Opinion: Most read SBJ.net story reminds of simpler times

The year 2020 was not for the faint of heart.

A crippling health pandemic, recession, protests over police brutality and a mind-numbing presidential election cycle came together in a way that is unlike anything most of us have ever experienced.

Looking over the top SBJ.net stories of the year, those pain points certainly dot the horizon.

But there also are stories that point to simpler times and brighter futures.

Let’s time-travel a bit with the top 10 most read online stories of 2020.

1. “Raising Cane’s to make Springfield debut”

The hype train’s been speeding along all year on Raising Cane’s market entry. This article has almost three times as many views as the next closest story on this list. Surprised? I was. Prior to this year, I had never heard of Raising Cane’s. During the restaurant’s Nov. 3 debut, lines reportedly have been as long as an hour. I guess Springfield residents really, really love these chicken fingers.

2. “Mercy execs retire early in response to pandemic”

Health care has been among the hardest hit industries this year, and front-line employees deservedly have gotten a lot of recognition for what they do. In May, Mercy announced Jon Swope and Dr. Fred McQueary, two executives who helped shape its Springfield-area operations, would retire in June to help the health care system “navigate the difficult financial terrain ahead.”

3. “Lululemon to enter Springfield”

While I had heard of Lululemon, I was not terribly familiar with the athletic-wear chain. The retailer entered Springfield with fanfare in June, launching a pop-up store concept in Brentwood Center North. If shoppers like it as much as readers, Lululemon may convert it to a full store.

4. “City, county officials enact stay-at-home order”

This is one of those things that you never expected would happen. But as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in March, local government officials sought to stem the tide by requiring residents to stay at home. Even after the lockdown has lifted, this one’s still being debated.

5. “WOW temporarily closes; Bass Pro stores remain open”

Tourism and hospitality were decimated amid the pandemic, and it remains unclear when businesses in the industry will recover. The Wonders of Wildlife aquarium was an early attraction to close temporarily, with sister business Bass Pro Shops soon to follow.

6. “Forbes: Johnny Morris’ net worth drops by nearly $2B”

This one’s an oddity, as it’s a story from 2019. The Bass Pro founder actually climbed the ranks to place No. 181 on Forbes’ 2020 list of the 400 wealthiest Americans. He had an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion, according to Forbes research. This article was hot around the time Payne’s Valley opened at Morris’ Big Cedar Lodge, pointing to probable Google searches that increased views.

7. “City amends order to allow bars, theaters”

The local economy slowly began to reopen in late April and early May. Face masks have become the central issue in recent months as the city receives the vaccine. Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has temporarily closed again after reopening briefly, and the Gillioz Theatre also is on temporary hiatus. I’m hoping for a swift recovery for these Springfield gems.

8. “Costco plans Springfield market entry”

Costco has been a request from Springfieldians for years, and we’re finally getting one. Let’s hope the pandemic is contained so we can peruse goods freely in fall 2021. Costco is likely to spur future development.

9. “O’Reilly bringing BigShots Golf to north Springfield”

I wonder what it’s like to own a large portion of an intersection in Springfield. Businessperson Tim O’Reilly doesn’t have to wonder. His new BigShots Golf attraction is across the Glenstone Avenue and Kearney Street intersection from his DoubleTree hotel and convention center, as well as the Fairfield Inn next door. I can see cross-promotions boosting business at both properties.

10. “Destination Branson? City bets on regional travel, pent-up demand”

The tourism town began to prepare for the summer season, following a record year of visitors – 9.1 million – in 2019. Officials say numbers are likely to be down this year as the pandemic continues to hurt the tourism industry. However, tourism officials predict that when travel returns, it will start regionally on drivable trips, which would be a win for the Ozarks.

Springfield Business Journal Web Editor Geoff Pickle can be reached at gpickle@sbj.net.