There’s a new kid on the block in downtown Starkville.
Magnolia Social, located inside the historic Hotel Chester at 111 N. Jackson St. will officially open its doors next Tuesday.
Owners Ellen and William Rogers are both excited to serve customers in the newly renovated restaurant.
“We’re thrilled and we have everything done,” Ellen said. “We’ve done full renovations. It just looks completely different. … We’ve made some really cool areas for people to dine and we have a stage for live music too.”
In addition to completely remodeling the former Hotel Chester dining area, the couple will also start renovations on the former Beer Garden. Hopefully by spring, The Magnolia Social Courtyard will have its grand opening offering cornhole, beer and camaraderie for folks to enjoy the warmer months.
Magnolia Social will be open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. By November, they will also open for Sunday brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The menu has something for everyone, including steaks, salmon, fried green tomatoes, wings and more. Folks can also choose from craft cocktails, craft beers and wine.
“There’s something for everybody,” Ellen said. “My experience and my husband’s come from 15 years each of fine dining. We like to plate that way but it is not a fine dining price point. We have a lot of care in how we plate and garnish and we take a lot of care in it. …We’re just really excited to be here. Our staff has done a really great job. We’re real proud of them.”
Be sure to check out the new local restaurant next week.
Moving to Columbus, the new children’s clothing store is open for business.
Kid’s Cavern Clothing Company opened at the end of September in the former Rae’s Jewelry building at 110 Fifth St. S.
Be sure to check out the new boutique Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Also in Columbus, Replays Gameware Movies and More officially closed. The second-hand movie and video game store closed in late August after nearly 15 years of business in Columbus.
However, a new business has already opened at its location at 1906 Hwy. 45.
45 Tobacco and Vape opened last week. The vape, tobacco and phone case store is open every day 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Moving to West Point, we have a new scrub shop in the Mossy Oak shopping center.
Couple Cantise and Carl Carter opened Cognition T’s, Scrubs & More on Friday at 5771 Hwy. 45 Alt. S.
The new shop has custom t-shirts, nursing scrubs, stethoscopes, lab coats, jackets, nursing shoes, work boots and more. Each item can also be personalized, embroidered or monogrammed.
“It’s a one-stop shop,” Cantise said. “…There’s a big need for this in West Point. I’m a nurse, so I know there’s especially a need for scrubs. We’ve had to travel to Tupelo, Columbus or Starkville.”
For the rest of the month, medical professionals and police officers will receive a 10 percent off discount on one item as a grand opening special. Already, Cantise said business has been booming with nurses coming from various urgent cares and medical clinics in the area.
“It just took off,” she said.
Check out the new store Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The West Point news just keeps growing. Plum Creek Environmental, a manufacturer and distributor of waste and recycling containers and equipment, is going to have a $3 million expansion that will result in 50 more jobs for the area.
Plum Creek was founded in Columbus in 2007 and expanded in 2016 when the company moved to a 60,000 square foot facility in West Point.
According to the Golden Triangle LINK’s press release, Plum Creek currently has more than 80 employees and intends to add 50 more by the end of this year.
“We also intend to add new product lines in the near future,” Plum Creek Environmental President Jim Wamble said in a press release. “Our local partnership with East Mississippi Community College has been tremendous in supplying a steady stream of trained welders. We’re looking forward to long-term success in West Point, Mississippi.”
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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