Stories of 2012: Burgeoning Business in Merrimack

Merrimack Patch has it's first full year in the books and what a year it's been! We re-elected President Barack Obama to another four years, and hey, the Mayan apocalypse didn't happen, so congratulations, we're all still here.

From the opening of the Merrimack Premium Outlets to another Halloween storm that cut power to thousands for days, there's been no shortage of news in town. We've seen businesses and residents in the community doing wonderful things to support their neighbors and communities as far away as Haiti. There's been business growth, and sadly a few closures.

There have been exciting moments in sports with the boys varsity basketball state championship, the baseball team playing, but unfortunately losing their state championship, and the Merrimack Cardinals Midget Cheerleaders win at nationals earlier this month. Another Rock'n Ribfest was written into the books, as was a continually-growing Merrimack Fall Festival and Business Expo, and the midway returned to town on the Fourth of July after a short hiatus.

Join us as we count down some of the top stories of the year between today and Dec. 30. Thank you for making this a wonderful year. Enjoy the final days of 2012, we can't wait to see what 2013 has in store!

4. Burgeoning Business in Merrimack

While the country right down to local communities continue to fight an uphill battle with the economy, Merrimack saw its fair share of new business come to town.

From corporations like Nanocomp Technologies opening and Atrium Medical announcing plans to renovate and open a new facility on Continental Boulevard to small business like Flip City and Center Stage Pole Dance and Fitness, there's been a variety of new businesses coming to town. Of course there was also the grand opening of the Merrimack Premium Outlets, which brought in upwards of 100 new designer outlets, as well as Merrimack's first Starbucks, its first self-serve yogurt shop, Frozurt, an New Hampshire's first Qdoba Mexican Grille.

In November, the old Fairfield Inn re-opened as a well-appointed Holiday Inn Express.

And while big businesses sit more in the forefront people like Candy Simeone and Anthony Martino are making a run at very small businesses with Candy's Cookie Smiles and Gabi's Smoke Shack Texas-style barbecue.

2012 has also seen some business expansion – Swan Chocolates added a second floor lounge and expanded its product line to carry cupcakes and other pastries. Ryly's Gourmet Market expanded into a larger location in the Skyline Mall and The Stocked Fridge owner Chris Kachmar bought Hungry Herbs expanded her business to include the Pizza Kitchen.

Other businesses that opened in 2012 include Darlene's Bath and Body, a new Dunkin' Donuts on Continental Boulevard, Thai restaurant Sweet Ginger, Chinese and Japanese restaurant Pacific Fusion, Crossfit Earned, and more.

There's been some business closure – notably Olympic Video, Perfect Balance Preschool and Out of the Woods Cafe – but there's no question, Merrimack's business community has begun some regrowth that appears bound to continue into 2013.

Catch up on our other stories of the year:

5. Recall on Tainted Steroids has Far Reaching Effects

6. Teacher Awarded for Leadership in Science

7. Building a Sense of Community

8. Gone too soon

9. Jehovah's Witnesses Get OK to Build