Columbus will have a new Mexican restaurant to add to the rotation later this year.
According to Building Official Nathan Katona, Mi Ranchero is expected to open by November at 113 Tuscaloosa Road. I couldn’t get a hold of the contractor for the new restaurant but Katona said, pending final inspections and other requirements, that’s the timeline for now.
Moving on, a longtime fixture in Columbus has a new owner.
Thirty years ago, Melton and Brenda Knight started Exterior Home Products at 6680 Hwy. 45 N. Their son Jason grew up in the business and helped take the reins in recent years. For years, Exterior Home Supply has sold vinyl siding, windows, doors and more. While business increased over the years, the Knights wanted to find the best way to serve the community while continuing to take on more customers.
Last month, Exterior Home Supply was purchased by ABC Supply Company, which finally gave Melton and his wife some much-needed rest and relaxation.
“I’m retired finally, and now that we sold, my wife and I can maybe do a little traveling,” he said. “It was a godsend for us.”
Though maybe bittersweet, Melton said the fact that a company like ABC was interested gave him so much pride in the business he built with his family.
“For a big company like ABC Supply, it’s very impressive. I think it was the reputation behind our business,” he said. “… We’ve served this community for years. We’re well known and that’s one of the reasons ABC was interested. It’s definitely a big deal for us but it’s also going to be a big deal for the community. This business is only going to grow.”
Staying in the family, Jason will continue his father’s legacy serving as the manager of the Columbus location.
ABC Supply Co. first opened in 1982 and by 2022 had nearly 1,000 locations, 20,000 associates and had more than $20 billion in sales.
Melton said folks have been a little confused with the new operation, so if you call and hear, “thanks for calling ABC,” it’s under a different name but still offers the same services.
Moving downtown, Sweet Magnolia on Fifth Street is up for sale, owner Ashley Whitten confirmed. She opened the boutique in 2021.
Though she has thoroughly enjoyed her time running and operating the boutique at 218 Fifth St. S., Whitten said it’s time that she focuses on her real estate career.
“Owning this boutique has been such a joy and passion of mine, but now it’s time to pass it on to someone else who will love it just as much as I have,” she said.
Sweet Magnolia is listed at $70,000 in its leased location and will remain open until Whitten finds a buyer.
In other news, Columbus added an ultrasound clinic.
Wave Diagnostics on 445 Wilkins Wise Road is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by appointment only. Owner Amy Frazier said the clinic provides a variety of ultrasound services, including in-clinic and mobile imaging.
“Our offering include diagnostic scans, vascular and abdominal imaging, OB ultrasounds, including keepsake packages like heartbeat bears and custom t-shirt printed images,” she said.
That’s it for this week, I’ll see y’all next time.
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 44 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
