Archive

Dive into a collection of past posts and rediscover timeless content.

How Does a $25 Ticket Become a $90 Ticket?

Sep 24, 2026

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16 min read

How Does a $25 Ticket Become a $90 Ticket?

A concert ticket starts at $25 and somehow becomes $90. The seat didn't change. So where did the extra $65 go, and who is collecting it?

Penny Brief

How to Buy Everything Cheaper: 30 Smart Shopping Strategies

Sep 24, 2026

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17 min read

How to Buy Everything Cheaper: 30 Smart Shopping Strategies

The Price You See Is Only the Beginning

Penny Brief

Why Is Tudor’s Biscuit World So Popular in West Virginia?

Sep 24, 2026

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13 min read

Why Is Tudor’s Biscuit World So Popular in West Virginia?

Tudor’s Biscuit World is barely known outside Appalachia. Inside West Virginia, it’s a completely different story. So how did a regional biscuit chain build such fierce loyalty without becoming another generic national brand?

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How Did Common Man Roadside Turn a Gas Station Into a Restaurant?

Sep 23, 2026

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14 min read

How Did Common Man Roadside Turn a Gas Station Into a Restaurant?

The gas station used to be a place to fill your tank and leave. Common Man Roadside wants you to stay for the pizza, coffee, couches and fireplace. That says a lot about where the gas station business is headed.

Penny Brief

Sep 23, 2026

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12 min read

Why Did Stonyfield Open a $120 Cow Spa?

A yogurt company just opened a $120 cow spa in Maine. Sounds ridiculous. But behind the cows, massages and green juice is a surprisingly clever marketing strategy.

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Why Did Marden’s Move Its Giant Maine Store?

Sep 23, 2026

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13 min read

Why Did Marden’s Move Its Giant Maine Store?

Marden’s moved across the river, leaving behind a nearly 60-acre property that had locals guessing what would happen next. Now it’s been sold and the land may be more interesting than the store ever was.

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Why Is The Big Biscuit Expanding So Fast? The Breakfast Chain’s Secret

Sep 23, 2026

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13 min read

Why Is The Big Biscuit Expanding So Fast? The Breakfast Chain’s Secret

Restaurant chains are closing. The Big Biscuit is opening more. So why are people still willing to spend $15 on pancakes, eggs and coffee? The answer has less to do with breakfast than you might think.

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How Did Runza Build a Fast-Food Empire Without Going National?

Sep 23, 2026

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8 min read

How Did Runza Build a Fast-Food Empire Without Going National?

Everyone in Nebraska seems to know Runza. Almost nobody else does. So how did a regional fast-food chain built around a strange beef-and-cabbage sandwich turn into a local institution?

Penny Brief

Sep 22, 2026

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8 min read

Why Does Fareway Close on Sundays?

Fareway closes every store on Sunday. And somehow, the Iowa grocery chain keeps growing. Its secret may be that it refuses to compete with Walmart on Walmart’s terms.

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