We’re getting a little taste of the West Coast right here in the Golden Triangle.
Wolf Provisions, a new mobile food concept, is officially opening in the Columbus area. Zachary’s head chef Alex Centeno hopes to open his own brick-and-mortar restaurant eventually, but for now, he’s bringing folks a variety of pop-up concepts from his food trailer Wolf Provisions, including smash burgers, street dogs, barbecue plates, “Lobo’s Cali Cocina,” which features California burritos and Mexican street corn and many more.
“Our mission is to provide great real food from real fresh ingredients and bring something to Columbus they haven’t had before,” Centeno said. “I’m a California transplant and chef of 25 years. What I have in store for this town is amazing.”
The best way to keep up with Wolf Provisions is to follow them on Instagram @Wolfprovisions2026 for their latest locations, hours and daily menu options.
We’ve got a bit of food news in this area this week. I’ve seen a lot of chatter online about a Meridian-based Mediterranean restaurant opening a location in Columbus, but it looks like things are not 100% happening yet. I reached out to Elphasa Halal Mediterranean Cuisine, which opened about a year ago in Meridian, and I’m told it’s not official, but the restaurant folks will keep me updated. According to the city’s building office, Elphasa hasn’t filed any licenses or permits either. I did check out their menu, though, and they’ve got kebabs, falafel, beautiful salads, gyros and baba ganoush. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that things get confirmed soon so we can expand our local cultural culinary options.
Moving over to East Columbus, there’s a new grab-and-go spot to add to your morning routine. Lake & Vine Cafe, located at 720 N. Lehmberg Road, Suite 3, is officially open. It offers a variety of breakfast and lunch menu items, as well as a salad bar. You can select options ranging from biscuits, muffins and pancakes to baked potatoes, sandwiches and wraps. It is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Even more food news, Plattered LLC just announced its official launch this week. According to the Secretary of State’s office, Christopher Montez Hodges filed the paperwork back in May for the catering business. You can reach out to [email protected] for information on individual, half, or full-size platters for event catering.
“From savory entrees and specialty sides to desserts and refreshing beverages, every order is made with care, flavor, and presentation in mind,” a recent social media post read. “Whether you are planning a family gathering, office lunch, party, celebration or special event, Plattered is here to serve beautifully prepared food that brings people together.”
Heading toward downtown, local advertising agency the Neon Frog in Columbus announced it is moving just two doors down – “hopping” from 517 to 521 Main St.
“Still right here in our beloved downtown, just a new address and a whole lot of excitement for what’s next,” the company’s announcement post read. “Please pardon our progress as we work towards packing, moving, and settling in within the next couple weeks.”
In Starkville, we have one less furniture store to choose from. After opening in town about five years ago, Rock Bottom Furniture has officially closed. The discount furniture store at 115 Hwy. 12 moved its inventory to its Columbus location on Alabama Street.
Down in West Point, a local spa has also closed its doors. Lotts of Wellness, located at 5761 Hwy. 45 Alt. S., announced this week it is closing.
“To every client who trusted us, celebrated milestones with us, laughed with us, referred a friend or simply walked through our doors… thank you,” the owners shared online. “You helped make Lotts of Wellness so much more than a wellness studio. You made it feel like home.”
Finally, happy Fourth of July, folks! This year is an extra special one as we celebrate 250 years of American independence. It’s a great reminder of why our country was founded. Giving us the freedom to believe what we want, mostly do what we want and possess the ultimate ability to totally and completely disagree with our friends and neighbors while still moving forward at the end of the day. And, of course, a milestone celebration means fireworks.
If you are looking to stock up, Orbit Fireworks has several locations open from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. straight through the holiday: Columbus locations include 4005 Hwy. 45 N., 822 Alabama St., and 2892 MS-50 and Starkville at 1337 Hwy. 182 W. and 14278 Hwy. 182.
Whether you are looking for sparklers, roman candles or bottle rockets, I’ve always found that the best way to celebrate a new year and our country is playing with fire and hoping you don’t get burnt.
Be safe, have a happy Fourth, grab a hot dog and have a good time.
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
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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 34 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.






