Local

These 3 Columbus-area businesses have closed. Here’s why

Stories by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer journalists, with AI summarization

Three small businesses in Columbus and Phenix City have closed. The owners expressed gratitude to their customers for their support.

1. Latoya Thomas, co-owner of Lily B. Rose, cited the challenges of running a business. The restaurant in Phenix City closed June 29. “Thank you … from the bottom of our hearts for your love, loyalty, and support over the past 14 years,” Thomas said.

2. Brushes and Beverages in Columbus announced its closure due to changes in family priorities. "The laughter that echoed through the studio, the masterpieces (and happy little accidents) that filled our walls, and the warmth of this community will stay with us forever," the business wrote in a Facebook post. It closed June 13.

3. Poke Sun closed its Midland Commons location in Columbus on Aug. 1. The reason for the closure remains unclear. Customers can still visit its downtown spot.

Read more in the stories below:

Brushes and Beverages, 1102 Broadway in Columbus, is closing June 13. The store was open for 18 years. June 11, 2025. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 1: THIS BUSINESS IN COLUMBUS HELPED FOLKS CELEBRATE LIFE MOMENTS. WHY IT’S CLOSING

“It’s been an incredible journey these 18 years. We’re just very grateful for everyone. They’ll always have a piece of our hearts,” the co-owner said. | Published June 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Lily B. Rose, located at 1222 10th Ave. in Phenix City, Alabama, offers Southern home cooking. By Mike Haskey

NO. 2: CO-OWNER EXPLAINS WHY PHENIX CITY SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT ANNOUNCED SUDDEN CLOSURE

“I have made many sacrifices,” one of the co-owners said. “I don’t want to sacrifice anymore.” | Published June 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

Poke Sun’s Midland Commons location, 6835 Midland Commons Blvd., permanently has closed in Columbus. The closure went into effect Aug. 1. By Jordyn Paul-Slater

NO. 3: COLUMBUS RESTAURANT UNEXPECTEDLY CLOSES ONE LOCATION. SEE THEIR ANNOUNCEMENT

Poke Sun’s Midland Commons location, 6835 Midland Commons Blvd., permanently has closed in Columbus. | Published August 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jordyn Paul-Slater

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.