By: Robert J. Terry

Last week’s list of the five most-read business stories by Daily Record staffers was topped by the latest twist in the Cafe Hon contretemps. Also cracking the list was a local reverberation of the auto industry’s troubles in Detroit, and the latest push to get Maryland’s horse racing industry on the right track.

1. Cafe Hon’s Whiting apologizes for ‘hon’ trademark controversy
Denise Whiting did not apologize for getting a trademark on the word “hon,” and did not say she planned to drop the legal protection she has on the well-known Baltimore term of endearment, Ben Mook reported. Instead, she said she was sorry for comments she made to the media that led to confusion that the trademark would limit people’s right to use the term in conversation.

2. Baltimore Travel Plaza bus terminal could become conference center
After years of declining business despite its proximity to Interstate 95, the multi-bay bus terminal at the Baltimore Travel Plaza will close for good, according to the story by Melody Simmons.

3. Bob Davidson Ford Lincoln to absorb Koons Lincoln Mercury
“Ford has had an initiative to have less locations and hold the ones that will remain to a higher level of expectations than they have in the past,” Bruce Schindler, president of Parkville-based Bob Davidson Ford, told Rachel Bernstein in her story.

4. Fledgling Fells Point retail row hopes for Apple boost
Near the foot of Broadway in Fells Point, a slice of high-tech chic has surfaced, Melody Simmons writes. Capitolmac, an independent Apple computer store, is selling dozens of iPads, iMacs and most other products made by the company inside a charming, narrow brick row house.

5. Maryland Racing Commission pushes for plan to save horse industry
Maryland’s horse racing industry says it has to figure out a long-term plan to save itself by mid-February, or it will perish, reports Rachel Bernstein. “We have one year before we go to the electric chair,” said commission board member John B. Franzone.