People say that the news cycle is now 24/7, but in the business environment, that is nothing new. Whether it was a start-up venture serving customers face-to-face, providing services throughout the world or building out on those early dreams, the business landscape was ever-changing in 2025.

Wilton Mall, Clifton Park Center purchased with eyes on improvement

Timing is everything — for developer Faraz Khan, that included the finalized purchase of Clifton Park Center and Mall in early 2023 along with the purchase of Wilton Mall in March.

Wilton Mall Development LLC purchased the 100-acre property for $25 million, according to Khan, the mall’s managing partner. The Clifton Park Center purchase took longer, leading to the seemingly close purchase dates.

After several renovations and moves by Khan in Clifton Park, his focus is on the Wilton Mall location.

“You need to have the stores and brands that people want to go to, and if you don’t, if you’re a mall that has a number of antiquated brands and the place looks a bit run down and depressing, you’re not going to want to go there,” he said. “But bring in the right mix, some restaurants, a little bit of entertainment and create a nicer experience, I think is what people want and that’s what brings people back in.”

Cappie’s Drive-In sold, now plans to redevelop stalled

A popular summer spot restaurant and ice cream business since 1965, Cappie’s Drive-In was sold and reopened for one more spectacular summer before closing once more, with an eye on redevelopment.

Family members Donna and Craig Durinick purchased Cappie’s in 1997 from John and Terry DiCaprio, who founded it in 1965. They subsequently sold it in 2024 to interested patrons.

Purchased by RJ Jones and Rebekah Deuel-Jones of Broadalbin, plans for the property at 265 state Highway 67 included the addition of a 20,000-square-foot miniature golf course, a newly constructed 6,800-square-foot restaurant and three lodges with four units each on the 6.6-acre site.

To date, plans have not moved forward by the Town of Amsterdam.

Bass Pro Shops opens in Clifton Park

The Capital Region may not have seen a larger red carpet or a business open with as much fanfare as the 77,000-square-foot Bass Pro Shops at 400 Clifton Park Center Road in Clifton Park in late July.

Thousands of customers, newcomers, outdoors enthusiasts and more filled the Clifton Park parking lot for the grand opening event under general manager Brian Lalone.

An upstate product, Lalone spent 27 years in retail before being reeled in by the lure of the Bass Pro Shops team.

“To be able to come and work for a company that aligns with my passion for the outdoors, it was a no-brainer and so I’m super excited to be here,” Lalone said during a media tour prior to the grand opening.

Customers were greeted with outdoors experts in each department, part of a rigorous hiring process. Hand-painted murals representing the........

© The Leader Herald