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While cooling inflation dominated headlines, there was lots of other good business news that flew under the radar this year. Here are a few of the biggest wins that may have been buried in your inbox:
Chili’s absolutely crushed. Unlike the motley crew of restaurant chains that declared bankruptcy, the inventor of the Triple Dipper had a banner year. Its parent company reported strong Q3 earnings fueled by promotions and deals that people love to love, like the Big Smasher (a Big Mac competitor) and $6 margaritas.
Robotaxis did…well? Despite how easy they are to hate, robotaxis had a year marked by love. Driverless taxi-maker Waymo opened its service in San Francisco to a 300,000-person waiting list and announced plans to expand to Miami.
Barnes & Noble had a resurgence. The place you met your math tutor in high school opened 60 new locations this year as its new strategy—operating like an indie bookstore, not a massive chain—continues to pay off.
Beers won the year. Guinness, Michelob Ultra, and Athletic Brewing came out from behind the bar and found a way into our hearts, apparently. Guinness sales increased, Michelob Ultra pushed ahead of Bud Light to take its spot as the No. 2 beer in the country (behind Modelo Especial), and nonalcoholic brand Athletic Brewing reeled in a valuation of $800 million.—CC
Morning Brew delivers quick and insightful updates about the business world every day of the week from Wall St. to Silicon Valley.
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