Rose Drug Closing; Work Happening on Former Ryan’s Building

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

WEST POINT

West Point Pharmacy Rose Drug Company at 595 Commerce St., will shut its doors for good as of January 25th. CVS will be taking over the location, as well as any prescriptions still on file there as of that time. “There’s a lot of factors with insurance that is squeezing independents out,” co-owner Connie Hudson said. “You just don’t make as much as you made. It’s really tough, and so it’s a fight. It’s a battle that we didn’t feel like we could continue.”

A new Pizza Hut has opened up shop at 7003 Hwy. 45 Alt. recently.

COLUMBUS

Amar Alammari, owner of Exotic Smokerz smoke shop at 1920 Hwy. 45 N., recently opened the Cozy Camel, an Arabian soul food truck parked right out front of his other business, this past Saturday. “People actually want to experience something that is not like southern soul food,” Alammari said. “A lot of people want to change. You know, we are in 2023. Let’s see what kind of food there is.”

While they plan to eventually be open with a consistent schedule (11am to 10 pm seven days a week), they are still working out the kinks. If you pass by and the lights are on, please give them a try!

The old Ryan’s restaurant building at 1201 Hwy. 45 N. is undergoing renovation; no new occupant has been announced yet.

STARKVILLE

Venezuelan cafe Arepas is open once again at 102 Rue Du Grande Fromage, following a brief hiatus to allow the staff and owners to spend time with their families.

ALDI has officially had its Grand Opening, having held a ribbon cutting this morning, complete with gift card giveaways and free goodie bags for customers.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2023-01-12/goings-on-with-grant-century-old-rose-drug-company-closing-in-west-point/

Starkville, Columbus Sales Tax Collections Looking Bright Year-Over-Year

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

Area sales tax projections and collections have improved since this time last year.

COLUMBUS

Columbus received ~$914K in sales tax diversions from the MS DoR, up ~$43K from December 2021. Sales tax collections are up about 10% so far this fiscal year, or about $300K. Mayor Gaskin said that “There’s a lot of interest in the city again, as far as business and retail is concerned,” Gaskin said. “I think, once you see completed works like at the Leigh Mall that the Hull Group is doing, I truly believe that our numbers are going to continue to go up.”

STARKVILLE

Starkville received ~$727 in sales tax diversions this month, compared to !$716 in December 2021. Collections are up by about 3.2%, or about $70K. Mayor Spruill commented that “The city of Starkville and all of her residents and visitors love to eat because we have great places to eat,” Spruill said. “We are fortunate that we have as many wonderful restaurants as we do, and we continue to have people who are interested in being out in the community and enjoying our local fare.”

Please click here for the nitty-gritty details at the original article: https://colinkrieger.com/2022/12/30/starkville-columbus-sales-tax-collections-looking-bright-year-over-year/

ALDI is Al Di Way Open

STARKVILLE, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

The new Aldi grocery store at 607 Hwy. 12 opened on Dec. 13 in the Triangle Crossing Shopping Center on the West end of town. They have their trademark fresh produce, imported treats, deli cheeses and meats, and more! This includes, of course, the Aisle of Shame — but they call it the ALDI Finds section, showcasing experimental items that rotate every week or so, as they see what people are looking to buy. Don’t forget a solid quarter for the shopping cart; you’ll need one.

Right next door to them, El Rodeo, a Mexican restaurant, will also be coming to the shopping center. No word yet on a date.

Meanwhile, Stages Solutions, a waste management company, is offering discounts to people who are working on fixing up their homes and businesses after the recent extended freeze. They have deals on dumpster rentals, cleaning services, gravel and dirt hauling and other hauling services for commercial and residential work: “We understand how frustrating busted pipes can be because we are dealing with it too,” owner Brittany Jade Stage says. “Let us make it a little easier for you.” Please contact them via their FB page: Stage’s Solutions LLC

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-12-29/goings-on-with-grant-aldi-now-open-in-starkville/

Mi Hacienda Owner Set to Open New Concept Eatery at old Logan’s Roadhouse Building

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

COLUMBUS

The old Logan’s Roadhouse building at 589 18th Ave. N. is well on its way to becoming Sol Y Luna (lit, “Sun and Moon”), which will serve authentic Mexican cuisine. Mi Hacienda owner Felipe Hernandez stated, “I think people from the Columbus community are going to love this place . . . Columbus needs a Mexican place but more authentic, more next level.” they plan to offer meals such as seafood, steaks, and chicken, and they hope to be open by Valentine’s Day.

