It’s crazy to think how quickly time goes in Amarillo. Sure, I know it happens everywhere. You just look up, and here we are halfway through the year. Some things have changed, and some things have stayed the same.
The Halfway Mark of 2026 in Amarillo
We still have plenty of construction, it just changes location. More often than not, orange cones appear without warning, almost as if the city enjoys keeping drivers on their toes.
One thing that has changed is the number of businesses that have closed their doors already this year. While a few of the establishments bowed out as the old year ended, their impact still warrants reflection at the midway point.
Bittersweet Retirements and Changing Routines
It’s nice when an Amarillo business closes due to retirement. That is the storybook ending we want for everyone. Even when a well-deserved retirement is the cause, locals often wish a successor would step in to keep the tradition alive, though that rarely happens. It did this year with Canyon Popcorn Co.
The Sting of Unexpected Storefront Closures
There are some businesses that close, and we just find out about it when we see a sign on the door. Those really sting, especially if it’s a place we used to frequent a lot. Now here we are having to change our habits and find a new place.
We find a way to go on, and it may be a place that is brought up every now and again when we discuss the businesses we miss in Amarillo…