So many questions have been coming in about new businesses, as well as changes to existing or former businesses. I decided to just give a rundown for brief info on everything MySaline readers having been wanting to know. And maybe some things you didn’t even know to ask. Here is the list in no particular order:
(Pics by Shelli Poole unless otherwise noted)
Brooklyn Pizza – 3614 Marketplace Av., Suite 1. Bryant, AR 72022 – The owners of Verona Italian Restaurant are in the process of renovating a suite for New York style pizza. The location is on the other end of the street from Ashley’s Furniture, just off Highway 5 North. The owners hope to be open before the end of the year. More info here: www.mysaline.com/bryant-drc-082020/
Sin Sin Restaurant – 622 Gertrude, Benton, AR 72015 – This Chinese restaurant was around for decades. The owners retired and put the building up for market and last week, they closed on a sale. Stay tuned for who will be in the property next. More info: www.mysaline.com/sin-sin-closing
Benton Skate Center – 1212 W South St., Benton, AR 72015 – The owner isn’t selling, but it also isn’t going to be a skating rink anymore. Local charity Helping Hands, along with Rock Church will occupy the property for a multi-use purpose. More info: www.mysaline.com/skate-hh-rock.
Schrader Homes – 123 N East St., Benton, AR 72015 – That’s what’s going in the I.O.O.F. building (Odd Fellows), and there’s more to come about that.
Former Doctor’s Office – 302 W South St., Benton, AR 72015 – This is a one-story property between Rasburry Surveying and The Palace (Baja Grill/Valhalla Restaurant) in historic downtown Benton. Shawn Hipskind owns this building, as well as The Palace. He said there is no set plan for the use of the property, rather, he is doing preliminary renovating for any future tenant. The building was formerly home of Drs. Ashby, Hogue & Thorn, as shown on the plaque below. (Pics thanks to Shawn Hipskind – before, after/current, and doctors plaque)
Nana’s Flea Market – 2017 Military Rd., Suites 2 & 3, Benton, AR 72015 – Owners say they hope to be open by November 1st. More info coming.
Mid-Town Plumbing – Currently located in the northern section of Benton, is constructing a commercial building of their own on South Street, between Benton Skate Center and Ma & Pa Peddler’s Flea Market.
Fire Dancer BBQ – 2113 Watts Road Benton, AR 72015 – Eric Lee has been serving up barbecue and signature side dishes from a food truck and winning awards at competitions for several years, but has recently been parked in front of this property facing Military Rd., across from Kum & Go. The business apparently liked the location and decided to move into the building since it was up for lease. More info to come. (Pic by Eric Lee)
Pampered and BrianK Boutique – 203 E. Narroway, Benton, AR 72015 – This boutique for both women and men has been online and operated from Saline County, but is hosting their grand opening on Friday, October 16th. They are easy to find, just across East St. from KFC.
J3L – 3100 Military Road, Benton, AR 72015 – This is a warehouse with boxes packaged together onto pallets. The boxes contain merchandise from major retail chains like W*lmart, T*rget, Meij*r, S*m’s Club, L*we’s, H*me D*pot, Am*zon etc. The items are returned, overstock, discontinued, damaged, or seasonal merchandise and J3L sells individual pallets to the public. The pallets range from $200 to $1,100. The location is close to Denise St. (Pic by J3L)
Copper Mule Table & Tap – 3348 Main St., Bryant, AR 72022 – Expect southern food like chicken & andouille gumbo and fried bologna sandwiches, but also local beers on tap and of course mules. More info here: www.mysaline.com/cm (Pics by Copper Mule)
Blue Heaven – 15228 Interstate 30 North, Benton, AR 72019 – This was former Ed & Kay’s, a long-standing tradition of diner food and desserts. New owner Diana Young says some dishes will stay, but they will add lots of new healthy choices and much of it will come from their garden right outside. More story coming and more info here: www.mysaline.com/bh
Former Posey’s Station/Roseberry Landscaping – 300 N. Main St., Benton, AR 72015 – MySaline reported about a year ago that a local entrepreneur had plans to turn this property into a wine bar. The owner cleaned it up quite a bit, but events from the pandemic, along with some family and medical obstacles forced him to scrap his plans. What’s next for this corner? We’ll update as soon as we are able to release that info. Previously: https://www.mysaline.com/ffw/ (Pic by Google Maps)
Is that enough news about Saline County businesses? Well, there’s more news that I left out because it’s not ready to announce, but watch MySaline for updates.