Kingdom Development Group Incorporated has been working on a concept for a new downtown Murfreesboro development slated for 103 S. Church St. (the grass lot next to Shacklett’s Photography), as well as the neighboring parking lot and former Bank of America building, property owned by Richard Sandoval.

The project includes about 45,000 square feet of office space, a large event space for graduations and other special events, seven floors of hotel space, a rooftop restaurant and 400 parking spots with 75 of those set apart for the city to use, according to KDGI Managing Partner Brandon Neish.

“Also, it has three floors of penthouse living spaces for those seeking to enjoy views of the city and surrounding landscape,” Neish said, adding that he expects the development to be a “catalyst for the downtown Murfreesboro area” and for it to help “bridge the gap between MTSU and the city.”

Murfreesboro-based Kingdom Development Group Incorporated utilizes its resources, technology, networks, and professional workforce to create environments that foster a better quality of life. Its mission is to promote, encourage, and establish character in the context of community through planning, conceptual design, and development.

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Chipotle has unveiled plans to open a new restaurant near MTSU within the East Side Village development coming to North Rutherford Boulevard near Louise Street (across from the new Insomnia Cookies and Thai Spice). It will include a drive-thru option—also referred to as a “Chipotlane.” Chipotle has current plans to offer a drive-thru lane in up to 80% of its new restaurants for the year, as they provide faster and easier pickups as well as increased customer satisfaction.

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Las Trojas Cantina has finally placed its banner at its Medical Center Parkway location after previously announcing plans to open its restaurant back in 2019. Las Trojas Cantina is a family chain of restaurants with locations throughout northern Alabama as well as in Fayetteville and McMinnville, Tennessee, and offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes. An opening date has not yet been announced, but a large statue display featuring horses has been placed near the new restaurant’s entrance.

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We Rock the Spectrum has opened a kid’s gym in Murfreesboro, located at 820 N. Thompson Ln. The gym incorporates activities dedicated to stimulate the senses—visual, auditory, tactile and proprioceptive—to help children with various sensory processing needs.

WRTS offers open play options for children of all ages, monthly memberships, and military and teacher discounts, as well as classes, summer camps, field trips, parties and a parents’ night out. Specialized sensory equipment offered at We Rock the Spectrum includes a zip slider, crash pit, trampoline, tunnel, carpet swing, hammock swing, monkey bars, a climbing mountain and rope bridge.

Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit werockthespectrummurfreesboro.com.

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Arturo and Rafael Onate, who currently own and operate Casa Adobe Express on Warrior Drive, as well as the soon-to-open Che Taqueria on Memorial Boulevard, have plans to open a Mesa Mart International Market, which will be located at 2546 Southgate Blvd., just down Warrior Drive from Casa Adobe.

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Playa Bowls has opened its 5619 Franklin Rd. store, its second location in Murfreesboro. Playa Bowls specializes in refreshing acai bowls made daily, as well as smoothies and juices, and uses eco-friendly, easily compostable bowls, spoons, lids and straws at all locations. For more information, visit playabowls.com.

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Work continues on Buona Beef’s 4,700-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru, to be located along Willowoak Trail and Roby Corlew Lane as part of the Clari Park development.

The Chicago-based chain offers Italian beef sandwiches as well as burgers, hot dogs, pasta, chicken sandwiches, salads, shakes and more.

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Wells Fargo will open a branch within Clari Park; this will be the bank’s second location and third ATM in the Murfreesboro area.

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A J.Crew Factory store has opened at The Avenue, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy., Ste 1510. J.Crew Factory is the outlet division of the J.Crew brand, offering clothing and accessories similar to J.Crew’s mainline products, but with the benefit of lower prices. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Visit factory.jcrew.com for more information.

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TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center has announced plans to bring a freestanding emergency room to south Murfreesboro, at the corner of Church Street and Warrior Drive. TriStar StoneCrest plans to apply for a Certificate of Need with the Tennessee Health Facilities Commission to establish the emergency room. If approved, the $19 million ER will offer 11 treatment/exam rooms, one trauma room, a lab and advanced imaging department, a nursing station, and a three-bay ground transport base

Freestanding ERs have the same capabilities as a hospital-based ER, and often ease the burden on hospital ER waiting rooms. TriStar says the facility will be open 24/7 and accept all insurance providers, including TennCare.

“Rutherford County is one of the fastest-growing areas in America, and with that growth comes a greater demand for accessible, high-quality emergency care,” said TriStar StoneCrest Chief Executive Officer Lou Caputo. “The ER is a critical investment in the health and safety of Rutherford County families, ensuring they get the care they need without delay.”

TriStar Murfreesboro ER will provide healthcare infrastructure to support the current and future needs in Murfreesboro and surrounding communities in Southern Rutherford County. Murfreesboro has more than doubled in population since 2000; today, with more than 388,000 residents, Rutherford County is expected to add 35,000 more residents over the next five years, according to the University of Tennessee’s Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research.

“Expanding emergency care in Murfreesboro is a win for our residents and I fully support this ER,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland. “Greater access means faster treatment in critical moments, and more healthcare options ensures that our community will receive the highest standard of care.”

For more information on the project, visit tristarmurfreesboroer.com.

