years that hasn’t changed except for the pricing, you’ve got a problem,” he said. A lot of times these buildings are singular purpose, he added. “You have a commercially viable kitchen and you got a seating area. There is not a lot of other businesses that cater to that type of a layout. So, it’s pretty common to see another restaurant slide in,” he said. One of the things a banker learns early on is you don’t lend money to restaurants … because they fail so quickly. It is very hard to predict who the winners will be. So, if you are a restaurant in addition to all the other challenges, it is very difficult to get loans, according to Walsleben. “You might work really well in the kitchen. But that doesn’t mean you are a great businessperson,” he said. “Restaurants can fail because the owner didn’t know how to manage things properly. There are a lot of challenges. “There is opportunity at the high end and the low end. But in the middle, that’s the death valley. There are just so many things working against you. You really need to have something that will pull people in and continue to pull people in because you to constantly have to change. Think about a theme and a product that is unique to the area people don’t travel that far these days you have to be able to deliver it in an innovative fashion and keep updating to keep people coming in the door.” Out of Business? How Fast? Do nine out of 10 restaurants fail in their first year, as commonly claimed? No. Survival analysis of 1.9 million longitudinal microdata for 81,000 full-service restaurants in a 20-year U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics non public census of business establishments in the western US shows that only 17% of independently owned full-service restaurant startups failed in their first year, compared with 19% for all other service-providing startups, according to ResearchGate. The median lifespan of restaurants is about 4.5 years, slightly longer than that of other service businesses (4.25 years). However, the median lifespan of a restaurant startup with 5 or fewer employees is 3.75 years, slightly shorter than that of other service businesses of the same startup size (4.0 years). What Makes a Restaurant Successful? Opening and maintaining a successful restaurant is not as easy as creating a great menu and serving excellent food. It takes more than that, according to local restaurant owners who have been in business for decades in the region. They all agree that there are some guidelines to running a successful restaurant. • Quality food: Successful restaurants know exactly what they serve and who they serve it to. Delivering the same great taste every single time builds loyal customers. • Smooth operations: Friendly greetings and attentive staff make guests feel welcome from the moment they walk in. Hiring staff for personality and training for skill ensures reliable, caring service. • Smart marketing: Exceptional food and experiences naturally get people talking and sharing online. Word of mouth can help entice customers. Consistent social media and targeted advertising brings in new and repeat guests also. The menu is what keeps patrons coming back to Mimi’s Diner in Fulton, located at 201 N. Second St. “We locally source our produce and our meats. Our chicken and biscuits is a popular, popular special,” said Richard Tagliareni, the third-generation owner and general manager. “It’s all homemade. We have consistently served quality food.” His grandfather started the business more than 55 years ago. Mimi’s is engrained in the community. They cater to the community and are very involved in everything from the schools to local events. The first Mimi’s Drive-In opened in Mexico. Then a second in Oswego and then Fulton. Fulton’s Mimi’s is the only one left. “The last couple of weeks have been kind of slower than normal. October is usually a busier month for us People will start coming back around again. Also, the price of gas is affecting some things,” Tagliareni added. “We try to keep our prices in line. You go out to eat, you’re going to spend about a hundred bucks or so for two people for dinner. You come here to Mimi’s you are probably for two people for dinner it’s between $50 and $60. We are trying to keep our prices in line. We did have to increase our prices a little bit but things are looking OK.” For the Press Box, 29 E. First St., Oswego, it’s also about great food and a family atmosphere. “Our sports bar and restaurant was established in 1984,” said Alison Canale Scanlon, manager. “I think putting the time into everything makes a big difference and treating people like family when they walk into your restaurant. That’s how we have always operated since 1984.” “It’s the family oriented aspect,” she added. “Consistency, quality and presentation of our food — that’s the secret to a successful restaurant. We try to be very consistent with it. We treat people like family when they come in; because we know how we want to be treated when we go to a restaurant. We treat people the same or better.”
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