Greenfield's Top Business Stories of 2012

From the prospect of new development to grand openings to the closing of a city landmark, Greenfield had plenty of business news in 2012.

Here are some of the top stories from the last 12 months that impacted the community in more ways than one:

1. So long, Hooters

Fans of racing, hot wings and the Hooter girls were saddened to learn their beloved sports bar and restaurant would be a thing of the past. In early summer, rumors began circulating that Hooters was closing, and on July 22, after 15 years of occupying space on the busiest shopping corridor in the city, the restaurant closed its doors for good.

Not long after, the owner of Dr. Dawg swooped in and the Chicago-style hot dog restaurant is slated to open around Feb. 1, 2013.

2. Putting the 'super' in supercenter

Perhaps no grand opening was as anticipated as Walmart’s, which opened a brand new supercenter at the corner of Layton Avenue and Highway 100.

The move left a large vacancy where the nearby, now-vacant Walmart stands, but The Ridge Community Church has plans to move in sometime in 2013, with at least two tenants joining the church in Walmart’s old building.

3. hhgregg plugs in

If any new business generated as much buzz as Walmart’s opening did, it was hhgregg, the Indianapolis-based electronics chain that filled the building formerly occupied by Circuit City and Ultimate Electronics.

The electronics chain opened in late August and celebrated its grand-opening a month later.

4. Future development?

What happens to the land on Loomis Road just north of I-894 has the potential to claim the top spot on a “best of business” round-up in 2013 or 2014, but news that the City of Greenfield has first dibs on the large chunk of land believed to be a prime location for development is important enough to crack the 2012 list as well.

5. More openings, additions

Several other businesses and non-profit organizations opened their doors in 2012, including the indoor go-karting and laser tag facility Lightspeed, the Milwaukee Animal Rescue Center, Grand Appliance and Lady Jane’s, a haircut-for-men salon.

A popular bowling center on 27th Street in Milwaukee underwent a facelift, and the owner of Kopp’s began construction of a new meditation garden at the intersection of Layton Avenue and South 76th Street.

Tell us: What was your favorite business story of the year? What did we leave off the list?