Small business is the backbone of this county, and this week brought news on three fronts: a new owner, a hometown favorite finding a permanent home, and a fond farewell.
Culleoka Creamery & Co. has new owners. Coco-Bombo has purchased the shop and is already open for business Wednesday through Sunday, 3 to 8 p.m., while the new team settles in. A full Grand Opening Weekend is set for July 30 through August 1, with plenty planned to celebrate the new chapter. If you have a favorite order from the creamery's old days, now is a good time to go see what's changed and what hasn't.
LooseWheels is moving to Spring Hill, taking up residence in the historic Kissing House on McLemore Avenue. After nearly seven years building a following with chef-inspired burgers, diner sandwiches, and homemade soups and salads out of Columbia, the local favorite is putting down permanent roots in a true sit-down destination, complete with live original music, indoor and outdoor seating, and the Babylon Beer Garden. LooseWheels says the move keeps them close to their "Columbia burger family," and the team promises the biggest and boldest menu they've ever created. Expect menu reveals and behind-the-scenes updates in the weeks ahead as they build toward opening day.
And Maury County is saying goodbye to Southern Sugar Saloon. The milkshake, ice cream, and candy shop announced it is closing up within the week and relocating back to Alabama to be closer to family. The owners say it wasn't an easy decision, and they're hoping to see familiar faces before they go. If you've got a soft spot for their brownie outlaws, this is the week to stop in.
Three businesses, three different chapters, and a reminder that a downtown is always in motion. The Muletown Journal wishes Coco-Bombo and LooseWheels well as they open their doors, and Southern Sugar Saloon a safe and sweet trip home.
Sources: Coco-Bombo and LooseWheels public announcements, July 2026. Southern Sugar Saloon post via I Heart Columbia (Mule Town), Tennessee, July 12, 2026.