Wes Harris, State Farm Insurance Agent – home, auto, life & banking – 319 Vann Drive, sponsors Strictly Business, a weekly column that takes a look at a few of this week’s business highlights.

West Tennessee Healthcare reveals plan for North Hospital

West Tennessee Healthcare is pleased to announce plans for the future of West Tennessee Healthcare North Hospital, a service of Jackson-Madison County General Hospital (“JMCGH”).

West Tennessee Healthcare North Hospital, formerly Tennova Healthcare – Regional Jackson, was acquired from Community Health Systems, Inc. on June 1, 2018. Since the acquisition, teams made up of physicians and organizational leaders have been evaluating patient needs and strategic priorities relating to orthopedic services and women’s and children’s services. After careful consideration, West Tennessee Healthcare has decided to relocate orthopedic services to the North Hospital campus, and to relocate women’s and children’s services to JMCGH’s main campus, located at 620 Skyline Drive.

“We are very excited about the expansion of orthopedic services in our new location,” said Deann Thelen, Vice-President Hospital Services. “Growth in the orthopedic service line is predicted to increase drastically over the next few years, and our existing facilities do not allow for us to accommodate the number of patients we expect to treat.”

In addition, freeing up space previously occupied by orthopedics at JMCGH will allow for future renovation and expansion of women’s and children’s services, such as the neonatal ICU and the pediatrics unit. “Providing high quality healthcare for women and children across our region continues to be a priority for us, and the ability to improve access and expand our services for these patients so they can stay close to home is critical to our mission,” said Tina Prescott, Chief Nursing Officer.

North Hospital will continue to provide high quality services for emergency patients and inpatients during the planning period and after the relocation of orthopedic services. Outpatient services such as radiology and laboratory services will continue to be available at the north location, also.

Livability Jackson TN magazine – business investment, talent recruitment, relocation

The Jackson Chamber recently unveiled Livability Jackson, Tennessee, which is one of its primary quality-of-life marketing programs for talent attraction.

The program includes a digital magazine, print magazine and significant exposure on Livability.com, a national website with information about more than 15,000 of America’s best places to live and visit.

All of the high-quality, easy-to-share content promotes the community’s favorable business climate, attractions and other enviable amenities to encourage business investment, talent recruitment and relocation.

Targeted print and global digital distribution aims to reach entrepreneurs, site selectors, corporate executives and other talented individuals and families attracted to Jackson’s quality of life.

The program includes many tools for business professionals and residents to learn about and share with others the many success stories of the community.

For more information, visit https://livability.com/tn/jackson

Restaurant closings in Jackson in 2018

When Baudo’s officials announced the popular restaurant would close January 19, NEWSTALK 101.5 FM & WNWS.COM compiled a (partial) list of restaurants that closed in Jackson in 2018.

Casa Marina

After 13 years, Casa Marina, a popular Mexican restaurant, 4528, 76 Old Hickory Blvd. E, closed in October.

Owner Juan Garcia said he was opening a new restaurant in Sparta, which is about 20 miles south of Cookeville.

Stevo’s Hot Wings

Stevo’s Hot Wings, 936 Campbell Street, closed in August.

Described as a colorful chicken shack supplying hot wings with a variety of sauces, plus burgers and other quick bites, Stevo’s was located in a facility that was home to Jackson’s first Dairy Queen.

Stevo’s also closed at 31 Bowling Drive.

Huddle House

Huddle House, 1118 Whitehall Street, closed due to franchise violations, in August.

According to corporate officials in Atlanta, one violation included the non-use of approved menu items.

Owned by Donald and Kimberly Lloyd of Jackson, Huddle House opened in January 2017.

The 2,500-square-foot standalone facility is located next door to an 18,000-square-foot retail center – Bre Avenue at Madison Place.

Zen Steakhouse

Zen Steakhouse & Sushi Bar closed at 660 Carriage House Drive in late June.

Casa Adobe

Casa Adobe Restaurante at 1110 Vann Drive served its last customers in June, and its closing became official when Pride Brokerage Services – a real estate company in Franklin – placed a sign in a front window announcing the property is for lease.

“I don’t want to speculate, but we were surprised they closed,” said Steve Stanley, a leasing agent for Pride Brokerage Services, “We’ve shown the property twice, and it’s for lease, not for sale.”

Stanley said a national company wanted to build a new facility on the property after purchasing and razing the existing building which consists of 4,640 square feet.

(NOTE: West Alley Bar-B-Q will open at 1110 Vann Drive in February)

Coyote Blues

Coyotes Blues, 4 Stonebridge Blvd., closed in March.

Coyote Blues continues to have a presence in Jackson with its Food Truck, and the company said it will also continue to cater.

Baudo’s Restaurant closing Jan. 19

Lyndon Baines Johnson began his first full term as President of the United States, the first U.S. combat troops landed in Da Nang, South Vietnam, a Civil Rights march was held from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery and Texas defeated Alabama, 21-17 in the Orange Bowl.

The year was 1965, the same year Baudo’s Restaurant first opened as B&H Pizza in Hollywood Shopping Center.

The restaurant, which moved to 559 Wiley Parker Rd., in 1972 – is closing January 19.

“It was started by my mother in 1965 (August 22),” said Jack Baudo operations manager at Baudo’s, “She always said this was her seventh child, and to me, it’s been like a brother. We’re getting loads of telephone calls, and we’re all torn up.”

Management listed the 8,486-square-foot facility Adaro Realty in Memphis in June 2017, with an asking price of $550,000.

A parking lot (0.81 acres) across the street from the restaurant – also owned by the Baudo family – was listed in the sale for $199,000

Top 10 local business stories for 2018 Click Here

(PHOTO: Wes Harris, State Farm agent)
David Thomas, Twitter– @DavidThomasWNWS
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