For Kirk Hutchinson, there’s a lot of power in one’s passion.
In less than six months, Hutchinson has transformed his hobby to a full-scale restaurant and bakery. Starkvillians prepare for our newest culinary addition: Power of the Almond. The restaurant and bakery will open at 60 Technology Blvd. in Research Park, replacing the outgoing Park Cafe that opened in 2019. Power of the Almond will offer customers diabetic-friendly “sweets” and keto-friendly meals.
“Struggling with diabetes myself, I always found it cumbersome to find quality products in stores that were diabetic friendly,” Hutchinson said. “Many don’t know it, but most diet companies market their products as sugar free but use these cheap sugar substitutes that actually cause an insulin response for diabetics and keto dieters. … I said, ‘Why not just make your own desserts and meals at home and see if people will buy them?’ And boy did they!”
Power of the Almond launched online, and Hutchinson sold nearly $3,000 of baked goods catering to residents with diabetes and celiac disease.
He plans to open the bakery on March 1 and the restaurant, located in the same building, on April 1. Power of the Almond will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Power of the Almond will offer gluten-free flatbreads made with almond flour, chicken, bacon and ranch flatbreads, salads, rotating soups and blue plate specials.
The restaurant will refrain from using any sugar or gluten.
“We take allergies and dietary needs seriously and want people to know they can come out to eat without worrying, and have dessert that tastes like the real thing but with no real sugar added.
Keep up to date with Power of the Almond on its Facebook page and be sure to try Starkville’s new spot once it’s open. Hutchinson said he can’t wait to share these healthy alternative lunch plates and baked goods, so be sure to stop by.
Starkville’s restaurant gains continue with Wing Express Cafe preparing for its opening at 809 Hwy. 12.
The new wing joint will open by next month at the former Huddle House property, which has been on the market for the last couple years.
Li Chen, Wing Express Deli owner, said this is the second location in Mississippi, the first one in Tupelo.
Once open, you can enjoy wings, salads, subs, gyros, burgers and seafood Monday through Thursday 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Moving to Columbus, a new store is popping up. Literally.
Columbus native Karmen Tucker hopes to open the Balloon Cartel by late spring at 515 Main St., directly across the street from The Dispatch.
Tucker first started her event design business Kreating with Karmen in 2018. However, as we’ve all learned in 2020, we have to adapt. Throughout COVID-19, Tucker’s event business struggled. Thus, the Balloon Cartel was born. Tucker said she delivers balloons in a “special way.” Customers can choose from balloon design, helium balloons, personalized balloons, balloon bouquets, balloon delivery and more.
“We are committed to serving our community in a positive way and what better way than balloons,” Tucker said. “There’s something special in the air.”
If you’re interested in checking out balloon arrangements or for more upcoming events, reach out to Tucker at 662-386-3305 or check out ballooncartel.com
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