Cheddars on Norman Drive will be opening Monday.

Every year, the Outback Riders show this community how generous they are. The group just won the best parade float in the Valdosta Christmas Parade, with hours of hard work spent on creating a scale model of Downtown Valdosta. And next Saturday, Dec. 18, the Riders will be back for the 18th annual Toy Ride.

If you’ve never participated and would like to get involved, this is the perfect time to do it. Motorcycle enthusiasts and hardcore bikers are all welcome as the group gathers to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to those without. Every rider must bring a toy, which they bring to Five Points shopping center for donation to the Salvation Army. Along with the Empty Stocking Fund, these two fundraisers are the primary means for families dependent on the Salvation Army to receive much needed and appreciated food and toys for their children.

The Outback Riders broke a record last year, with nearly 2,000 riders participating, and this year, they want even more. Even though the weather may be cold that day, think about how cold Christmas morning would be for children who wake up with nothing to look forward to.

So if you have a bike, or a friend with one, come join the Outback Riders Saturday. The starting point is in Lake Park Outlets and the ending point is Five Points in Valdosta. And if anyone has spare room on their ride for a passenger and an extra helmet, please let me know! I’ve never had a chance to participate and would love to.

This year has been tougher than most for all the area charities, so if you have anything to spare, now is the time to dig deep and give.

Business Roundup

Shoney’s closing caught a lot of people by surprise this week, including the employees. Hopefully other restaurants and businesses will hire these folks who are out of a job two weeks before Christmas through no fault of their own. The ones on Hill Avenue and Lake Park closed, as well as nine more throughout Florida and Georgia.

The Rite Aid closing was a little more expected but surprising nonetheless. The company closed the Rite Aid on North Ashley and is keeping the one on North Oak Street. open. I understand that there is going to be a big sale on merchandise in the store this week.

On the good side, Cheddars is opening officially tomorrow. It’s located next to WalMart on Norman Drive and I can’t say I’ve heard this much buzz about a restaurant in a long time. A lot of people around here have eaten at the one in Macon and other places, and are really looking forward to the opening.

Also open this past week is the new Mongo, Mongolian Fire Pit restaurant on North Ashley Street. They are in the building that was Southern Buffet for years, and judging from their parking lot, folks have already figured out it’s open.

I should have some news soon about Slap Daddy’s on Baytree, but nothing yet. And no word yet on whether the closing of 41 Feed Store is temporary or permanent.

Good news is that the closing of Pirate’s Bluff was only temporary and the restaurant at Five Points will reopen on Thursday.

Time is running out for buying Christmas trees, if you buy a real one. You can cut one down yourself at Hambrick Tree Farm or you can buy a one already cut for you at a number of places around town, from St. Augustine Road to Five Points to Patterson. Beautiful trees that need a home and give off that wonderful piney scent that fills your house with Christmas.

As we count down to Christmas and the New Year, let’s all hope that the year ends on a happy note and the new year is a more prosperous one for us all.

As usual, if there’s anything I’ve missed, please let me know!