WEEKLY 5: Top Businesses to Open or Close in 2010

As the year comes to a close, we take a look at some of the businesses that opened and closed in 2010. Here are five of the best additions to the city, and five of the most noteworthy departures:

FIVE BEST ARRIVALS

• Chiapparelli's of Little Italy. Formely the Crazy Swede and Ken's Steakhouse, the newest incarnation at the corner of Union Avenue and Franklin Street has been welcomed with open arms. Chiapparelli's has been willing to give back, as well, hosting the Warriors football team for a Friday dinner the night before the team played for the state championship.
• Havre de Grace Patch. Ok, forgive us for a second here. There are other businesses that opened in 2010. But we feel the impact we've been able to make in such a short time—and the continued coverage we will bring Havre de Grace in the future—has been well received. It's thanks to everyone reading the stories on Patch for the early impact we've been able to make.
• Le Banque de Fleuve. Such a creative use of interesting space. Initially the National Bank in 1904, the building now offers a special events venue overlooking the Susquehanna River. Simply having such a facility in town should be a boost for local business.
• Stickdesign. Having an embroidery shop on Union Avenue is a wonderful addition. But sometimes, the people that are added to the local business scene are even more valuable. Gaby Frank, who fulfilled a lifelong dream when she opened the shop, has woven herself into the fabric of the downtown community.
• Sweet Devotion. Did Havre de Grace need a cupcake and creperie café? Apparently. On the site of the former "Chipshot Café," Sweet Devotion has taken a craze—gourmet cupcakes—and combined it with a unique menu and a comfortable, upscale setting. The crew has really hit its stride with catering, particularly this holiday season. They've also expanded lunch options.

FIVE WORST DEPARTURES

• Blockbuster. The chain itself is going under, so it was only a matter of time before the Havre de Grace Blockbuster closed its doors. But for locals of my generation, the Blockbuster was a place of employment or a stop to hang out for 10 minutes with nothing else to do on a weekend night. Advances in media technology ultimately finished off Blockbuster.
• High's. Not only did High's departure take away one of the main convenience store locations in town, it took one of the easiest gas stations to access with it. On the corner of Route 40 and Otsego Street, there aren't many more prime, high-traffic locations in the city. The potential for another quality addition on this parcel is promising.
• Pizzazz. The boutique both opened and closed in 2010—an illustration of the challenging economic climate in which to launch a business. From its North Washington Street location, Pizzazz sold accessories, gifts and home accents. Here's to hoping they give it another shot in 2011.
• Save-a-Lot. Perhaps no local business closing effected the local business marketplace and lifestyles of folks in downtown Havre de Grace as much as the departure of Save-a-Lot. The location makes for a prime real estate project or perhaps another grocery store. Patch first brought you the news of the closing, which took place two days before this site opened.
• TaLaura's. A family-owned, "above average" women's clothing store, TaLaura's specialized in a label it tried to dispel—plus sizes. The business began as an online venture, but after opening a shop on Washington Street, it was forced to close doors in 2010.