Main Squeeze Juice Company, based in New Orleans, recently announced that it has acquired the Tennessee-based I Love Juice Bar, which will add an additional 23 units to its current 28 units. Officials said they expect the transition to be smooth due to the similarities between the two companies, which both focus on a plant-based, fast-casual concept and healthy menu options.

The two companies will merge under the Main Squeeze Juice Co. system and name with the intent of integrating the best of both brands. The rebrand will take place over the next several months, with minimal inconvenience to customers who rely on their daily dose of healthy juices, bowls and smoothies.

“We are thrilled to welcome I Love Juice Bar to our family,” said CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. Thomas Nieto. “The move comes with huge benefits for both brands, as well as our customers. This acquisition is expected to increase our market share, which increases our customer base. Not only that, but this new buying power and leverage will improve unit level economics at all locations to the benefit of all franchisees.”

Main Squeeze will pilot a new small cold-pressed juicer countertop machine, part of a new model for cost reduction.

“I made this decision because it’s what’s best for the franchisees,” said CEO of I Love Juice Bar and former NFL cornerback Cortland Finnegan. “I want them to get the top support and experience sooner rather than later with the benefits of a larger system and brand.”

The Main Squeeze Juice Co. team will analyze the top menu items at I Love Juice to create a menu that customers will love, giving Main Squeeze’s original franchisees the opportunity to introduce food options at their stores.

According to local franchisee Susan Harris Waggoner—who operates the I Love Juice Bar location on Medical Center Parkway, as well as a local hair salon—many of the popular menu items offered under the previous brand, such as the spring rolls, should remain on the menu, along with even more options, such as a hot breakfast sandwich with vegan sausage.

For more information on the company, visit mainsqueezejuiceco.com.

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Chutney’s Indian Fusion Cuisine will open in the former Cici’s Pizza location on Memorial Boulevard, next to Worx Group. The restaurant will combine dishes from India, Pakistan, Mexico, Thailand, China and the Middle East.

According to restaurant owner Ayaz Ahmed, families who can’t agree on having Mexican, Chinese or Indian food for dinner should all be able to find something they like on the menu. He added that Chutney’s will offer a lunch buffet.

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The Dapper Owl Coffee Pub and Bakery recently announced its opening at 2412 E. Main St., just behind the Dunkin’ near MTSU. Restaurant owners Tracy and Nina opened the business with the intent of providing a place of inclusivity and warmth and bringing the pub feeling to The ’Boro, so locals and visitors alike can start the day with a coffee and end it with a craft beer.

The new coffee pub and bakery will offer sandwiches, pies, muffins, cookies, teas, drip and cold brew coffees, craft beer, ciders, sparkling water and more.

Spotlight menu items include: The Polly, based on a character from Peaky Blinders played by Helen McCrory, who passed away in 2021, celebrates her strength, kindness and talent. Beehive, a simple and refreshing drink involving honey. The Wicked Lady, which is known as Tracy’s favorite pub in England. The drink offers a sweet flavor with a dash of cinnamon. Bonfire Night represents Guy Fawkes Day in the United Kingdom, which is celebrated on Nov. 5 and involves fireworks, food, parades and bonfires. The drink offers a maple, cinnamon and caramel combination evocative of an autumn day.

In addition to the café space, the Dapper Owl also offers a small meeting and event space where it intends to host open mic nights, book clubs and more. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit dapperowl.coffee.

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Plans presented to Murfreesboro Planning Commission include a couple of projects at the Clari Park development on Medical Center Parkway just across the street from The Avenue near Rooms to Go.

These plans include a space with a drive-thru for a Black Rifle Coffee, which will offer a variety of coffee options provided in bags, cans and pods, as well as apparel and merch. Black Rifle is known for its support of military veterans and for making a point to hire veterans, and its company website contains a statement proclaiming that “The Second Amendment Protects the First.”

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The other building at Clari Park is expected to be another Whataburger location. This comes after the Texas-based fast food chain opened its first Murfreesboro location on Old Fort Parkway in 2022 and a Smyrna location earlier in 2023.

Whataburger has also announced plans for a Memorial Boulevard location as well as restaurants in various other Middle Tennessee communities.

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Lascassas Restaurant & Café will open at 2089 Lascassas Pk., within the same strip as El Monte Mexican.

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Teriyaki Madness, which operates restaurants in 20 states specializing in made-to-order chicken, steak and salmon teriyaki bowls, has announced that it will open a Murfreesboro location at 5619 Franklin Rd., in the same building as the Dunkin’ near Veterans Parkway.

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RYE The Label, a women’s clothing store formerly operating under the name Beau and Burch, will soon open at Fountains at Gateway near Burger Republic.

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Paradise Hemp Company recently celebrated its grand reopening at the 1370 West Clark Blvd. building previously known as the Frog Brigade Farmacy. The building was closed for about a month during the rebranding.

Paradise Hemp will offer cannabis cookies, gummies, oils, syrups, creams and vape products.

For more information, visit paradisehempco.com or bellbuckleoriginal.com.

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A new building at the corner of College and Brinkley, not far from Farrer Brothers Hardware, will be the new home of Farrell-Calhoun Paint.

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Two new Hy-Vee grocery store locations have been announced for the Murfreesboro area, one to be located on New Salem Highway near Barfield Road, and the other on Memorial Boulevard and Haynes Drive. Each of the new grocery stores will be accompanied by a separate convenience store and fueling station.

Hy-Vee will offer a variety of deals, membership options, a pharmacy, grocery pickup and delivery. The Memorial Boulevard development will also include buildings for a drive-thru restaurant and a liquor store.

These plans come shortly after Hy-Vee opened a location in Spring Hill. For more information, visit hy-vee.com.

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A new vape shop will open in the building on Front Street just off Broad, which used to be a furniture store.

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Sunrise Sober Living has announced a fourth sober-living home in Murfreesboro. It is expected to house up to 10 residents and is located near MTSU.

“We’re really excited to continue our growth in Murfreesboro. Our industry partners have been really supportive and trusting of our program, and that gives us a lot of local energy and teamwork,” said founder and CEO Brett Kauffman.

Sunrise Sober Living began in 2020. It requires weekly random drug testing, mandatory 12-step program participation, and basic lifestyle standards that encourage success in recovery. For more information, visit sunrisesoberhomes.com.

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Gabriel Brothers, Inc. recently acquired Murfreesboro-based Old Time Pottery. Gabe’s plans to expand to 169 stores and operate across 20 states, with the support of six distribution centers. It will serve a customer base throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southeast.

“With shared missions, our combined companies will now provide an even greater selection of incredible, ever-changing quality products at the very best values. Together, the two companies will employ around 8,000 associates anchored by shared values, ensuring associates, customers, and communities thrive,” said CEO Jason Mazzola, who will continue serving as the CEO of the combined company. “We are bringing together two value-driven organizations to deliver even more products and brands customers want for their home.”

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CLOSINGS:

Steered Straight Thrift recently closed its location on Middle Tennessee Boulevard to combine its two stores. The location on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard will remain open, and will serve as one large, central location for thrift and furniture items.

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Brohalla on the Square has closed after a few short years in business. Business owner Donald Lester recently announced the business’ plans to close via its Facebook page and mentioned that it was due to a combination of his lack of retail knowledge, limited available parking, and the setup of the store resembling more of a museum than a shop.

“Lookers don’t pay the bills,” he stated.

He mentioned that he may attempt a new location or approach in the future. Lester continues to run nearby L&L Contractors.