Hello AJ readers!
To say we’ve been busy would be an understatement, as we’ve had around 31 business announcements during October, 11 of which will be announced this week. Let’s take a look at the highlights.
This week’s early shock came from Malouf’s (8201 Quaker Ave., Suite 130). The company has begun the process of closing its Lubbock store but plans to continue in the DFW area.
“Luxury retailing has become even more difficult in smaller markets since COVID-19,” said store manager Tripp Greghorn. “This is a sad decision overall. We have a close-knit family here. At the end of the day, you have to make difficult decisions when you’re trying to run a business.”
Details: Malouf’s 75-year run in Lubbock comes to an end; DFW store remains open due to tough market
Malouf’s announcement was one of several closures this week. Logan’s Roadhouse, 6241 Slide Road, closed after the company conducted a market analysis. Woody’s Pizza, Grill & Pub (3135 34th St.) decided to close Friday night, citing increased operating costs, making it the fourth pizza joint to close this year. Hub City Ritas (216 N. University Ave., Suite 300) also had its final day on Nov. 1. Bodine’s Cocktail Lounge (1717 Crickets) closed on November 2nd.
More: Here’s why Logan’s Roadhouse closed its Lubbock store after 25 years
Taco Cabana announced it is seeking multi-unit franchisees in multiple mid-sized Texas cities, including Lubbock. The timeline from finding a franchisee to opening your first store is approximately 18 months, depending on the real estate, so if you find a Lubbock franchisee quickly, the Hub City will be in business by 2026. A new restaurant may open in 2020.
Learn more: Learn about Texas cities where you can open a Taco Cabana franchise and how to get involved.
All of these announcements, along with others made during October, are detailed in our monthly business roundup. The roundup included 31 businesses, of which six closed and 12 opened.
Rolling Cones Ice Cream Truck also updated that it hopes to open a location in the former Tom & Bingo’s (34th Street) early next year. The same goes for Kokomo, an Asian restaurant scheduled to open at 5217 82nd St. #106. I spoke to one of the sisters who runs this shop about the mochi donuts, Taiwanese boba, and Korean corn dogs. And how it feels to be about to open a third restaurant, as much as it has been years.
Information about at least one new business will be released next week. Plans aren’t set in stone yet, but we’re heading into a busy news season, so we’re sure to have more to come.
As always, thanks for reading and supporting AJ.
