If you are looking for a story, walk into a bookstore.
Now, Friendly City Books, 118 Fifth St. S., has more than a typical story to tell. The small town bookstore that opened in the midst of a pandemic had to briefly close their doors this year. On Sept. 17, the store closed after a car accident caused extensive damage to the storefront. Just shy of its first anniversary in Columbus, Friendly City Books is gearing up for its reopening Nov. 27.
When owner Emily Liner had to close her doors, she saw an influx of support from the community. A family even held a lemonade stand and raised money to help the bookstore out. Since September, Friendly City Books has sold more than 600 books online to 36 different states. In addition, Liner said just over 100 people donated to the store’s GoFundMe.
“It’s really meant so much to know how many people we’ve already touched just by being open this short while,” Liner said. “I have just been so thankful for everyone who has reached out and pitched in to keep this bookstore going. It makes me really hopeful and lets me know Friendly City Books will be around in Columbus for a long while.”
When you walk back into the store, things may seem a little different. Liner decided to go through some unplanned renovations since the accident. The bookstore will now have a more open-layout and has rearranged the bookcases based on shoppers preferences and go-to genres.
Once FCB is open, you can peruse for stories Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 1-5 p.m.
Moving to Starkville, a local smokehouse has closed its doors.
Unfortunately, 1883 Smokehouse served its final dish in-house Oct. 31. Owner, Mark Welch, confirmed he closed the restaurant because he was losing money.
However, the 1883 mobile truck will continue serving the northeast Mississippi area.
“With the cost of the raw product going up a lot of percentages, it was easier for me to move to a food truck and not have the overhead so we could try to make some money,” Welch said.
1883 first opened in Sturgis and moved to Starkville in 2018. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Welch opened a food truck to try and serve more customers. The mobile truck menu will include its Texas fusion barbecue, pulled pork, smoked chicken, nachos, fried pickles, hamburgers, ribs, philly cheesesteak and more. Be sure to check out 1883’s website for food truck locations and times.
We’re hitting the third point of the triangle this week.
There’s a new barber in West Point. Damione Randle opened King Kutz in late October. King Kutz opened in downtown West Point at 26396 E. Main St.
You can check out Randle’s new barber shop Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
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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