2011 in Review: Most-Viewed Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch Stories, Part 2

This weekend and next, we're closing out 2011 with a look at the most viewed stories of the year on Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch.

• Saturday:

• Sunday: Nos. 11-15

• Dec. 31: Nos. 6-10

• Jan. 1: Nos. 1-5

Find a favorite story missing from this list? Tell us about it by posting a comment to this article.

Thanks for a great year. We're looking forward to covering our communities in 2012.

What happened: Clayton restaurateur Kathleen Portman announced that her business—famous for its burgers—would stay open after an uptick in traffic. She had been prepared to close if her patron base didn't grow.
 
Why it matters: Businesses in St. Louis and beyond have struggled during the economic downturn. In , multiple retail vacancies attest to market challenges. regrouped after a slow period.



What happened: Patch contributor Natalia Motola profiled the Schmitz family, which operates , and in downtown Clayton.

Why it matters: Bocci and Coastal are among numerous eateries that have opened locally in the past several months. Others include and , both in Richmond Heights.



What happened: An unarmed robbery occurred Dec. 1 at a Commerce Bank in Clayton.

Why it matters: The suspect has since been who also may have robbed a second Clayton bank, in addition to facilities in two other St. Louis County cities.



What happened: A powerful February storm snapped numerous power poles along Big Bend Boulevard in Richmond Heights, downed trees and blew out windows at University Club Tower.

Why it matters: Investigators later identified straight-line winds as the culprit for the damage. It marked one of several damaging storms that happened this year in Missouri.



What happened: hotel in Richmond Heights opened for guests this August after and a .

Why it matters: The storied hotel has been popular for decades, featuring themed rooms, a giant stuffed bear and the Fox & Hounds Tavern. Work is ongoing at the site, which also lies in St. Louis City. There's no word yet on whether Vince Bommarito will relocate Tony's restaurant to the site.