A fast-food restaurant in Columbus is closed, for now.
Jimmy John’s, 1902 Hwy. 45, has ceased operations. The Jimmy John’s sign has been removed, and the windows have been blocked with brown paper.
Carolyn Brownson, who owns the local franchise with her husband Pat Brownson, told The Dispatch in an email the couple is looking for a different site in Columbus to build and relocate.
Meanwhile, in Starkville, it’s time to TASTE the long-awaited restaurant.
TASTE, on Lincoln Green Road at the former Veranda location, officially opens today.
Michael McIntosh, restaurant manager, is hoping to bring a new vibe and new concept to the area.
“We believe in what we’re doing,” McIntosh said. “We believe that what we’re doing in this building will set the standard. It’s our job to be the best. … We’re coming to an area where our style of service, cuisine and cocktails aren’t really a part of Starkville. But people want something different and unique. We want to be the spot where everyone wishes to be.”
Though the menu will change often, TASTE will offer locally sourced ingredients for fresh, made-from-scratch meals including roasted salmon, red fish, truffle mac and cheese, salads, flatbreads and more.
The former red-brick building has been revitalized with white paint and black awnings. The interior also received quite an upgrade, including a cook-in bar that allows customers to drink and eat while chefs prepare.
Owner Craig Fant has filled his team with specialists from the Florida area, including McIntosh, Chef Jeff Thornsberry and Corey Jernigan, the master behind all the cocktails.
Brand strategist Ben Fant added though TASTE offers a new environment for Starkville, it’s a versatile place that can meet anyone’s needs, whether it’s for a special date night or an end-of-the-day nightcap.
“It’s a restaurant, and we try not to get too funky with it,” Fant said. “It’s just a restaurant but it happens to be one of the better ones in Northeast Mississippi. We’re just trying to bring some of these flavors and some of these styles these guys have to Starkville.”
Also in Starkville, a local veterinarian is expanding its previously mobile clinic.
Twelve Oaks Veterinary Services, now located at 105 C Martin Luther King Drive, is an equine and small animal clinic. Before securing an office, the mobile vet clinic serviced animals all over the Golden Triangle.
Owner and head veterinarian Blair Snively first opened in Starkville in 2018. With the new office, Snively said, Twelve Oaks will start offering boarding, grooming, in-office visits and more.
Snively added, having a “home base” will help the clinic serve more clients and have a more flexible schedule.
Twelve Oaks is opening its new office in the coming weeks.
Stay up to date with Twelve Oaks on social media for more updates.
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send tips to [email protected].
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