Bunganut Pig, which has been in operation under various owners in Murfreesboro for 18 years, abruptly closed its doors on July 18.

“We hope to find a new location and reopen in the near future,” Bunganut Pig owners Mark and Amy Goodson posted on a sign on the locked door of the business. “We would like to sincerely thank everyone that has supported us over the years.”

Reportedly, landlord Skeeter Beaulieu told the Goodsons that he did not want bars and restaurants in the Georgetown Park Shopping Center. Yet Deep South Growlers, Five Senses and The Curious Kitchen still operate in the shopping center.

“He didn’t ask for more money, he didn’t give us a chance to stay, he just told us to get out,” said a frustrated Mark Goodson, adding that just a month prior he had invested his own money into putting up a railing around the Pig’s patio space and anchored it to the concrete.

The Goodsons still have a Bunganut Pig location in Franklin,

“It wasn’t the location, the food, or the live music that made The Pig my regular place. It was the staff,” said Pig fan Tyler Richardson. “It was always a pleasure to hang with so many great people, all in one location. Thank you guys for all the fun times and good memories.”

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After accepting a position at Oaklands Mansion, Karen Whitaker decided to close Encore Bridal and Formalwear on the Square, which offered new and nearly-new gowns and dresses.

“When I first thought about opening a business in the wedding industry my first choice was a wedding and event venue,” Whitaker said. “However, I didn’t have the resources or capital to do that. Opening the bridal and formal shop was my second choice and I loved every minute of it.”

After recently applying for and obtaining a job at Oaklands, maintaining the store in addition to her new position got to be overwhelming.

“I had to make a decision about one or the other,” Whitaker said. “I realized that Encore was a stepping stone to my dream job at Oaklands. So I see it as one door closed so the other one could open.”

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Hastings, founded in 1972 and now with 126 stores, will be closing every one of its stores by Oct. 31 after filing for bankruptcy in June. Hilco Merchant Resources and Gordon Brothers Retail Partners partnered to purchase Hastings and quickly announced plans to “oversee the liquidation of assets.” The store has been a Murfreesboro fixture for fans of movies, music, games, books and magazines. The company attempted to find a buyer who would continue operating the stores, but the investment group who acquired the business will be selling all inventory in an effort to cover most of Hasting Entertainment’s reported $120 million debt.

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Jennifer Focht has brought an Amazing Lash Studio franchise to Murfreesboro, open now on Old Fort Parkway, situated between Target and Toys R Us. The business specializes in installing synthetic eyelash extensions. Customers can become Amazing Lash members, and come in for Lash refills when needed. Upload a photo of yourself at amazinglashstudio.com and use the eyelash simulator to get a glimpse of how amazing your lashes can be. Join Amazing Lash and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce for a grand opening event beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24.

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Media Rerun owners Larry and Gay Pinkerton announced they would be closing their store earlier this year. They have since exited the business, but have arranged a sale to long-time employee John Judkins. The store, located near Walmart on Rutherford Boulevard, continues to serve the people of Murfreesboro who are looking for a deal on used music, video games, movies and more, and those looking to sell and trade their used media.

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Garden Greek Grill has opened for business on Rutherford Boulevard near the Mercury intersection. The restaurant, in partnership with the folks at Opah across town, serves gyro meat, rice, salad and baklava in the increasingly popular Mediterranean-themed fast-food style.

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Margaret Ward has brought the Kid to Kid franchise to Murfreesboro. Now open adjacent to Alfonso’s Mexican Restaurant on Mall Circle Boulevard, Kid to Kid buys and sells gently used children’s goods and maternity wear in an upscale environment, according to kidtokid.com. Those wanting to purchase a firearm after consigning their kids’ clothes are in luck—Gunmart is coming directly next door. As of presstime, Gunmart is still working on their custom cabinets, but consumers can now purchase a Mossberg pump-action, ammunition or a Smith & Wesson handgun from gunmart-tn.com while in the comfort of their own home.

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Callie Etchingham Leasure, who owns Auntie Anne’s Pretzels of Smyrna, has taken over the former Maple Street Grill building on the Square and has announced plans to open the Gavel Grill and Speakeasy, “featuring a solid new American menu, including great steaks, chops, seafood and lots of regional specialties,” soon.

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Andy’s Frozen Custard has announced plans for a new store on Thompson Lane, near Slim Chickens. The Missouri-based chain offers custard with various mix-ins—like the Snowmonster Concrete with strawberries and chocolate chips—as well as shakes, floats and malts.

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After 33 years of business, Antiques Unlimited of Murfreesboro closed its doors on July 31. The building at 2303 S. Church Street, near the Cracker Barrel just off I-24, has been sold and its owners, Jim and Clata Atwood, are retiring. Six1Five Sports Training has acquired the property and will soon open a second location (its original location being in Mt. Juliet). Six1Five will offer personal training services to athletes ranging from 7-year-olds just getting into sports up to professional athletes.

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Enchanted Planet, Murfreesboro’s one-stop hippie shop, is expanding next to its current location on Lytle Street, into the space formerly occupied by longtime neighbor shop Stonekeepers. Stonekeepers has settled into its new home on Robert Rose Drive, while Enchanted Planet will soon have even more space for its eclectic products.

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photo courtesy of wgnsradio.com

Slick Pig, a Murfreesboro institution smokin’ meat on Main Street for 20 years now, has completed a remodeling and addition, adding new seating, additional parking and a new area specifically for to-go service so diners can grab some sandwiches or tater salad for lunch on the quick.

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Checkers at the corner of Broad Street and Medical Center Parkway is hiring now for a reopening of the burger and fry drive-in soon.

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Sprouts Farmer’s Market, a grocery store chain specializing in natural foods, seasonal and organic produce and vitamins and supplements, will soon be open near the Murfreesboro airport. The store will also offer a juice bar, sushi, salads and an olive bar. Additional businesses coming to the shopping center include Uncle Maddio’s Pizza, Petsense, Pacific Dental Services, Newk’s Express Café, Avalon Nails and The Pottery Place.

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Fresko Frozen Treats offers a chance to cool down this summer with paletas, milkshakes, mangonadas and sorbets—try a paleta dipped in chocolate if you like! Beyond the sweets treats, the shop offers tortas, Cuban sandwiches and other savory items as well.

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The Tokyo Grill near the Carmike Wynnsong 16 theater on Cason Lane has closed, but coming soon to the space will be Sa Bai Dee, a new Thai and Laotian restaurant. The phrase “Sa Bai Dee” is a general greeting or farewell in Thai, loosely translated “happy good.”

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Vibe Nutrition has taken over the space at 208 W. Main St., where Let’s Make Wine formerly occupied before moving over to the east side of Main Street. Vibe opens at 7 a.m. each weekday and mixes a variety of fruit- and protein-packed smoothies. Meanwhile, Let’s Make Wine is over at 109 E. Main St. specializing in wine making supplies and information.