It’s official: Get your boots ready and head down to The Ranch. Starkville’s newest dining destination officially opened Monday at 1044 W. Poor House Road.
About five years ago, co-owners Roy Oswalt and Chef Jeff Thornsberry opened the high-end steakhouse 44 Prime. Earlier this year, the duo closed 44 Prime to pivot toward an ambitious new project, building a 6,000-square-foot facility from the ground up. The Ranch features three separate spaces: a main dining room, lounge and bar area and a private dining room.
Thornsberry said the kitchen uses local white oak firewood to cook and as many local products as possible, hoping to create a culinary experience that feels very Starkville. I can’t speak for every dish, but my wife and I got a sneak peek last weekend, and here’s my advice: Order the skillet cornbread and fried mushrooms. I spent my whole life convinced that I didn’t like mushrooms, but whatever Chef Jeff and his crew did has me rethinking my 30-plus-year belief that mushrooms were not for me.
Lunch and dinner menu lineups include sandwiches, salads, shrimp and grits, catfish and mushroom rigatoni, while the Sunday brunch offers biscuits, omelets, hamburgers and other classic brunch favorites. Lunch kicks off at 11 a.m., with dinner starting at 5 p.m. According to its website, walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are recommended. Check out The Ranch 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, till 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and until 2 p.m. on Sundays.
There’s another food option in town. Top Tier Food is bringing some of my favorite dishes around town. Owner Shanesha Harris announced the new pick-up and delivery spot on Facebook earlier this month. The local spot offers burgers, chicken tenders, wings, salads and other classics. To place an order, just call or text Harris at 662-722-1036.
“Starting Top Tier Food was more than just launching a business – it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life,” Harris said. “Owning a food business had always been a dream of mine, but after losing my father in July of last year, I found myself searching for a way to heal and move forward. …I decided to turn my pain into purpose. Cooking has always brought me joy, and feeding others has been one of the ways I naturally express love and care.”
Also in town, the architecture, engineering, and surveying firm MP Design Group (no relation to Mary Pollitz) has officially opened its office at 200 S. Montgomery St., Suite 204.
Headquartered in Biloxi since its founding in 2007, the firm announced its expansion to broaden its research across the region.
“The expansion allows us to better serve our clients throughout Central and North Mississippi and Central and North Alabama, while continuing to provide the quality services MP Design Group is known for,” a social media post reads.
If you haven’t driven by 1927 Hwy. 45 in Columbus lately, it’s time to check out Jackson Square Grill. The local favorite is officially reopened after an extensive, month-long renovation.
Undergoing a top-to-bottom transformation, the Grill has new kitchen equipment, exterior signage, updated restrooms, booth seating, a repaved parking lot and more. Check out the new look and vibes.
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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