What started as a hobby becomes a family business

As part of the Venture Local Franklin (VLF) initiative, Macon County News is teaming up with VLF to highlight local businesses throughout Franklin. Each week, MCN will select locally owned and operated businesses in a different industry ranging from retail to tourism, to manufacturing. It is our goal at MCN to work with VLF to encourage residents to shop locally and utilize the resources Franklin has to offer. For more information on Venture Local Franklin, join their next community hang out on Thursday, July 26, at 5:30 p.m. at the Frogtown Market and Deli.

Regardless of the product, or the intention behind the business, one thing that most antique stores in Franklin have in common is that it started as a hobby and as the family tradition grew, a business opportunity was born.

The Franklin Main Street Program officially welcomed a new business to the district with a Red Carpet Event on Friday, June 29. Curvy Girl Consignment has opened next to Vito’s Pizza on the Highlands Road.

Owner Amanda Haggard has opened the only plus sized consignment shop in Franklin. Curvy Girl Consignment features clothing in sizes XL/14 and up. In addition, shoppers will find plenty of accessories and shoes. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and new consigners are always welcome.

For additional information call (828)342-7020. You can also find Curvy Girl Consignment on Facebook.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of Frogtown Market located at 61 South Patton Avenue. Frogtown Market is open six days a week, Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Owner Donnie Bishop, invites the public to stop by for lunch and dinner. Menu offering include a wide selection of hot and cold hoagies, burgers, sandwiches, salads and dinner entrees. With a name like “Frogtown Market” you’ve got to serve frog legs and you bet they do. If frog legs aren’t to your liking, drop by for a meatloaf or pulled pork dinner or maybe some fried oysters or shrimp, a handpatted burger along with homemade sides and desserts. Don’t have time to leave the office? Frogtown Market will make in-town business deliveries from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Call (828)369-0001.

Realtors finding their niche in a challenging business

As part of the Venture Local Franklin (VLF) initiative, Macon County News is teaming up with VLF to highlight local businesses throughout Franklin. Each week, MCN will select locally owned and operated businesses in a different industry ranging from retail to tourism, to manufacturing. It is our goal at MCN to work with VLF to encourage residents to shop locally and utilize the resources Franklin has to offer. To learn more about VLF, visit the VLF facebook page or join the group for their next community hang out at Livingston's Bar and Grill on June 28 at 5:30 p.m.

When the economy began sinking in 2008, one of the first industries affected was the real estate market, and even though several industries have slowly begun to see improvements, the real estate market is one of the last to see relief after the recession.

Read more...