Without much notice, The Blind Tiger on Poorhouse Road has officially closed.
Owner Artie Sutherland announced on social media earlier this month that though the close was sudden, he has future plans for the Starkville shop.
“I apologize to our wonderful customers for the abruptness and inconvenience,” he posted. “It was an unwanted surprise to all of us at TBT too.”
TBT Butcher Shop and Seafood Market opened in Starkville in 2021, bringing fresh seafood from the coast.
Folks, don’t worry. Sutherland is on the hunt for the next place to open TBT.
“We have several opportunities for another location we are aggressively pursuing and hope to have an announcement sooner than later on where that will be,” he posted online.
If you have an itch for seafood or poboys in the meantime, Sutherland said gift cards can be used at TBT Butcher Shop and Seafood Market in West Point at 58 Hwy. 45 Plaza.
Also, thanks to folks who shared the message, TBT recovered the stolen trailers that went missing in December.
I hope TBT’s luck continues to improve so they can continue to serve the Starkville area for years to come.
Moving on to some sadder news. Even if you’ve never purchased or sold a car in this area, you know the name Carl Hogan. Carl Hogan Automotive announced Hogan passed away Dec. 31.
A giant in the car sales world, Hogan had Chevrolet, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge and Ram dealerships throughout North Mississippi and West Alabama.
“Carl will be remembered not only for his leadership in the automotive industry, but also for the kindness and generosity he extended to employees, customers and community members alike,” the announcement said. “… The dealership will continue its full operations under the ownership of Jim Cannon and the strong steady leadership of executive manager Clyde Rhea, honoring Carl’s vision and dedication to serving the region.”
Also in Columbus, former Ruben’s owner Ray Boltwood’s latest business venture is underway.
Street Treats Food Truck ended 2025 with a soft opening, selling smash burgers, funnel cakes, street dogs, nachos and more.
As my good friend puts it, I have the diet of an unsupervised 12-year-old. I would devour everything on Street Treats’ menu. It seems like Columbus folks feel the same way. Earlier this week, the food truck sold out.
Boltwood said he held the soft opening New Year’s Eve, and on the first of the year, he served about 200 patrons.
“It’s been consistent since,” he said. “(We) already have returning customers for our smash burgers.”
Though hours and location may change, you can find Street Treats at the old La Fiesta building in East Columbus at 525 Alabama St. noon-6 p.m. (or until they are sold out) Wednesday through Sunday. Make sure to follow along on social media for regular updates and changes.
Finally, as a kid born in Louisiana, I’m happy to declare it’s officially carnival season. Starting on Epiphany (Jan. 6), it’s all good to enjoy some king cake. I know we have folks in the area making and selling king cakes, from bakeries to at-home orders. Take some time to reach out to me, so we can get a list of options for folks to get some orders in before Mardi Gras Feb. 17.
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 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