The Green Magnolia Dispensary at 7432 Hwy. 45 N. near CAFB is in the final stages of preparing to open up shop. They are just waiting on final government inspections and plan to be ready to roll by late January.

Yard Party owner Devan Boatner recently increased their online presence with a Facebook page to supplement their brick & mortar shop: “I feel like we will reach more people and basically evolve,” she said. The business makes custom signage for parties for events such as birthday parties and more. she is also offering a deal that is valid through Christmas: all $75 signs are reduced to $50.

STARKVILLE

Gianni Therapeutic Massage is slated to open its doors Jan. 10 at 500 Russell St., just south of the Bulldog Burger Company. Owner Jaclyn Johnson said, “I worked under great people and I learned a lot from them. I just wanted to do something on my own. I’ve always wanted to own my own business.”

WEST POINT

Yard Party owner Devan Boatner recently increased their online presence with a Facebook page top supplement their brick & mortar shop: “I feel like we will reach more people and basically evolve,” she said. The business makes custom signage for parties for events such as birthday parties and more. she is also offering a deal that is valid through Christmas: all $75 signs are reduced to $50.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-12-22/goings-on-with-grant-sol-y-luna-to-open-in-old-logans-roadhouse-location/

All the News That’s Fit to Eat

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch, Grant McLaughlin, and the CAFB

STARKVILLE

Michele Fant, owner of Taste Italian Kitchen in Starkville, will soon open a new venue offering Greek style cuisine where Humble Taco used to be at 511 University Drive. Bluto’s Greek Tavern, is slated to open up shop on January 16th. “We wanted to bring some different options to this town than it already has,” Fant said. “So it’s a great opportunity to bring some Greek in a college town and do something fun and young and hip for the kids and adults.”

The Guadalajara Bar and Grill is looking to open in late January or early February at 211 Hwy. 12 in the former Pizza Hut building.

Project Manager Fernando Gomez said, “We’re always aiming for new opportunities and we saw a great one here.”

WEST POINT

Meanwhile, a new Pizza Hut is under construction at 7003 Hwy 45. Alt. N. It should be open next month.

COLUMBUS

Slim Chickens is nearing completion at 1923 Hwy 45 in between Jalisco and Mike’s Liquor. They are on track to finish construction in late January, and then all they’ll need is a City inspection, and they’ll be ready to go. The chain offers chicken tenders and other dishes in a manner similar to Raising Cane’s or Zaxby’s.

Also in Columbus, the Air Force Base has increased itsGreek-style focus on providing more food options on base. Hunt Brothers Pizza now has a section open in the Express.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-12-15/goings-on-with-grant-new-greek-restaurant-to-open-at-university-drive-in-starkville/

Banks and Food and More!

GOLDEN TRIANGLE REGION, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

COLUMBUS

The Bank of Commerce has announced that they will be opening up a new branch in Columbus next year. It will be located inside the former Cadence Bank at 3601 Bluecutt Road, near the Mi Toro Mexican restaurant. Demolition and renovation work has begun on the structure, which will feature two drive-thru lanes to better service its customers.

STARKVILLE

The Aldi grocery store in the Triangle Crossing Shopping Center at 607 Hwy. 12 is currently scheduled to open on December 15th, pending the arrival of some overdue electrical infrastructure components. They had originally planned to open sooner.

Poor House Homestead Market, 2241 Old Hwy 25 S., is under new management, and they plan to reopen with room for some new vendor types in addition to those they already have, including BBQ food offerings. No firm date has yet been announced. Luke Sellers says that “It’s honestly multiple dreams coming true at once,” he said.” I took a chance and called when it was available to lease, and it never felt more right from that moment on.”

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-12-08/goings-on-with-grant-new-bank-of-commerce-branch-to-open-on-bluecutt-road/

Elm Lake Golf Course Up for Sale; Sweet Peppers Ribbon Cutting

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Dispatch & Grant McLaughlin

The local golf course at Elm Lake is going up on the market. The grounds, course, and amenities at 1609 Taylor Thurston Road is now up for sale for $1,295,000. Interested parties can find information about the property at crexi.com.

