The Franklin Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayor Joe Collins, recently held a ribbon cutting to welcome Rana Rinata Italian Grill to the business community.

Rana Rinata’s is located at 57 Highlands Road in the Shops on the Riverwalk.

Owner Scott Moritz and Executive Chef Lisa Thordarson are excited to once again be able to serve the folks of Franklin.

On July 5, the Smoky Mountain Foot and Ankle Clinic, P.A. celebrated its 20th anniversary of serving the foot and ankle healthcare needs of Western North Carolina. Dr. William Banks, a Haywood County native, founded the practice in 1991. While attending pharmacy school at UNC-Chapel Hill, Dr. Banks began to explore the needs of different healthcare specialties.

“There was a great need for a podiatrist west of Asheville,” says Dr. Banks. After completing his residency, he came back to Western North Carolina to open the first foot and ankle clinic west of Asheville. It was apparent that his services were needed. At the time, there was no one dedicated to foot and ankle care, no wound care centers and no focus on the diabetic foot. None of the hospitals west of Asheville had a podiatrist on staff.

The Franklin Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Outdoor 76 to the Main Street Business Community with a ribbon cutting celebration. Outdoor 76 is located at 76 E. Main Street in downtown Franklin.

Owners, Rob Gasbarro and Cory Mc- Call, are a vital part of the success of this exciting new community-minded business on Main Street. “We are all things outdoors. We want our shop to be a gateway for locals and visitors to be outdoors. We're not just about selling outdoor items” said Rob Gasbarro. “We are also a true outfitter, offering everything from detailed area info to paddling lessons and guided trips as well as kayaking, SUP, and camping gear rentals.” Gasbarro continued.

Franklin Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting at Karen and Co. located at 52 E. Main Street.

Karen and Co. is a “A Chic Boutique” open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Karen Bacon, owner of Karen and Co., welcomes you to drop by and see all that the store has to offer.

With many lines of merchandise including Brighton, Vera Bradley, Karen Kane, Miraclebody Jeans, Eliza J Dresses, Spanx and Rocket Dog Shoes, to suit everyone’s taste.