A new community spot is on its way.
Jill Lehrkamp purchased the former Carts and Club location on Alabama Street last year in hopes of revitalizing the East Columbus property.
By April, Lehrkamp hopes to corral local food trucks and vendors to fill the long-vacant location.
“I’m still very excited about the venture,” Lehrkamp said. “Our little town is in desperate need of things for young people to do. It has been for a long time. I’m looking forward to the possibility of seeing kids play, and about seeing friends and families sit and visit.”
Lehrkamp hopes The Columbus Food Truck Court and Market will fill a void that the COVID-19 pandemic created.
“The past two years have been hard on everyone,” she said. “I think what I’m most excited about is seeing the friendships that will grow from this project. … The kids this age now have spent the last two years at home, not socializing much at all. It’s affecting them greatly. They’re having anxiety issues, problems being around other people and stressing over things we didn’t have to stress over as teens. My goal is to have a place where people just want to come to hang out with one another.”
Her goal extends beyond that though. She intends to add a putt-putt golf course, batting cages and a playground area. For now, she’s cleaning up the property, fixing the parking lot, updating the restrooms and putting together seating and picnic areas. If you’re a food truck or market vendor, you can reach out to Lehrkamp at 662-549-1555 for more information.
Moving to Starkville, we have a couple new openings.
Chipotle finally has an opening date. The highly anticipated restaurant at 103 Hwy. 12, will officially open March 31. According to a Chipotle representative, the first 50 customers on opening day will receive free Chipotle merchandise. Once open, folks can try the new Mexican restaurant every day from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Also in Starkville, there’s a new boutique open.
Vace, a women’s clothing store, opened in February at 500 Russell St., Suite 30.
You can check out the new store Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 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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