Sweet Peppers Deli, located at 2017 Hwy. 45 N. recently reopened to serve plenty of happy customers after being closed for renovation for about a month. The venue now features a drive-thru on the North side of the building and a self-serve kiosk for those who prefer using that method. On Wednesday afternoon, Dec 7th, they will be holding a Grand Re-opening celebration and ribbon cutting at 4pm, which is open to the public. The Deli has been around for about a quarter of a century.

Tony and Jennifer Hannah have announced plans to open Barksdale Catfish Lakes at 130 Hillcrest Drive in East Columbus in the former Public Catfish Lakes location. “We want to keep the tradition going,” Mr. Hannah said. “This is a lake that a lot of kids have come to and had so many stories about, and we wanted to build on those stories and have new stories.” They will be open from March through November.

Columbus Inns and Suites at 506 Hwy. 45 N. is under new management and will be remodeled into an “extended stay” hotel courtesy of its new owners, Choice Hotels. The new name will be Suburban Studios, and they plan to remain open until further notice even as the renovations are going on.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-12-01/goings-on-with-grant-sweet-peppers-deli-now-reopened/

CSO Plans to Build Indoor Soccer Facility

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Columbus Soccer Organization

The Columbus Soccer Organization (a MS non-profit/501(3)(c)NP) has announced a capital campaign as part of their plan to build an indoor soccer facility here in town. The organization serves many towns in the Golden Triangle area, accepting donations of gently-used soccer equipment and distributing them to players in need; they also offer scholarships and engage in other charitable work.

They are looking for a location in Columbus proper to remodel to suit their purposes: An indoor soccer facility; the nearest existing venue of this kind is over 200 miles away in Cordova, TN. The facility would offer a place for players to learn, practice, and play soccer regardless of weather conditions, and there are also plans to allow it to be sued for other activities such as team parties, birthday celebrations, and other community events. This would also make it easier to facilitate play for youths with special needs.

In preparation for this, they have been conducting studies on matters such as feasibility, member interest, potential locations, for nearly two years. They are hoping to raise at least $250,000 in this initial funding push (10 months); this would be used to purchase a building and begin work on renovations.

Downtown Eyesore sells to Suburban Studios, Extensive Renovations Expected

COLUMBUS, MS

The Columbus Inn & Suites, located at 506 HWY 45 (next to the old Magnolia Bowl), has just sold to Choice Hotels. Signage on-site indicates that the dilapidated property will be remodeled and rebranded under the “Suburban Suites” banner, offering extended stay rooms. The timing couldn’t be better for Columbus, as news of the $2,000,000,0000 Aluminum Dynamics factory coming to the prairie and a possible development deal for a Columbus Redevelopment project at Burns Bottom both broke recently. Here’s a brief description about the hotel brand:

“Suburban Studios, a next generation extended stay product from Choice Hotels, offers developers access to the extended stay category through flexible conversion options. Suburban’s “Longer Stays Made Easy” philosophy provides value-conscious, long staying guests with friendly service and clean, spacious guestrooms equipped with in-room kitchens. Guests have access to free high-speed internet, 24/7 laundry facilities and bi-weekly housekeeping. There are more than 70 Suburban Extended Stay Hotels open, with 27 Suburban Studios in the pipeline.”

It’s Official!

COLUMBUS, MS – Courtesy of the Commercial Dispatch and Grant McLaughlin

We recently reported on a major cash incentive that many hoped would bring more business to our area; as of yesterday, it will be doing just that! The state passed a package on Wednesday that will help to bring $2.5 billion worth of projects to the GTR area. As a result, Steel Dynamics will be building a biocarbon facility beginning this year and plan to finish by the end of 2023, bringing in 40 permanent jobs. They also plan to construct a new flat-rolled aluminum mill starting in 2023; it should be completed in 2025, and bring in 700 new jobs to the area. This is in addition to the years’ worth of a planned 30 thousand construction jobs needed for these projects. Details can be found at the link below.

Please click here for the original article: https://cdispatch.com/news/2022-11-03/quarter-billion-dollar-incentive-package-passed-for-new-sdi-aluminum-biocarbon-projects/