Kona Ice of Middle Tennessee has partnered with Murfreesboro Parks and Rec to have a stationary location at the concessions building of Kids Castle at Old Fort Park, 913 Golf Ln. through Aug. 6. Hours are 10 a.m. until the park closes.
In addition to this fixed location, multiple Kona Ice trucks still offer shaved ice onsite at various local community events. For more information, visit facebook.com/konaiceofmiddletennessee.
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BJ’s Wholesale Club has opened in Smyrna just off of I-24.
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Club Car Wash, formerly known as Tiger Express Car Wash, has opened its first Tennessee location in Murfreesboro, which will be an addition to its 130 other locations across 10 states. The local car wash is located at 1510 N. Rutherford Blvd., just off of Lascassas Pike.
The company is committed to providing exceptional car wash experiences and offers a range of wash options to suit diverse customer needs. Each wash option includes complimentary towel and vacuum usage, and customers can opt to purchase individual washes or take advantage of the unlimited membership option. Hours are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit clubcarwash.com.
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Slim Chickens’ newest restaurant, located at 3261 Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro, will open July 24.
Houchens Food Group owns this new Slim Chickens location. Houchens Food Group is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries, whose portfolio spans more than 11 industries including grocery, convenience stores, construction and multiple franchise brands. Houchens Food Group currently operates over 50 restaurants with seven different brands.
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The Shoe Man with Angel’s Custom Creations recently opened its Tennessee location at 1265 Rock Springs Rd. in Smyrna. The business recently moved from Jonesboro, Arkansas, where the couple who owned the business “took up odd jobs, international mail-in orders, and relied on prayer” to grow the business and later provide them with the opportunity to bring their business to Tennessee.
The business offers shoe repair and modifications, customizations to all footwear and other items, and custom engraving and embroidery. For more information, visit facebook.com/shoerepairanddesignwear.
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Handlebar, the longtime Murfreesboro institution on East Main Street, will soon reopen under new ownership and the name Big Daddy’s Handlebar.
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Recent announcements for the Clari Park mixed-use development along Medical Center Parkway show that the development will include a 7-Eleven convenience store and gas station. 7-Eleven joins Whataburger, Black Rifle Coffee and other businesses at the site, in addition to the planned 282 townhomes, 300 apartments and 38 single-family homes.
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Wells Fargo Bank has unveiled plans to enter the Murfreesboro market. The bank has presented plans to the Murfreesboro Planning Commission to construct a branch at Westlawn Pavilion near Veterans Parkway and I-840.
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The Studio Collective has opened a new photo studio and center for photography classes at 201 E. Main St. The new studio provides a three-room studio space for photographers, content creators and others. Each room is available for hourly rent and offers themed rooms and installments. The Studio will celebrate its open house on July 10, and will provide giveaways to those who attend.
Hair and makeup space is also available along with a private bathroom, kitchenette and changing area. Full studio rental is available for $250 per hour.
Available rooms include the head-shot room, which features all white walls, and backdrops available for your choosing. Hourly rent is $75.
The board room features wood paneling and trim all around with a mid-century modern feel, with backdrops available. Hourly rent is $125.
The Studio Collective describes the black-and-white room as having multiple scenes perfect for boudoir, and features decor from a black/white palette along with backdrops. Hourly rent is $100.
For more information, visit thestudiocollectivetn.com or call 615-801-8001.
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Emerald Heart Café & Dispensary has opened at the Jackson Heights Plaza on Northwest Broad Street. The new business offers a variety of local hemp products including CBD oils, infused topicals, edibles, pet products, drinks, apparel and more.
Emerald Heart was founded early this year by a team of cannabis farmers and enthusiasts dedicated to educating the community about the benefits of cannabis and its many uses, as well as supplying the local community with cannabis products.
Emerald Heart founders Christina Barnes and Matt Minks met in college at MTSU. After graduating in 2014, the two relocated to the Emerald Triangle in Northern California, where they continued to broaden their knowledge of cannabis and worked with legacy farmers and extractors. The couple moved back to Murfreesboro in 2018 and dedicated their time to sharing their experience and applying their learned cultivation techniques to high-CBD hemp varieties and creating their own brand—Rhize Premium Hemp.
In 2020, the couple and their Rhize brand partnered with Frog Brigade Farmacy. In early 2023, the entrepreneurs moved Rhize to Murfreesboro’s historic Jackson Heights Plaza to open Emerald Heart Café & Dispensary. They say their vision is to “grow organically, in a business sense as well as a cultivation sense, and strengthen our community’s resilience through knowledge and compassion.”
For more information, visit emeraldheartboro.com.
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Family Pet Health has moved to 3907 Richard Reeves Dr. in Murfreesboro, and will celebrate its grand opening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 15. The celebration will provide activities for all ages, and will provide details on the features of the new facility, which includes a climate-controlled two-bay garage space for drive-through vet care, meeting space, dog training and more. Food from The Fiery Pig will be available for purchase at the event as well as treats from Kona Ice, games and more.
The event will also feature a 14-step scavenger hunt to be entered to win free vaccines for one pet for life. This event will also serve as the awards party for the 4th annual “Walk My Dog” program, where participants take walks with their dog to win prizes.
