After nearly a decade, Farmstead Restaurant has officially closed.

The home-style restaurant at 142 S. McCrary Road announced its closure on social media earlier this week. Though some area businesses and big box retailers announced closures over the past year due to COVID-19, that was not the case for owners Sandra and Paul Reeves.

“Our customer numbers have been fantastic, even better than pre-COVID,” Sandra said. “… We are working with a low number of staff, and the ones that have been faithful have become burned out.”

Some employees have also been forced to take leave to tend to aging and sick parents, she added. Unfortunately, rehiring and retraining an entirely new staff just wasn’t in the cards for the Farmstead Restaurant.

Though the doors have closed, Sandra is hopeful that someone out there will help carry on the Farmstead name.

“We would love to see it reopening under new management one day soon,” Sandra said. “We would love to lease all the equipment and contents of the building, and the property to a capable restaurateur that would carry on the Farmstead tradition.”

Wednesday was the last day for the Reeves’ family restaurant. But with a slew of faithful customers and clientele, let’s hope that an entrepreneur in the area reopens a Columbus favorite.

Moving toward Highway 69, you may have noticed the fair is back in town.

Amusement Attractions, the traveling fair company, is launching a couple of new rides for Columbus folks this year. Gate admission is $3, and for $25 you can ride all the rides you want and receive food and game credits.

Be sure to check out the fair at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 3 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The fair will be in town through May 8.

Also in Columbus, we have another snowball stand (you can never have too many, I swear).

Magnolia Snow Shaved Ice, 60 Brickerton, held its grand opening earlier this month.
You can’t miss ‘em near the Brickerton Plaza. You’ll see a line forming by the bright, yellow trailer.

Be sure to support another summer sweet spot Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

We are off to Starkville for news that will make you smile.

It looks like the former Ruby Tuesday is vacant no more.

Or should I say, Ruby Toothday. I’m sorry.

People’s Dental, which is now located at 1016 Louisville St., announced its new location in the former eatery at 110 Highway 12.

Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send tips to [email protected].