I know a lot of folks kick off the new year with resolutions – upgrades, resets and lifestyle changes meant to set the tone for the months ahead. One shift I’ve noticed more and more among my peers is a move toward cleaner, sober lifestyles, even if just temporarily.
A local wine bar in Starkville is hoping to meet that need with a new menu offer.
L’uva Wine Bar, 509 University Drive, rang in the new year with an expanded menu of non-alcoholic wines and mocktails, giving Dry January participants and other sober folks more options at the table.
Managing Partner Robbie Coblentz wanted to create a space for everyone.
L’uva’s non-alcoholic offerings are organized into nine sections, including options like non-alcoholic riesling, cabernet sauvignon and more.
“(Non-Alcoholic) wines are actually made as traditional wines then they undergo a de-alcoholization process,” Coblentz said. “… They do taste different from their alcohol counterparts but carry a full-bodied taste.”
The timing tracks with national trends. According to global analytics firm Gallup, fewer adults are consuming alcohol, and those who do are drinking less at a time. A 2025 report found that just 54% of U.S. adults consume alcohol – a record low.
“We try to make sure that people know that you don’t have to drink alcohol to enjoy Luva,” he said. “… Our staff does a great job of tailoring drinks for all pallets whether they contain alcohol or not.”
For women looking to connect without the bar scene, a new option is also launching this month.
Ember Bloom Leisure Club will host its first workshop Jan. 24. The women’s-only club offers monthly activities scheduled on different days and times throughout the week. According to its social media page, the goal is to create a space for women to rest, create and build community – whether that’s through cake decorating, coloring nights, aerobics classes, painting or other hands-on activities.
EBLC founder Shanina Brown announced the “First Bloom” will be a guided abstract coloring experience workshop. Registration is still live, and the $26.26 payment includes all materials and snacks.
Event locations will vary, and updates will be posted regularly on the club’s Facebook page. Pricing will be per event, ranging from $5 to $65, and registration for the first workshop will open soon online.
Starkville also welcomed a new law office this month.
Van Ness Law Firm opened at 214 E. Main St. with hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Brittney Van Ness announced the opening earlier this month.
“I am so excited for this next journey and so thankful for all the people who supported me to open up my own law firm,” Van Ness posted online. “This has been a dream of mine for a very long time and I am thrilled to get started. I am excited to serve my community and help those in need of family law, probate, estate planning and real property matters.”
Heading over to West Point, we have some bad news.
Big H Deli, 7257 Hwy. 45 Alt. N., will close its doors temporarily starting Monday.
Owner Adnan Hanania will be undergoing some medical treatment, and his restaurant will be waiting on him once he recovers.
“Adnan is having major surgery and his recovery time will be four weeks or a little more, depending on his healing,” a social media post read. “We will keep everyone posted as to when our reopening date will be when we know for sure.”
The family has assured the community that they are not closing permanently and plan to remain in West Point. Keep the Hanania family in your thoughts and send good vibes their way.
There is some good news in West Point. Precision Hose and Industrial Supply is officially serving the Golden Triangle.
The Tupelo-based commercial and industrial supply store held its grand opening last week at 150 Old White Road S.
“We’re grateful to West Point for the warm welcome and hospitality,” the company posted online. “Thank you for the interest and support in allowing us to serve the community as we open our second Precision Hose location. We’re excited to be part of West Point and look forward to serving local businesses and industries.”
Meanwhile, Mardi Gras season is approaching fast, and King Cake is already on the scene in the Golden Triangle. I’ll be keeping folks posted on the local spots serving up your carnival fix, including Starkville’s Frosted Fork on South Washington, The Cake Tin, and Columbus’s Baked at J. Broussards on Fifth Street. Even coffee houses are getting in on the celebration, with Strange Brew rolling out King Cake–inspired cinnamon rolls.
Keep those business tips coming and I’ll 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 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.
