ST. CLOUD -- 2016 was a busy year for the food industry. Several big name businesses in the St. Cloud area closed their doors this year, including the Old Country Buffet, the Sauk Rapids Perkins, Spice and most notably the Ace Bar and Grill.

The Old Country Buffet closed back in March after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy so they can restructure debts and liabilities, strengthen its operations by closing certain weaker restaurants and recapitalize its business. Since it's closure St. Cloud Family Restaurant has opened in it's place.

The Sauk Rapids Perkins closed their doors in March as well, after 45 years in business. Owner Dave Hanson says with the construction on Golden Spike Road they lost some parking spaces and felt this would be best. He adds they do hope to find another location in Sauk Rapids in the future.

The Ace Bar and Grill closed in October after over 80-years in business. The bar was sold to a real estate investment company, who is negotiating with three different restaurant groups, to lease the building and re-open it as a bar and restaurant.

But when one door closes another opens, with the arrival of St. Cloud Family Restaurant, Waffle It, World Burger and of course the anticipated opening of Chic Fil-A.

However, it wasn't just new restaurants that made headlines in 2016. The re-opening of the Hayloft in Luxemburg and the Upper Deck in Sartell also got many residents excited.

We'll continue our look into our 2016 Year in Review tomorrow (Tuesday) with a look into some education news.

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