As 2023 comes to a close, I think we could all use a few more places to relax and rejuvenate from the chaos of the holidays.
Well, I’m happy to report that a new couple in Starkville aims to make that happen in the spring of 2024.
Rich Lopez and his wife, Lisa, told me that after more than 20 years in the healthcare business as administrators, they decided to open their own healthcare clinic, Allora Modern Wellness.
“It just felt like the right idea. We wanted to bring something new and different and new to the area,” Lopez said.
After moving to Starkville earlier this year, Lopez said he and wife found the right location at 821 Hwy. 12 W., just across the street from Kroger. They signed a lease with the owner of the building in the fall and have been preparing to renovate ever since.
“We wanted to bring something new and different and helpful,” Lopez said. “I think those are really the big reasons why.”
Once complete, Allora will feature several spa areas for customers to enjoy. It will also include a cryotherapy chamber that uses cold temperatures to relieve muscle soreness and a red light therapy sauna, which uses red light waves and heat to treat inflammation.
“We’re about to start renovating,” Lopez said. “We’re finalizing the buildout plans, and we’re getting our sign made. We’ve got a logo. And we’re about to order equipment, too.”
Lopez hopes to begin the renovations in January, including building out spa and sauna rooms and the front office space. The spa is expected to open in March.
But the Lopezes aren’t the only ones opening a spa in Starkville next year.
True REST, a sensory deprivation pod spa located at 618 Hwy. 12 W. in the former Chalet Arts building, will now open in mid-January.
The pods feature an enclosed or semi-open tub with more than a foot of salt water. The density of the salt water will allow customers to easily float on top of the water.
Co-owner Dana Robertson said the spa was supposed to open this week, but there have been delays in obtaining the spa pods and finishing the final touches on her new space.
“We are getting so very close (to opening),” Robertson said. “The build-out itself, I have a real good feeling that it’s going to mostly be finished by New Year’s Day.”
Robertson expects to receive the pods by early January and open just a week later.
If spas aren’t your speed, maybe a new florist in Columbus will suit your fancy.
Angie Atkins, owner of Events Off Fifth, is opening a yet unnamed flower shop at 113 Fifth St. S. by Valentine’s Day.
Atkins said she began working to turn the backroom of Ali Kats, a recently opened women’s fashion boutique, into a floral shop since she and her partner, Ashli Gilliam, finished renovating the space in November.
“When Ashli decided she wanted to open up a boutique, we found this building, and I thought this might be the perfect time to have the boutique in the front and then have the floral shop in the back,” Atkins said. “It’s also been a dream of mine for a while to have a floral shop because I already do tons of floral designs for my other business.”
Atkins plans to add growing areas, shelves, new lighting and designs into the space beginning in January and hopes to finish before Valentine’s Day.
As far as the name, I guess we will all have to wait and see. Here is wishing Atkins luck at her new venture.
Finally, my friends, the new Zaxby’s location in West Point is now opening Jan. 15 at 5621 Hwy. 45 N. Alt.
West Point Building Inspector Jeremy Klutts said the company told him the buildout is mostly finished, with only a few minor items left for Dimension Construction to finish, plus installing kitchen equipment.
“They’re really just waiting on the kitchen equipment now before opening,” Klutts said.
Well, folks, that’s all for now. Make sure to check back next week for more goings on in business, and have a happy new year, everybody!
Dispatch reporter Grant McLaughlin writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send business tips to [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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