Six years ago, Jahbu-Takodjou James started a gym membership with Anytime Fitness at 3918 Hwy. 45.
As of this month, James owns the gym. Under a new name, Fitness Time, the 24-hour gym will continue business as usual. James purchased the gym from former owners Shawn and Patti Berry. With the purchase, Fitness Time will switch from a franchise to a locally owned gym.
“I’m just so thankful they gave me this opportunity,” James said. “I’m really happy that Shawn and Patti gave me a chance, and I’ll never forget it.”
For James, not much has changed. It’s just business as usual. In the future, he plans to add a nursery for gym members. Folks can join for $300 ($25 a month) for a year or a month-to-month membership for $30 per month. He also offers a first responder and law enforcement discount for just $20 a month.
“Our style gym: we’re very family friendly,” James said. “We look out for each other. That’s who we are.”
Moving farther down Highway 45, Friendly City Mini Warehouse opened its fifth location at the intersection of Highway 45 and Gatlin Road this month.
The new spot offers climate-controlled and traditional storage units with uncovered RV and boat parking. There’s even a kiosk on-site where folks can rent various size units at the touch of a button. The Dispatch owns and operates FCMW, so if you’re more comfortable renting a unit in-person, you can stop by The Dispatch office on Main Street.
As an opening special, tenants will receive 50 percent off the first month’s rent until April 14.
“Even before we opened, we had about 10 percent of the units pre-leased,” FCMW manager Courtney Laury said. “We think this new property is going to serve a need for the Air Base and Caledonia area.”
Moving to Starkville, we have a care package service open for business.
Mississippi State University student Catherine North opened Bulldog Box Company LLC this month. North offers customizable care packages with local delivery throughout the city of Starkville.
“I’ve always loved creating care packages for friends that are also in college,” North said. “When I was younger, my brother was stationed overseas. I developed a love for creating these packages for my brother and his friends, so I decided to carry that over into my daily life.”
Customers can choose from more than 60 options to build a care package or they can purchase from the pre-designed packages geared toward college students and holiday boxes.
Check out bulldogboxcopmany.com for more information!
Also, Dolce Starkville is moving. The gelato shop closed its Main Street spot but will reopen by late May at 509 University Drive at the Grand Junction.
Owner Robbie Coblentz said in addition to serving gelato, the shop will start serving cheesecake, coffees and eventually artisan grilled cheese sandwiches. Keep an eye out for Dolce’s reopening!
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send tips to biz@cdispatch.com.
You can help your community
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 44 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
