After about five years in operation, high-end Starkville restaurant 44 Prime, 211 S. Jackson St., is closing by the end of the month.
But owners and partners Roy Oswalt and Jeff Thornsberry are already preparing for their second venture on Poor House Road.
The duo hopes to open The Ranch, 1044 Poor House Road, by mid-July.
Located near the Mississippi Horse Park, the 6,000 square-foot restaurant will have three separate dining areas, which Thornsberry said will allow the restaurant to host private events while remaining open for guests. Thornsberry said they wanted to “sink their teeth” into a venture that was 100% theirs, meaning they started from scratch, customizing everything as they go.
“It’s fantastic, we have a blank slate for our restaurant,” he said. “… We want this to be the most Starkville place there is. We want to be something that folks are proud to be a part of.”
Thornsberry added that some menu items, including cocktails, will transition from 44 Prime to The Ranch. Even transitioning much of their staff, however, it’s going to be a different vibe.
“Rather than coming once every six months for a special occasion, we want you coming (to The Ranch) six times a month,” he said. “It’s going to be the same level of hospitality and quality. … Everyone is welcome.”
The Ranch will serve contemporary American food with trout, peri peri chicken, sandwiches, vegetables, salads, southern charcuterie boards and more.
“It’s going to be familiar dishes, but one that we can still wow them with,” he said.
As of now, they plan to be open for lunch starting at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday, with dinner services starting at 5 p.m. It will be open for brunch 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays.
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