By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Here is a recap of the Top Ten business stories in Kosciusko County for 2023, in no particular order.

Warsaw Hardee’s Permanently Closes

In late February, Warsaw’s Hardee’s restaurant, near the Lake Village Shopping Center on the east side of the city, unexpectedly closed. A reason for the closure was never able to be determined.

Open House Held For Warsaw Schools’ Cosmetology Program

Warsaw Area Career Center’s Cosmetology School opened to the public in 2023. The salon offers services such as haircuts, perms, color, highlights, balayage, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and scalp massages.

L.I.T.E. Recovery Café Celebrates Grand Opening With Ribbon Cutting

Living in Transition Effectively celebrated the opening of a women’s recovery home and recovery café in Milford in 2023. L.I.T.E. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and resources for former inmates as they reintegrate into society after incarceration. The café is a community focused on helping members recover through Recovery Circles, meals, classes and events.

Salvatori’s Officially Opens In Warsaw

Papa Vino’s Gives Back At Grand Opening Ceremony In Warsaw

Not one, but two Italian restaurants opened in Warsaw in 2023. Salvatori’s Authentic Italian Eatery, located on the east side of Warsaw near the Woodland Plaza shopping center, opened in mid-May. Papa Vino’s Italian Kitchen, located on the west side of Warsaw near the Warsaw Commons shopping center, opened in July.

New pOpshelf Store Opens In Warsaw

A pOpshelf store near the Warsaw Commons shopping center opened this year. pOpshelf PR states the store provides “a fun, affordable and stress-free shopping experience where customers can find on-trend seasonal and home décor, health and beauty must-haves, home cleaning supplies, party goods, and entertaining needs.”

Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice Merges With Stillwater Hospice

Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice fully merged with Stillwater Hospice this year and began merging effective March 1. Both organizations are nonprofit and community-based, providing specialized palliative, hospice and grief support services.

Warsaw’s LSC Communications Plant Closes

Warsaw’s LSC Communications plant on Old Road 30 closed in September, with more than 500 workers affected. Shrinking demand for long-run printed catalogs and magazines was the reason for the closure.

New DG Market In Silver Lake Opens

Dollar General opened a DG Market location in Silver Lake in September 2023, with the store featuring an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. The store’s format “aims to provide the Silver Lake community with closer access to fresh and healthier foods and a convenient location to purchase items they want and need at everyday locations.”

Closure Of All Penguin Point Locations

All Penguin Point locations were closed in early November, including Warsaw’s three restaurants. The Penguin Point franchise began in the 1950s and was well-known for their tenderloin and Wally sandwiches, chicken, and crinkle-cut French fries.

Opening Of Mentor Media

Mentor Media opened in Warsaw’s Tech Park in November. The global company offers supply chain solutions for manufacturers, including sterilizing, packaging and warehousing.