Columbus is getting a 1950s-style diner.
The plan is for Parkside Diner to open later this month or in early April, according to Danny Cameron, the owner.
The diner will be at 2526 Main St. in the location of the old Shipley’s Do-Nuts, which closed in the fall.
Cameron told The Dispatch the new diner — approximately 1,200 square feet — will have a countertop adorned with old 45s. There will be a jukebox. Eventually, they will offer ice cream. And “real” milkshakes. And “real” root beer floats.
“When you walk through the door,” he said, “we want it to be like going back to the ’50s.”
Cameron, along with Wendy Cameron, operated Front Door/Back Door in downtown Columbus before it closed in 2014.
Parkside Diner will have a menu similar to Front Door/Back Door. There will be different soups daily. And chicken salad. And sandwiches. Nothing will be fried. The bread served will be delivered daily from Mennonite bakers.
Cameron said being across from Propst Park is a perfect location.
The plan is to be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. A breakfast menu is in the works, too.
The diner will employ four to six people.
Moving on.
Columbus is getting a second Burger King.
Company officials confirmed to The Dispatch on Wednesday that construction should begin March 14.
It will be located at 604 18th Ave. N. — that’s right beside Cracker Barrel, where Smith’s Landscaping was located. The landscaping business is moving to the old Barnhill’s Buffet spot at 625 18th Ave. N.
Burger King officials said the new eatery should open in mid-June. It will cover approximately 2,800 square feet and employ 35 to 40 people.
Speaking of Burger King, you may have noticed that the one located at 119 Alabama St. in Columbus closed for remodeling on Feb. 8.
Company officials said it is scheduled to re-open on March 12. When it does, it will have a new exterior image, a completely new dining room and upgraded kitchen equipment throughout.
Lastly, did you know Fine Consign & More is now located on Highway 45 North?
Brenda Porter’s business for eight years was located in downtown Columbus at 411 Main St. She made the move to the highway — the address is 1909 Hwy. 45 N. — in the fall.
Porter said the biggest advantage of the new location is, obviously, the traffic in the area. (The Mississippi Department of Transportation says approximately 25,000 vehicles pass through the area each day.) What she misses about the downtown location is the sense of community and “the vibe.”
That said, things are going good at Fine Consign & More, which offers antiques, all things vintage and clothes.
The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.
Browning on Business is a weekly column that runs each Thursday. We want your input. Send items and tips to [email protected] or [email protected].
William Browning was managing editor for The Dispatch until June 2016.
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