Sixty-six.
That’s how many days until Cracker Barrel will open for business in Columbus.
Kenny Wiegel, city building inspector, told The Dispatch on Wednesday the Tennessee-based chain has indicated construction of the 10,000-square-foot restaurant is on schedule to wrap by the end of June. The target opening date is Monday, July 27.
A rustic-themed restaurant and gift shop, Cracker Barrel opened in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1969. There are more than 590 across the U.S. today.
A restaurant spokesperson has said the eatery — it will be located on a 2.5-acre lot near the intersection of 18th Avenue North and Sixth Street North — will employ approximately 200 people.
Moving on.
A Dollar Tree will open in Starkville on July 2.
Chelle Davis, a spokesperson for the Virginia-based chain, said the discount variety store will be located at 803 Hwy. 12 West. It will be almost 10,000 square feet. It will employ 12 to 15 people, Davis said.
Dollar Tree, which sells all of its items for $1 or less, operates more than 5,000 stores in North America.
Also in Starkville: A hookah lounge opened in late April.
A hookah lounge is akin to a coffeehouse, in that people congregate there not only to consume products but socialize. A hookah lounge offers patrons the chance to inhale a blend of tobacco, molasses and fruit from glass and metal water pipes.
At Loai’s Hookah Lounge at 100 Russell St., there are more than 12 flavors to choose from.
Loai Alrahabneh, the owner, said the lounge also offers coffee (five brands), smoothies made from fresh fruit (“Nothing frozen,” Alrahabneh said), a limited food menu, three TVs, music and cold beer. Patrons must be 18.
The lounge is open 3 p.m. to midnight, Monday through Thursday, and from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday.
It employs two people.
Lastly, if you plan on grilling out during Memorial Day weekend and need a little assistance, LongHorn Steakhouse is available to help.
The restaurant chain’s “certified grill masters” will be available Friday through Sunday to answer questions, according to a corporate press release.
To talk to a “grill master,” call 1-855-LH-GRILL. You can also text “LHGRILL” to 40679 and get some grilling tips. The lines are open from noon to 5 p.m., Friday through Sunday.
Roughly 57 percent of U.S. homes will cook on a grill this weekend. Roughly 71 percent of those will grill a steak, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association.
Browning on Business is a weekly column that runs each Thursday. We want your input. Send items and tips to [email protected] or [email protected].
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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