After sitting vacant for two years, the former Tuesday Morning location in Starkville is finally getting a playful, new lease on life.
Starkville Playtopia, an indoor playground for children up to age 12, is set to open in the coming months. The new venture is led by owner Kelsey Anderson, alongside her husband Bryan, friend Kelsey Griggs, and a group of angel investors.
The idea began several years ago with daydreaming sessions between friends.
“Those casual conversations turned into brainstorming sessions, then into planning meetings and eventually into a full-scale effort to bring something new and exciting to the area,” Anderson said. “… Playtopia aims to be more than just a place to play. It’s a space built by local families for local families – one that will grow right along with the community it serves.”
That indoor facility will use more than 4,000 square feet of space for two separate play areas, a toddler area for those 3 years old and younger and a “big kid zone” with a ninja warrior course, multi-level jungle gym and more.
Anderson said the opening date isn’t set in stone due to uncertain manufacturing, shipping and installation times, but follow along on social media for updates for Playtopia of Starkville.
Moving from a kid’s playground to a fun pastime for adults: Hobie’s on Main Street has its new home. Hobie’s Tiki Dawgs and Drinks, 203 Maxwell St., is officially open. Check out the new spot for various drink and food specials, including the Mike Leach Dawg (rest in peace, pirate) with bacon, pineapple and jalapeños.
Hobie’s is open 4-8 p.m. Mondays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.
Moving over to Washington Street, we’ve also got a bakery open this week.
The Frosted Fork, 104 S. Washington St., Suite 3, held its soft opening last week, and it’s time for sweets. The New Hope bakery, Taylor Made, announced a Starkville location earlier this year. You can check out custom cookies, cakes, chicken salad, charcuterie boards, frozen casserole, pre-made cakes and more from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Moving over to Columbus, it’s been about four years since we talked about it, but it appears Jill Lehrkamp’s business venture is kicking off. The two-acre lot at 92 Alabama St., formerly the Columbus Carts and Clubs property, will have its food truck court grand opening Aug. 30.
“I want to build something we can all be proud of,” Lehrkamp posted online. “ I need your help to do that. I need you to support the food trucks that come to the area.”
She added that they’ll be at the property preparing for opening day, so feel free to stop by, say hello and show your support.
Financial news: Tupelo-based Renasant Bank has completed a merger with The First Bank. In April, Renasant announced though the merger was complete, full integration would be expected in early August, and we are starting to see those signs change from The First to Renasant.
Renasant is a more than 120-year-old institution with approximately $26 billion in assets and more than 280 banking locations across the southeast. The First, which was headquartered in Hattiesburg, operated more than 100 banks across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia. For those who banked with The First, check out updates and what you need to do next as a new Renasant customer. https://www.renasantbank.com/welcome
See y’all next week!
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 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
