Thursday, February 18, 2021
For here or to-go? Stillwater sees decline in restaurant retention
Ryan Novozinsky
Jack in the Box in Stillwater is permanently closed.
By Jared A’Latorre The City of Stillwater has recently had a surge of businesses coming and leav-
ing for many reasons. Jack in the Box is the most recent business to shut down, as reported by The O’Colly on Feb. 7. The O’Colly has reached out there Jack in the Box at their corporate office for comment, but so far, no answer. There have been other stores, such as Zaxby’s, and
the on-campus Jamba Juice that have closed down within the past year. Project Manager of the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Trenton Inselman said that Zaxby’s businesses in Stillwater were not the same as businesses as elsewhere. “The franchise owner owned multiple units across
Oklahoma and ran into some issues. They had to shed most of their franchise locations and only kept the highest performing stores.” Inselman said. “Other reasons could be corporate decisions closing newer stores that aren’t performing at the same rate as existing stores,” Inselman said. “In this case, it makes more sense for them to focus on the highly successful stores instead of the new stores that aren’t quite performing to their highest level.” Stillwater native and Oklahoma State student, Brodie Myers, still remembers Chipotle replaced a personal favorite, Goldies. “This fast-food Italian place, it had the best breadsticks in the world,” Myers said. “When that place closed down and Chipotle came in, I have not once set foot in Chipotle. Fazoli’s is my favorite restaurant on the planet.” When the Hall of Fame Book Trader closed down, Myers couldn’t believe it. As someone who didn’t go in just to buy books, but also OSU merchandise, losing this store was a surprise See To-go on pg. 2
Getting circled Gajewski highlights four young players raising eyebrows Freshman outfielder Scotland David By Sam Hutchens “Now here’s a guy who…” That is the start to what has become a catchphrase employed by Sunday Night Football analyst Chris Collinsworth. The broadcaster typically uses that phrase to highlight a football player. He tacks on something like, “...is an incredible pass protector” while simultaneously circling a lineman in yellow to accentuate their deft blocking on the previous play. Although he was not talking to millions of people while sitting next to Al Michaels, Cowgirl Softball coach Kenny Gajewski was in a similar position to the esteemed color commentator. When asked about some younger players on the team that could take a substantial leap forward this season, Gajewski was able to praise some younger players who have impressed in the offseason. “We’ve got a lot of kids who are pushing some older kids which is really healthy, Gajewski said.” He focused in on four young players who have displayed the potential to really impact the season
“Scotland David is from Florida,” Gajewski said. “Freaky athlete, maybe the fastest kid on our team. Tall in stature, left-handed hitter. More of a hitter but she does move her feet and she can move her feet and bunt some.” With her athletic background and highly-preferable left-handed stance, David is expected to be a reliable source of offense for the Cowgirls. “She’s going to be an offensive threat here for a long time,” Gajewski said.
Freshman outfielder Avery Hobson
Gajewski mentioned Hobson in the same breath as David and for good reason. “(Hobson is) an outfielder as well,” Gajewski said. “She is more of a move your feet, bunter kid. She may be the second or third fastest kid on our team. Both freshmen can play the same position and like David, Hobson possesses a deadly combination of speed and bunting ability. “Both of those kids are going to get at-bats,” Gajewski said.
Freshman pitcher/infielder Katelynn Carwhile See Getting on pg. 4
Joel Devick OSU coach Kenny Gajewski looks on during the Oklahoma State vs. Wichita State softball game.