Columbus is getting a juice and smoothie bar.
Justin Mitchener confirmed to The Dispatch on Wednesday that “Juva” will open near the corner of Old Aberdeen Road and 18th Avenue early next year. It will be housed in the empty 1,600 square foot building that formerly housed a check cashing business behind Walgreens on Highway 45 North. Extensive remodeling inside and out will take place at the location through the end of the year. Work should begin next month.
“Juva” — the name is inspired by the word “rejuvenate” — offers smoothies made with real fruit and juices made with real vegetables the moment you order them, Mitchener said. The business mission, according to the “Juva” website, is to “become the world’s largest juice and smoothie bar by delighting every customer with delicious/healthy products and an exceptional experience that makes them want to tell their friends about us.”
Mitchener, a Starkville native, opened the first “Juva” in his hometown on Highway 12 East in early 2013. A second location opened on Mississippi State’s campus, a third location then opened in Tupelo and a fourth location is slated to open inside the Tupelo hospital.
The Columbus location at 502 18th Ave. will be the fifth “Juva.” It will employ between 10 and 15 people.
Where Old Aberdeen Road and 18th Avenue meet is about to get crowded. Earlier this month we reported that a 13,000 square foot commercial building is going to built there. That building will house an Ulta Beauty and Mattress Firm.
Now, two quick items.
In July we reported that Ceco Building Systems had plans to move out of its Highway 45 North facility, which is nearly 50 years old. Ceco officials said they intended to sell the spot and move into a new one. At the time, Ceco officials were looking for a location. We contacted a marketing coordinator with the company this week for an update.
“We are still looking for potential sites, but do not have a plan in place yet,” the coordinator said.
Also, Mama’s Sew Nifty has moved to 210 Lincoln Road in Columbus. The business, which is owned by Ashley Barksdale, offers customized clothes, decals and home decor, and also stocks thread, fabric and other items. The phone number is 662-327-6770. The website is www.mamasewnifty.com.
Lastly, I’m hearing that Jones Shoe Shop in Starkville has closed. Earlier this year, Coggins Shoe Shop, which had been operating since the late 1970s in Columbus, also closed.
When Tommy Coggins made the decision to wind it down and close his shop, he lamented the state of his profession, telling me, “It’s a throw-away society.” He was talking mainly about people’s mindset when it comes to shoes.
I spoke with Wesley Jones at the time. His family started Jones Shoe Shop in the 1940s. He told me then, “When you see a shoe repair business close, you won’t see another open.”
Browning on Business is a weekly column that runs each Thursday. We want your input. Send items and tips to [email protected] or [email protected].
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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