Kosicusko will be home to two more food businesses this fall, following approval from both the Planning Commission and the Board of Aldermen.
Although both will roll into town on wheels, local officials made it clear that both need to give the appearance of traditional buildings once in position. Both will have city water and electric run to the facilities.
The Sip, which will likely be located near the Route 35 bypass, will provide drive-up service for gourmet and regular coffees, as well as a handful of healthier breakfast options.
“We have a very well-respected recognized company that we will be buying from,” said Charles “Chip” Hawkins, one of the business owners. “We hope to be open on the first of September.”
Hawkins said he had the trailer and old bank branch building on it when partner Richard Carter suggested the coffee buisness after seeing many of them when he vistied Oregon.
“We changed the siding and revamped the interior and we’re in the process of installing a sink and countertops now,” said Hawkins.
Hendry Bun, a former hibachi chef, decided to work his way into his own restuarant by starting with a mobile unit, which will be located across from CVS on Highway 12 West.
“I have been doing that for 10 years and I want to do it on my own,” he said this week. “This is a lower initial investment but if it is doing good, we can open a full restaurant.”
Southern Hibachi Grill will serve healthy hibachi favorites stir-fried on a flat grill.
Bun said he chose Kosicusko for his startup carefully.
“I’ve been searching quite awhile to find a city, and they don’t have anything like this yet,” said Bun. “It could be good for me and for the city.”