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Local small business Lily Belle Boutique has begun to bring a fresh, non-toxic twist to the traditional home fragrance world, announcing its line of handcrafted simmer pot blends made with dried fruits and herbs. These simmer blends can offer a clean and cozy alternative to candles. Every blend is made in Murfreesboro, and are now available in Patina Unique Boutique, Boro Health and Wellness, Four Sisters Antiques and Vintage, Miracle Bay Studios, TN Meat Co. and Honey Bee Antiques.

“We are also proud to have our products stocked in over 20 small businesses across the United States. For those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their homes, our full range of holistic fragrances can be purchased online through our website and our Etsy shop,” said Lily Belle Boutique owner Katherine Quatro.

Lily Belle Boutique initially started as a women’s and children’s boutique, but by the end of 2024, it had evolved to focus entirely on holistic fragrances and unique simmer pot blends. Visit lilybelleboutique.com for more information.

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Dill Property Holdings continues work on its plans to construct a new pickleball facility on River Rock Boulevard near Tommy Bragg Drive. The new pickleball center will include four indoor courts and 11 outdoor courts.

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LifePoint Riverdale has announced plans for an 11,000-square-foot addition to its existing church building at 307 Warrior Dr. The addition is expected to enhance the church’s facilities and include more space for its consistent growth.

The expansion project, managed by Dow Smith Company, includes major interior renovations, the construction of a new exterior courtyard, and the addition of a parking area.

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Valvoline Instant Oil Change will open another service location in Murfreesboro, its seventh location in the city. It is expected to operate near the corner of North Rutherford Boulevard and Old Lascassas Road.

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Woodsviking Barbershop, a family-owned barbershop known for its rustic, Viking-inspired vibe, has opened a location in Smyrna, in addition to its current Murfreesboro and Woodbury locations.

Find the new location at 1530 Rock Springs Rd., Smyrna.

Owned and operated by Shawn Templeton, Woodsviking provides haircuts, beard trims and styling for clients of all ages. The shop is also recognized for its line of 100% natural men’s grooming products, crafted in-house. For more information or to book an appointment, visit woodsviking.com.

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Living Spaces, a California-based chain of furniture stores, has plans to build a 125,800-square-foot showroom on Beasie Road in Murfreesboro. The company currently does not appear to operate any stores east of Texas.

For more information, visit livingspaces.com.

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Officials with Big Bad Breakfast have stated that the chain will not be opening a restaurant in the commercial property on Veterans Parkway under development by Fresh Hospitality and the Bodnar Group, as originally planned.

This development still plans to host Vui’s Kitchen, Taziki’s and Waldo’s Chicken and Beer locations, but for now Murfreesboro will not be getting a Big Bad Breakfast location.

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The City of Murfreesboro continues the process to annex approximately 843 acres along Lebanon Pike and East Jefferson Pike, including the Middle Point Landfill property, currently owned by BFI Waste Systems of Tennessee, as well as land containing recreation fields and the Rutherford County Convenience Center.

If approved, the annexation would bring the property under city jurisdiction and is projected to generate around $39,000 annually in city tax revenue from BFI. City officials continue to review the plan, part of broader efforts to manage growth and infrastructure in the area.

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CLOSINGS

Batteries Plus, located at 535 N. Thompson Ln., has closed permanently. Multiple other Batteries Plus locations across several states have closed within the last year. The Smyrna location remains open at 307 Sam Ridley Pkwy W.

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Family-owned and operated Quality Furniture Company, located at 745 Old Fort Pkwy., has announced that it is going out of business after more than half a century. The company’s second-generation owners will retire following its final liquidation sale.

Founded in 1969 by John Morris, Quality Furniture Company has been a part of the Murfreesboro community for more than five decades. The store has remained family-owned and operated throughout its history. Butch Jones, Morris’ stepson, and his wife, Carolyne, took over the family business in 2005.

“Carolyne and I are deeply thankful for the friendships, loyalty and support we’ve experienced over the years,” Jones said. “It’s been an honor to serve this community.”

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After 31 years of keeping Murfreesboro enchanted, Enchanted Planet has closed the doors to its Murfreesboro store on Broad Street.

Fans of the one-stop hippie shop can still visit its Manchester location at 26 Sitz Dr., Manchester.

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Cajun Steamer Bar & Grill has closed its Murfreesboro location after almost four years. The restaurant announced its decision early May with a sign posted on the door. The restaurant continues to operate two other locations in Tennessee—one in Franklin and one in Hendersonville. Visit cajunsteamer.com for more information.

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Tink’s Treats, which opened in Murfreesboro in early 2024 and offers a variety of custom party favors and specialty treats, has relocated to Steubenville, Ohio.
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After over two decades of serving Middle Tennessee State University students, Textbook Brokers has closed its Murfreesboro location. The store was founded in 2005 after taking over the former Blue Raider Bookstore, and quickly became a staple for MTSU students by offering cost-effective alternatives to the university bookstore, as well as a wide range of Blue Raiders merchandise options. Additionally, Textbook Brokers locations in Greensboro and Winston-Salem have already closed their physical storefronts and moved to online-only stores.
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After 11 years in its historic house-turned-restaurant location at 114 E. College Street, Milano II Restaurant has vacated the building. A sign posted on the door states that the business is in the process of relocating. “We are in the process of finding our new home and we will be sure to keep you updated as soon as we have the details,” it states. Milano II is still offering catering for weddings and events. For information on catering services visit milanosmurfreesboro.com