Newk’s Eatery is officially coming to Columbus.
The fast-casual chain, founded in Oxford back in 2004, has grown to more than 100 locations across 13 states, including one in Starkville.
Jaimin Patel, who is also opening the Columbus Beef O’Brady’s location, is bringing the Newk’s location to Columbus.
Jaimin Patel and his partner Vikaskumar Patel are opening Newk’s and Beef O’Brady’s in Columbus. Both restaurants will be located at 2400 Hwy. 45 N. Jaimin said they wanted to add a healthier and different option to Columbus’s restaurant rotation.
“We believe in fresh, made-from-scratch food in a fun, welcoming atmosphere,” he said. “… We have been part of the Columbus community for seven or eight years and Columbus has a strong sense of community and growth. Newk’s and Beef ‘O Brady’s is a perfect fit for Columbus.”
Jaimin Patel said he hopes to open Beef O’Brady’s by next August and Newk’s by the end of 2026. Between the two restaurants, he expects to hire about 200 employees. Plans also include outdoor seating and even a fountain to help create that upbeat, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moving over to the holiday.
I hope this week brings you good food, good company and a couple of well-earned days to rest and relaxation. But we all know what Turkey Day brings in addition to heartburn and loosening belts: Black Friday deals.
The region’s newest addition, Rural King, is jumping in with buy-one-get-one 50% off all regular-priced toys, plus 10% off regular-priced firearms and ammunition. The store is closed on Thanksgiving but is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday.
It seems that Black Friday is happening earlier and earlier every year. Walmart rolled out its Black Friday deals on Tuesday, offering everything from a Blackstone flat-top grill (which I highly recommend because there’s nothing better than grilling on the patio with a beer nearby) to great Lego sets for every age. Walmart will close on Thanksgiving and reopen at 6 a.m. Friday, with deals available in-store and online through Sunday.
Belk is also closed on Thanksgiving and opens 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. Like many big-box retailers, Belk launched its sales early this year with thousands of doorbusters and savings up to 80% on clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, kitchen appliances, luggage and more. Sales run through Saturday.
This year’s holiday deals stretch across the Golden Triangle, offering something for everyone on your list. The Dispatch’s Shopping Guide special section is packed with inspiration, from stocking stuffers to gifts ready to wrap and place under the tree. Shoppers can find the perfect pair of pajamas at Ali Kats in Columbus, durable Carhartt coveralls at Hancock Hardware in Macon, a pit barrel cooker for the backyard chef at Adventure ATV in West Point or classic Tecovas boots at Reeds in Starkville. Read the Shopping Guide for more inspiration and ideas.
Most stores are closed this year for Thanksgiving; however, Dollar Generals throughout the area will be open on Thursday with their three-day sale. Toys are buy-one-get-one 75% off, plus assorted deals on holiday items. And if you stop in for a last-minute can of cranberry sauce or those crucial French onions, remember to thank the workers spending their holiday behind the counter.
Because the Egg Bowl (GTHOM) is in Starkville this year, a handful of retailers will open Thursday night. Downtown Starkville is hosting “Six Seven Thanksgiving Night” beginning at 6 p.m., complete with popcorn, sweet treats and festive vibes. Participating shops include Ali Kat’s, Dunkington, Mississippi Eyewear, B-Unlimited, Fleur De Lis, The Olive Tree, D2 Starkville, George-Mary’s, Reed’s, L.A. Green and Merle Norman Luna Bella.
‘Tis the season, folks. With all the shopping this week, Columbus Main Street Director Barbara Bigelow likes to remind everyone of the importance of investing in your community by shopping local. Following Black Friday, Small Business Saturday celebrates local and independent businesses, a shopping holiday on the last Saturday of November each year since 2010.
“Shopping local is so important, especially at this time of year,” Bigelow said. “A recent survey performed by National Main Street America found that small businesses make a large portion of their annual revenue during the holiday season. Just imagine if our downtown did not offer the fabulous shopping and dining experiences that we have come to love. During this holiday season, shop small, shop local and shop downtown!”
Take it easy and have a great holiday. 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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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 28 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
