It's time to kick 2023 to the curb. Hello, 2024. Hopefully, it will be a good year, whatever that means.

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2023 was a busy year when it came to some businesses closing up shop for good, both locally and national chains, along with several new businesses opening up. There has been a lot of construction happening as well, like the new Binghamton and Vestal Fire Houses, and the ongoing major addition to Wilson Hospital.

The question I asked on social media recently was "What business (or businesses) do we need (or want) to see in the Southern Tier in 2024? Well, there sure were a lot of responses to that question. Thanks, by the way!

Anthony F. had an interesting idea. In addition to his suggestion for a Longhorn Steakhouse and  Cheesecake Factory, he also mentioned: "...any popular nightclub for 45+ individuals that play 70s-90s music specializing in dance and disco like the former Eclipse by the old Ramada Inn hotel on Front Street in Binghamton." I like that idea.

Johnathan A. mentioned - "It's not a business really, but I think the area needs an amphitheater. We sit at the hub of three interstates and we can draw a lot of traffic. There are huge acts everywhere in NYS, except here." I love it!

Eric N. had an interesting idea - "I’d love a large indoor dog park. Somewhere to take your dogs to play, socialize, and exercise on days that are too cold, hot, or rainy."

And I noticed a lot of people asking for more places to come to the Upper Front Street area. Especially those who live closer to Upper Front Street than the Vestal Parkway.

Here are the top 10 choices mentioned, followed by a few honorable, but less than the top 10 mentions. Will we see any of these businesses take root in the Southern Tier in 2024? Only time (366 days - it's a leap year) will tell.

Top 10 Businesses The Southern Tier Wants For 2024

Top 10 Businesses The Southern Tier Wants For 2024

Gallery Credit: Google Maps Street View

Some other mentions included:

  • Stewarts Ice Cream
  • Waffle House
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Top Golf
  • Shake Shack
  • In-n-Out Burger
  • Wawa
  • Johnny Rockets
  • Sheetz
  • At Home
  • Whole Foods
  • Bass Pro Shops
  • Buc-ees
  • Panda Express
  • Boston Market
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