Did you get everything you wished for this Christmas?
Apparently not - at least not if you're one of several who voted in the News Tribune's latest poll.
In the spirit of the holiday, we asked community members to weigh in on what business they'd most like to see come to Jefferson City.
And, without fail, Jefferson City keeps asking for the elusive Olive Garden, just like Ralphie Parker couldn't give up on that Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock and this thing which tells time. ("You'll shoot your eye out, kid.")
That's right. Out of a small selection of the national retail and restaurant chains we hear Capital City residents dream about consistently - Five Guys, QuikTrip, Michael's, Trader Joe's and Dunkin' Donuts were also contenders - Jefferson City is unwavering in its resolve to one day welcome an Olive Garden restaurant, making it the BizBeat "people's choice" two years in a row.
While it's been rumored for years, there's still no indication the Italian restaurant chain has any sights set on Jefferson City. However, maybe someday, if we're really good - if we stay out of back-alley fights and keep away from frozen flagpoles - we'll find a surprise basket of breadsticks wrapped up behind the desk.
(Seriously, if you're not getting these "A Christmas Story" references, turn on the TV. The movie's probably on TBS right now.)
There's always next Christmas.
This Christmas wish list isn't all fun and games, though.
As we did a year ago, the News Tribune asked the leaders of Jefferson City's various business associations to share their top "wish list" items for the area they represent.
As it turns out, this year they left specific business developments off their lists to focus on top-line items that would strengthen their ends of the community.
Downtown: Indoor playground
"It is hard to think of something we wish we had downtown because there are so many shops already - clothes, shoes, toys, coffee, drinks, food! I think it would be great to have a place for indoor activities for kids - well, and adults - like an indoor playground, where they could climb and slide and be crazy! Or maybe a yoga studio that offers lunch hour classes." - Crystal Tellman, Downtown Association president
East side: New elementary school
"The one thing we've needed on the east side for many years is a new elementary school. East Elementary is a wonderful school with great faculty and staff but is also very overcrowded. We've been talking about a new school on east side for 30 years and even have the ground purchased. As the time is right for a new school, it would also serve as a wonderful accompaniment to the many redeveloped and restored homes in the area. We have a fabulous historic east side that continues to grow, and that growth means more families, more children and a strong, new elementary school would be top on our wish list." - Donna Deetz, East Side Business Association board member
Old Munichburg: Redeveloped Mulberry Street property
"This year, I wish for a reuse of the Mulberry Street property - either a park with flood zone-appropriate stationary park equipment, or an outdoor amphitheater/open-air venue for entertainment, performances or festivals. Developing this gathering space will provide a needed location for community events and celebrations within the heart of the neighborhood. Providing an area for people to come together is essential for building a sense of community among our neighbors." - Becky Bocklage, Old Munichburg Association president
Jefferson City: Apprecation for what we already have
"The mayor's wishes for Jefferson City are for renovation and revitalization of the 'gifts' our community already has, which include the river and the prison. In 2017, the Capitol Avenue goals for acquisition and renewal of dilapidated properties are at the top of my list. And we are closing in on private fundraising to reach the goal of a bridge to the riverfront - imagine the discovery for all who visit our Capitol every year! And we'll enjoy the gift of the brand new Lafayette interchange directly to MSP, and already anticipating who will be the next performer for the 'Inside the Walls' prison concert on July 1, 2017. And, while we're at it, let's wish for another record-breaking attendance year for tours at the Historic Prison! Most of all, I wish for a happy, healthy new year for all of #JCMO!" - Mayor Carrie Tergin