Flint Area Businesses That We’re Sad to See Closed in 2012

Fire destroyed Dotty's Pet Center in Clio on April 29th. Police arrested two teenage boys, both 14, in connection with the blaze.

Another fire destroyed several business in Byron on October 1st. Janelle’s Restaurant, New Image Hair Salon, and Tower Hardware were all a total loss. Authorities suspect arson was the cause of the fire that started in a vacant apartment above the restaurant.

After 12 years of awesome bread sticks and fast Italian fare, owner Brent Skaggs decided that it was time for a change on Corunna Road. Fazoli's closed in March, and made way for a new burger concept restaurant that Skaggs hopes to eventually franchise. Freakin' Unbelievable Burgers opened in May, and has been turning heads ever since. The gourmet burger eatery was recognized as one of the 'Top New Burger Joints of 2012' by 'Burger Business' magazine.

46 people will lose their jobs as the Kmart on Dort Highway in Flint closes its doors for good. Sears Holdings, Kmart's parent company, announced in 2011 that it would close over 100 struggling stores, but the decision to shut down this location was not announced until late in 2012. The store opened in 1963.

Maxie's Food & Spirits circled the drain for many years, before closing for good in May. The bar & Grill at Torrey and Hill in Flint Township opened in 1987, and was known as Goodfellas for a couple of minutes before its final demise.

After several tumultuous years, a visit from Food Network's chef Robert Irvine, and $10,000 in improvements, owner Marina Bufalini threw in the towel, and closed Paliani's on December 31st. Many people criticized Bufalini for reaching out to the reality show 'Restaurant Impossible,' while others on the now-defunct eatery's Facebook page praised her for her bravery.