Eric Hallberg’s latest culinary plan is underway.
Hoping to open this November, the Big E’s and former Breakfast Club owner is preparing to open Hallberg’s. Located at 105 Eckford Lane, Hallberg said few details are available at this time. According to the Secretary of State’s office, Hallberg filed a formation form Aug. 27.
“We are very vague, … trying to get a plan,” Hallberg sent in a text message.
He also added that he plans to open in November at the very earliest. Hallberg has spearheaded many ventures over the years in Starkville, including Cappe’s, Chicken Salad Chick and The Breakfast Club (all of which I miss dearly).
Over on Highway 12, Wing Gold in Starkville is officially open. Located at 210 Hwy. 12, Suite G, Wing Gold is a fast-casual restaurant serving up fried chicken, pizza and wings. It is open from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Moving over to Columbus, a new café and deli has opened.
Dark Oak Cafe and Deli, located at 1920 Hwy. 45 N., Suite A, announced its upcoming launch earlier this year, and manager Summer Cutrer confirmed it officially opened Monday. Located between Exotic Smokerz and Apothecary Green in Northgate Plaza, the deli serves breakfast all day, coffee and tea, deli sandwiches, smoothies, ice cream and more.
Also in town, another new culinary spot is on the horizon.
Columbus residents April and Greg Clayton are opening Ramen Lab, a self-serve ramen dine-in concept. Though they are still ironing out final site details, the married couple hopes to open in a couple of months. The business model is based on similar dining concepts the Claytons have enjoyed while traveling.
“Every time we experienced something like that, we would talk about how much fun it was and how we wished we had something like it at home,” April said. “Eventually that conversation became, ‘Why not bring it home ourselves?’”
April added that they are searching for a location downtown or somewhere close to the Mississippi University for Women campus. The dining concept allows for patrons to choose from various types of ramen, add toppings and cook the dish with a ramen cooker.
“Ramen Lab will obviously be about ramen, but the heart behind it is really about creating a place where people feel comfortable trying something new,” she said. “We want it to be welcoming and family-friendly while also celebrating different cultures, foods and interests. We want someone who has never tried this type of ramen before to feel just as comfortable walking through the door as someone who already loves it.”
If all goes according to schedule, the Claytons intend to open by the end of October or early November.
Some of you may have noticed I have a much-needed new headshot. I’ve done this column for a while now, and the old picture showed just how long. I want to thank my dear friend, Beth Wynn, who recently passed away, for taking my headshot that I’ll probably use for the next 10 years. Thank you, friend.
See y’all next week.
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
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Dining and Cooking