Business Comings & Goings: Last Krispy Kreme Closes in the Southland

Amid announced plans to expand nationally and internationally by more than 400 stores, the Krispy Kreme doughnut chain recently closed its last remaining Southland location at 14747 S. Cicero Ave. in Midlothian.

Bloomberg reported that Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc.'s stock value has soared 60 percent since adding such healthy menu items as oatmeal, fruit juice and smoothies, and 22 percent this month after rumors of a takeover.

In December the doughnut-franchise closed a Philadelphia-Krispy Kreme, saying "it was a bad fit" for the area it was in, after just 18 months of operation.

Casual Male Closed Indefinitely in Evergreen Park

The Casual Male XL store at 2627 W. 95th St. in Evergreen Park is closed indefinitely after its roof collapsed without warning on Saturday.

The store, which caters to big and tall men, is boarded up and a sign advises customers to visit a location at 8517 S. Pulaski Road.

No one was injured in the collapse at the store or an adjoining Sherwin-Williams paint store.

Good As New Thrift Store Good As Gone Feb. 1

Sertoma Centre, Inc. announced that it would be shutting the doors of its Good As New Thrift Store and Training Center after several years of operation in Matteson on Feb. 1.

The non-profit organizations provides a wide range of services for persons with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities and mental illness. A news release said plans to increase sales and decrease expenses had not meet "certain goals and objectives."

The store will be offering special discounts to clear inventory up its final closing on Feb. 1. Sertoma Centre staff is evaluating future uses for the space to accommodate the demand for services.

Sertoma will still be the "preferred charity of the International Housewares Show," the news release said.

Veterans Job Networking Energizer

Southland veterans will get the chance to meet and network with other vets at the free Veteran 2 Veteran Event from 7-9 p.m. on Jan. 23 at the Tinley Park VFW Bremen Post 2791, 17417 S. Oak Park Ave. Pizza and beverages will be served. There will be a cash bar.

All veterans are encouraged to attend this event. Topics that will be discussed are: employment issues, resume writing and interviewing skills, transferring military skills to the civilian workforce, mentoring, as well as educational and entrepreneurial opportunities.

If you see a new business in town or wonder what happened to an old favorite, drop me a line at bobbong@hotmail.com.

You can also catch up on Comings & Goings in other parts of the Southland at www.southlandbusinessnews.blogspot.com and www.southlandsavvy.com.