The Full Plate Catering has opened in the Hyde Park complex, 1800 S. Rutherford Blvd., offering to-go meals, custom cakes and catering service.

“Some of my fondest memories were made in the kitchen. With the busy pace of today’s world, the time for homemade goodies and meals is often still desired, but just not possible,” says owner Rachel Wheat. “Enter The Full Plate! We are here to help bridge the gap between busy schedules and precious time with your family.”
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Smyrna fish fans are rejoicing as Yummy Poki announced it is going into the former location of Cali’s Coffee and Creamery at 901 Rock Springs Rd., Suite 110, Smyrna.

Set to open in early October, Yummy Poki will serve sushi and poke bowls along with appetizers and noodle dishes in a full-service atmosphere.
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I’m rejoicing because downtown Murfreesboro is getting a new high-end coffee shop. Called Brass Horn Coffee Roasters, the coffee shop and roaster is slated to open in the fall at 410 W. Lytle St. This is the same company reported on in this column last month.

Owner Jeremy Florida said Florida Coffee Works products can be found at MOAB, Batey Farms, The Hamery and other area retailers.
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Another coffee shop and bakery is opening in Smyrna, too. Bittersweet Bakery & Bistro will be located at 11473 Old Nashville Hwy. Owners Wesley and Ashley Manning will serve made-from-scratch breads, cookies, cakes, pies, truffles, chocolates and daily puffs with your typical assortment of coffee drinks, teas and such.
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Construction has begun on an out-parcel at the shopping center that houses Sprouts in north Murfreesboro. The new building will house Panera, Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s.

In other food news: the following signs have been spotted across town:

• Zaxbys at 2122 Memorial Blvd.

• El Monte Fresh Mexican Food on Lascassas Pike

• Kim’s International Market on Memorial Boulevard in the former ASC Signs building next to Blue Coast Burrito

• Seasons of Murfreesboro in Clarion Inn’s restaurant space (formerly Nobody’s)

• Kitchen Way Greek Grill in The Oaks, in the former location of Deezie’s Hot Chicken.
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Need new shoes, but Marti & Liz doesn’t have what you’re looking for?

Well, I have good news for you. DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse is planning to build a new store in The Oaks shopping center, located at the corner of Thompson Lane and Medical Center Parkway.

The new 15,000-square-foot store would be located in the lot next to Stein Mart.

The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer has more than 500 stores in the United States.
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Drover Rideshare announced it is coming to Murfreesboro. Just like other rideshare apps that shall not be named, Drover asks that users download its mobile apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to request a ride.

What makes Drover (not to be confused with Rover) different is that it donates two percent of every fare to a local, Tennessee-based charity.

Potential drivers in Murfreesboro are encouraged to take a gander at the Drive for Drover page for more information on how it all works.
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In other rideshare news, Smyrna mother Katie Darby has launched Space Shuttle, an Uber-style bus service for kids in Rutherford County.

Darby said she wanted to help kids get safely to and from school and extracurricular activities.

After a $25 per child registration fee, the cost is $10.50 per day for a full week of service, $15.50 per day for a partial week and $20 per trip for emergency/one-time service. Find out more about Space Shuttle at spaceshuttletransportation.com.
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CycleBar Murfreesboro has opened on Medical Center Parkway. Located conveniently near the new Krispy Kreme, CycleBar is a franchise indoor cycling studio.

Indoor cycling, also called by brand name Spin, is a great full-body cardio workout. CycleBar offers a multi-sensory experience with certified instructors and music playlists.

Learn more at cyclebar.com/location/murfreesboro.
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After searching for more than a year, Three Rivers Family Dentistry found an experienced associate dentist to join the team. Dr. Darren Songstad comes to Murfreesboro with more than 21 years of experience, including previously owning his own practice. Learn more about Three Rivers at threeriversfamilydentistry.com.
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TBH Advisors announced the opening of a new Murfreesboro office in The Avenue at 1560 Medical Center Pkwy.

The financial advisor has been in the Brentwood and Franklin area for more than a decade and is now expanding into Murfreesboro.

Anchoring the new office is Murfreesboro’s own Jeff Littrell, who has had a 15-year career in the financial services industry previously working with both Edward Jones and Wells Fargo Advisors. TBH assists clients with retirement planning, education planning, business, estate planning, major purchases, insurance, tax planning, 401(k) management Services and other investments.
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United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties have presented banking executive Yolanda Greene with the 2019 Carl Quakenbush Volunteer of the Year Award.

Greene is Rutherford County market president for First Tennessee Bank and received the award for her outstanding community service. United Way is a community organization with various programs aimed at improving the health, education and financial stability of every person in Rutherford and Cannon Counties. For more information, visit yourlocaluw.org.
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Bunyan (Les) Rudd, president of Bob Cook Sales, has been re-elected to the Specialty Equipment Market Association’s board of directors. Originally from Georgia, the Murfreesboro resident is returning as a board member to serve a second three-year term to guide the specialty automotive aftermarket industry association.
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Is Costco Coming?

Two Murfreesboro City Councilmen say the wholesale store has been poking around, looking for a place to land.

Councilmen Eddie Smotherman and Ronnie Martin told the rumors are true, but Costco officials wouldn’t return calls about the matter.

“I know we have talked to Costco,” Martin told the media in September. “I don’t know anything that has been finalized today that is guaranteed. Having said that, I think it would be great if Costco came.”

A recent report implies that the Costco deal hinges on a plan for the city to extend Beasie Road from Warrior Drive near New Salem Pike to the old Racquet Club on River Rock Boulevard, creating a more direct route to I-24. The road project would include a bridge over I-24 and the Stones River.

The Industrial Development Board on Sept. 25 approved tax incentives for Costco to build off Warrior Drive. If approved by the Murfreesboro City Council, the retailer would become the first commercial project in recent memory to receive a tax break in Murfreesboro.

This presents the same question that has plagued so many projects in Murfreesboro recently: isn’t there a better place for it? Like the Swanson property on NW Broad Street next to International Paper? Seriously, it’s empty and there’s already a great road right next to it.

And why are we giving them money to build here? Granted, Costco pays better than Walmart, but we shouldn’t hand out tax breaks to discount retailers whose mere presence will hurt locally owned businesses.

Just like so many other people, I think Costco is a great idea, but this spot is close to the existing Sam’s Club and would likely encourage more development in the already overpacked Cason Lane area.

It’s like the Murfreesboro City Council doesn’t know anything about city planning.
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Speaking of traffic woes, another long-awaited project has gotten the green light on South Church Street.

After years of speculation, Aldi is finally coming to South Church Street.

In early September, the Murfreesboro Planning Commission again approved plans for the field between Joe B. Jackson Parkway (formerly County Farm Road) and Savannah Ridge. The project was first approved in 2006 and 2017.

Called the Marketplace at Savannah Ridge, the mixed-use development will include retail and townhouses. It will be anchored by an Aldi store.

A representative for Baker Storey McDonald said work will begin later this year and tenants can expect to move in next year.

The development plans for 12 commercial buildings and 30 single-family homes.

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