Ruben’s is about to be back on the water, folks.
The long-awaited return of the 70-year fixture on the Tombigbee is finally in motion. Frank Loftis has partnered with TBT Butcher Shop owner Artie Sutherland to bring the seafood and steakhouse back online after its doors closed last August. While it’s been quiet since Loftis first announced plans to reopen, Sutherland, who recently rebranded his TBT locations in West Point and Columbus as Deep South Market Meats and Seafood, is ready to breathe new life into the Columbus landmark.
“I told Frank we could call it anything, but folks would always call it Ruben’s,” Sutherland said. “… There’s no point changing what’s already successful. This is Ruben’s. We aren’t going to try to reinvent the wheel.”
Sutherland is eyeing a July 1 opening, though he noted the timeline depends on health department and city inspections.
According to the Secretary of State’s business page, both Dean and Frank Loftis of Ruben’s On the River LLC and Sutherland of Shrimp Pimp LLC formalized their partnership in late March.
The building is getting several upgrades, including a brand-new commercial kitchen. Once open, Sutherland said they will originally offer just lunch, mimicking the menu of his West Point location. It will offer hamburgers, po-boys, shrimp, royal reds, gumbo and more.
To help him build a customer-focused staff, he said he’s starting the reopening process little by little. Eventually, he’ll expand to the Ruben’s dinner menu we all know and love, including the beloved salad bar. Future plans even include a dock for the boating crowd to pull up for dinner.
For Sutherland, a 1992 Mississippi State grad, this venture is personal. He spent many date nights at the very restaurant he plans to restore.
“I just hope people will be patient, because we’re coming,” he said. “… There’s too much nostalgia to leave Ruben’s behind.”
Sutherland also added that the bar above Ruben’s will not reopen as a bar, rather a private function room available for rent. As for his Starkville location that closed earlier this year, he is still on the market for a place to reopen.
Moving out toward Caledonia, we have another option for getting your hair done.
Melissa James opened the Shearin’ Shed this month at 2404 Dale Road. James boasts more than 30 years of experience cutting hair.
The Shearin’ Shed offers men’s, women’s and children’s haircuts 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. In addition to regular haircuts, James offers detangling and dematting services for clients who have been bedridden or suffered from severe depression.
“I’m just trying to make a living and help people,” James said. “I’m not out here trying to get rich. Customer service has always been a priority for me.”
Also in Caledonia, we’ve got some dough baking.
Jennifer Felan with The Everlasting Loaf started sourdough pick-up in late April at 9461 Wolfe Road. Felan, who is also a full-time registered oncology nurse, sells various types of sourdough, including jalapeno and cheese, garlic and onion, olive and rosemary and more. In addition to loaves, she sells sourdough bagels, muffins and oatmeal cookie sandwiches.
“I started making it for my family and posting pictures, and people started buying it,” Felan said. “It quickly grew too big for my home, so when my building became available, I just started looking into purchasing and starting a business and here we are.”
Open Friday noon to 6 p.m., you can place orders with her for pick up or drop by and see what’s available.
On the other side of Columbus, a new boutique is opening soon.
The Threaded Pearl, a women’s boutique specializing in custom embroidery clothing, announced on social media they are opening a storefront.
Right next door to Piggly Wiggly in New Hope, The Threaded Pearl will open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at 3612 New Hope Road.
“First, I want to say thanks so much for all your support of my small business over the years,” owner Amanda Drish posted online. “It is truly appreciated and has allowed me to come this far.”
I tried to reach out to Drish, but I did not hear back by press time on Wednesday.
Heading over to Starkville, the MSU students are about to move out for the summer and a new company is hoping to help with the process.
Bulldog Student Moving and Storage, a Pontotoc-based company, is expanding its footprint to Starkville. They’re offering a full-service experience for students: they’ll pick up your dorm gear, store it for the summer and bring it back when the next semester starts.
They even buy used dorm furniture, fridges, and TVs. Incoming freshmen can even ship items directly to them to be held until move-in day. If you’ve got questions, give them a shout at 662-297-6444.
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
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 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
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 35 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
