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While reining in inflation dominated the headlines this year, a lot of other good business news has gone under the radar. Here are some of the biggest wins that might be buried in your inbox.
Chili is completely crushed. Unlike the motley staff at the restaurant chain, which declared bankruptcy, the three-fingered inventor had a successful year. The company’s parent company reported strong third-quarter revenue driven by beloved promotions and sales, including the Big Smasher (a Big Mac competitor) and $6 margaritas.
Robotaxis…right? It’s been a year full of love for robotaxis, even though they’re easily hated. Driverless taxi maker Waymo has launched the service in San Francisco with a waiting list of 300,000 people and announced plans to expand to Miami.
Barnes & Noble is back. The store, which was founded by a math tutor in high school, has opened 60 new stores this year thanks to a new strategy of operating more like an indie bookstore than a giant chain.
This year, beer won. Guinness, Michelob Ultra, and Athletic Brewing have emerged from behind the bars and apparently made their way into our hearts. Guinness sales are up, Michelob Ultra has surpassed Bud Light to become the nation’s No. 2 beer (behind Modelo Especial), and non-alcoholic brand Athletic Brewing has reached a valuation of $800 million. did. —CC