“Because of the crowds, loud music and other stimuli associated with the grand opening event, pets in attendance might experience elevated levels of fear, anxiety and stress. In order to foster a Fear Free experience for all future vet visits, we respectfully encourage you to consider leaving your pet at home for the Grand Opening,” according to information released by Family Pet Health. “If you would like to bring your pet in on another day to explore the building during a Happy Visit, our team would be happy to help schedule that for you.”
For more information, visit facebook.com/familypethealth.
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Float Alchemy at 131 Cason Ln. was recently purchased by local realtor Melissa DelGrosso-Schmitt. The business will retain its flotation and massage services, but features new extended hours. It is now open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. It will probably eventually rebrand under a new name, according to the current owner. For more information, visit floatalchemy.com.
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A new shopping center on South Church Street across from the Kroger will include another Panda Express location, as well as a Jersey Mike’s.
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The Tennessee Department of Health has denied a permit for Vanderbilt University Medical Center to build and open a new 48-bed hospital in Murfreesboro, after Vanderbilt announced the plans in April of 2020. The new facility was part of a multi-year regional growth plan under the Vanderbilt Health System.
“Our certificate of need was denied. We are very disappointed in the decision, and we are currently reviewing all available options. VUMC continues to be committed to the Vanderbilt Rutherford Hospital project and to serving the patients of Rutherford County,” said Chief Communications Officer for Vanderbilt John Howser. Vanderbilt has not yet announced their intentions for the 79 acres they previously purchased in Murfreesboro.
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Mills Family Pharmacy on South Church Street held an event in June to welcome Harold’s Hog Wash Barbecue Sauce to the variety of items offered at the business, which also include unique gifts, home decor and more. The event introduced the brand with a barbecue sauce-tasting event and a meet-and-greet with the creator of Harold’s Hog Wash, Harold Wilcox.
Harold’s Hog Wash Gourmet Barbecue Sauce began in a family kitchen years ago, with support from family and friends, according to Wilcox. Harold’s Hog Wash has since won numerous awards.
“Growing up in rural South Carolina, I had the privilege of learning to fish, hunt and barbecue from some of the best in the country. Nowhere have I been able to find a sauce that is as good as what we created down the dirt road behind my parents’ home,” Wilcox said.
For more information and a list of other locations where the sauce is available, visit haroldshogwash.com.
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Noble Education Initiative, Inc. plans to construct a K-8 charter school, the Rutherford Collegiate Prep Academy, on 8.21 acres located on Manson Pike near the I-840 overpass.
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CLOSINGS:
Helen’s Hot Chicken has closed its Murfreesboro location. The brand still operates locations in Smyrna and Nashville.
FKS Kitchen has abandoned its restaurant location at 2804 S. Rutherford Blvd., near the Walmart and Daily Buffet, according to a notice posted to the door of the unit.
The Cason Lane Camino Real restaurant appears to be empty after announcing a temporary closing a few months ago to renovate.
The Redstone Federal Credit Union branch on Fortress Boulevard recently closed and the unit is now for lease. The Murfreesboro locations on Medical Center Parkway, South Rutherford Boulevard and Franklin Road still remain in operation.
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United Way’s Catalyst Program
On May 11, 2023, 21 local business and community leaders graduated from United Way’s Catalyst Program after a nine-month program dedicated to connecting participants directly with local nonprofits through agency tours and projects.
The 2022–23 Catalyst program trained volunteers to serve in nonprofit leadership roles. Program participants learned about governance, financial accountability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and other topics related to nonprofit volunteer leadership. Participants also took part in social responsibility through advocacy, giving and volunteering.
Each participant group was assigned a local nonprofit to explore the organization’s structure and the role of volunteer leaders within it. The experience served as a valuable opportunity for participants to enhance their readiness to serve on a board of directors and discover meaningful ways to engage and contribute to the local community.
“It has been a privilege to witness the growth and engagement of this year’s participants within our nonprofit community. This group of passionate community leaders has demonstrated a commitment to learning in a way that will equip them to address significant challenges in our community, and we are excited to see the positive contributions they will undoubtedly make,” said Catalyst program coordinator and Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs Ella Weaver.
2022–23 Catalyst participants include:
Theresa Alley, Redstone Federal Credit Union
Rachel Bruce, Aramark
Katie Clark, The Law Offices of Charles R. Frazier
Carlos Delos Reyes, private family foundation
Jennifer Foutch, Ingram Book Company/ICG
Traci Ginn, FSA Lighting
Becca Goodwin, Goodwin Plumbing
Dawn Guardalabene, First United Methodist Church
Andy Helton, Exit Realty Bob Lamb & Associates
Briana Henry, Middle Tennessee Electric
Lauren Herald, Nissan
Sally Hickerson, Parks Realty
Jantrice Johnson, Intero/MUKA, LLC
Kenzi Keene, Keene Agency with Farmers Insurance
Trisha Murphy, Middle Tennessee State University
Lisa Rosado, Murfree & Goodman, PLLC
Jill Showalter, Smartbank
Meg Van Patten, Compass Real Estate
Ariana Vandenburgh, Magnolia Medical Center
Fabrienne Wade, NTT DATA
Lewis Webb, FirstBank
Applications are now available for the 2023–24 year. Visit yourlocaluw.org/catalyst or call 615-907-1154 to apply by July 15.
