Columbus folks are getting another cafe and deli within the next month.
Manager Summer Cutrer confirmed that Dark Oak Cafe and Deli will open at 1920 Hwy. 45 N., Suite A within the next two months.
That’s between Exotic Smokerz and Apothecary Green in Northgate Plaza.
“We are super excited to open up and let our community try everything we have to offer,” she said. “We will have the best halal menu in GTA along with lots of surprises coming soon after our grand opening.”
I checked out the menu, and there’s a ton of great options, including breakfast platters, omelets, bagels, waffles, crepes, coffee and tea, deli sandwiches, halal options, salads and more.
They’re currently accepting applications. If you’re job hunting, applications are available at Exotic Smokerz right next door to where the café will open.
Not far away, Gyro Guys food truck has opened at 1906 Hwy. 45 N., bringing New York City-style halal Mediterranean eats to town. They’ve got tons of options for New York City Halal Mediterranean food, including lamb, chicken, falafel, shawarma, kofta wraps, hot dogs, chicken wings and kebabs.
Just across the highway, Advance Auto Parts is on the move.
Currently located at 1825 Hwy. 45 in the Kroger shopping center, the auto parts store is scheduled to move and open at its new location this summer.
Rich Ellis, senior manager of communications at Advance Auto Parts, confirmed that the store is moving across the street to the former Rite Aid.
“The new location will be larger and enable the store to stock even more parts than presently to better serve DIY and Pro customers, as well as other Advance locations,” he wrote in an email. “Additionally, the new location will deliver an improved customer experience as it offers better visibility, access and parking.”
Founded in 1932, Advance operates more than 4,300 locations throughout the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
We’ve got more auto parts news: the old Advance Auto Parts in East Columbus at 245 Alabama St. has a new owner moving in. In 2024, Advance announced the company was closing more than 700 locations in 2025, one being the East Columbus location. After about a year of vacancy, there’s a new shop rolling into town.
According to Building Official Nathan Katona, RNR Tire Express submitted plans for a storefront and shop area.
I reached out to RNR but did not hear back by press time today. According to their website, RNR operates more than 180 locations throughout nearly 30 states. The national tire franchise was first opened in 2000 by Larry Sutton in Tampa, Florida. RNR is known as the “one stop shop” for tires, wheels and alignments.
Moving over to Starkville, a new place to get your next cup of coffee. Whole Bean Coffee Co. 113 C Dr. MLK Dr. W., is having its grand opening Friday.
The mobile coffee shop will open 6 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Get out here early, because the first 50 customers on Friday and Saturday will be entered to win a week of free lates. Owner Mallory Halfacre said the crew serves various coffee drinks, dirty Alanis, Red Bull refreshers, homemade muffins, bagels, toast and more.
“It’s been my dream to open up my own faith-based coffee place for a few years now,” Halfacre said. “I’m so excited to not only get to serve amazing coffee, but getting to serve others is a huge ministry opportunity.”
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it 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 24 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
