Business & Tech

Year in Review: Biggest Business Stories of 2013

Our look at the year's top business news in Cinnaminson includes the opening of a pair of popular new restaurants and a fiery end for another local business.

There was good and bad news for local businesses in 2013—and in some cases, bad news followed by good news. 

Let's recap the year's biggest business stories in and around Cinnaminson:

Speed Raceway Comes to Cinnaminson

Though it officially opened to the public at the end of 2012, Speed Raceway held its grand opening at the beginning of 2013—so we're going to count this one. The go-kart facility opened up in the former Vanity Fair space, injecting new life into the Acme shopping center. Residents are still clamoring for something to fill the vacant supermarket however.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Not long after Cinnaminson welcomed Speed Raceway, Harvest Diner closed its doors forever after nearly 20 years in business. While patrons lamented the loss of another 24-hour diner, the owners of Sage Diner in Mount Laurel swooped in to claim the space and reopened the diner under new management and a new name this fall

Riverton's District Opens, Closes, Reopens

Riverton foodies received a similar dose of bad news-good news this year: When District 611 opened in November 2012—bringing its Stephen Starr pedigree to Broad Street—it seemed like a sure thing. Then it closed. It's since reopened (under new management) as District Riverton Bistro, with a tweaked menu and more family-friendly fare. 

Fire Destroys Dietz & Watson, But Jobs Safe

Fire broke out at the Dietz & Watson warehouse in Delanco Labor Day weekend. Hundreds of firefighters from more than 20 companies battled the blaze, but when the smoke cleared the 300,000-square foot facility was almost completely gutted, and neighbors had to live with a stinky mess for weeks afterward. As bad as all that was, it could have been worse. No one was seriously injured and the 100-plus employees who worked there were just moved to the company's Philly office

Redevelopment Plans Take Shape

At the beginning of the year, Cinnaminson's mayor and deputy mayor stated, in no uncertain terms, that they wanted to make redevelopment a top priority in 2013. At the time, they were talking specifically about the industrial zone, but progress along Route 130 was also on their minds, as the township made strides toward establishing a redevelopment zone in several areas along the corridor. Though their decisions didn't always please business owners, the steps committee took this year will resonate in Cinnaminson for years to come. 

What do you think were the biggest business stories of the year? Think we missed one? Tell us in the comments below.


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