Hello AJ readers!
This week, the long-awaited year-end content has finally been released. This included articles about 120 new businesses in 2024, closed businesses, trends seen in 2024, and new businesses to expect in 2025 (a free article focused solely on restaurants) (including the online version). We also have quick highlights articles on the biggest business topics of 2024, including ransomware attacks on medical facilities in Lubbock and West Texas, non-existent water parks, and decades-old business closures.
Did you know Lubbock has a Brazilian food truck, three sushi restaurants, or the continuing convenience store boom? In Thursday’s article, we’ll take a look at everything we know about to open in the city in 2024. Mentioning new businesses and restaurants. There were over 120 stores in total, including restaurants, retail stores, drink stops, healthcare and services.
What’s new in Lubbock: 120 new restaurants and shops in Lubbock you might miss in 2024
In our article on store closings, we cataloged the restaurants and shops that will close in 2024 and why. This includes several popular barbecue joints, bankruptcy filings, and unexpected losses. In total, there were at least 46 closures.
What Lubbock has lost: From barbecues to factories, here are the 46 places that will close in 2024
In the post after these two articles, we looked at the numbers from both articles and calculated the growth, losses, and perceived trends. October had the highest number of openings (8 openings) with 16 openings in January. In total, Lubbock saw an average of about 10 openings and 4 closings per month.
In another year-end article, we looked back at business-related stories that surprised readers. We selected six topics. Ransomware attacks on two area medical centers, a waterpark that never existed, a loss of business that lasted at least a decade, a historic renovation of the Jim Kimmel Center, three changes to the area by United Supermarkets, and retail in the Hub City. Establishment of electricity market.
What happened? In 2024, Lubbock saw water park devastation, healthcare ransomware, and more.
With the new year upon us, I would like to add a new best bite. Technically I went before the holidays, but this is the first column I’ve been able to post here. Ponto Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse (5107 82nd St., #109) opened on December 23rd. It just might be the best new restaurant of 2024.
Everything I had, from the garlic steak to the cinnamon pineapple, was well cooked and delicious. The server professionally explained the concept, what the items were about, and was helpful with questions. If you are planning a trip, I highly recommend either the garlic beef dish, cinnamon pineapple, or guarana soda. I’ve never been to a restaurant like this before, but I’ll definitely be back. Pro tip: Make a reservation and let them know if it’s your birthday.
What is a Brazilian Steakhouse? Ponto Gaucho opens in Lubbock, here’s what you need to know
Next week, I’ll be speaking to a group about post-wildfire tourism in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and a salsa company with ties to Lubbock. I’m sure there will be more interesting articles published in the future, so please look forward to it.
As always, thanks for reading and supporting AJ.
Alana Edgin writes about business for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Have a news tip? Contact her by email.
