HYDE PARK — A well-known health-food store, Bonne Sante, is preparing to close its doors after serving the Hyde Park community for over fifty years to make room for a new Chick-fil-A location. Owner Kristofer Braaten confirmed this week the shop, located at 1512 E. 53rd St., will begin its ten-day retirement sale on Saturday, offering discounts on all items as the final chapter of its story approaches. "We’re obviously hoping to move as much product as we can out of the store before the Chick-fil-A renovations begin," Braaten stated.
Renovations for the new fast-food franchise are expected to commence as early as March, with the new Chick-fil-A slated to open by late summer, according to Braaten, who will remain the landlord of the building after the transition. "My mother was a pioneer — not only as a woman starting a business, but on top of everything, starting a health-food store, which was pretty much unknown back then," he reflected, reminiscing about the legacy of Bonne Sante.
Founded by Braaten's mother, LaVonne, in 1972, the store catered to health-conscious individuals long before the concept became mainstream. Over the decades, Bonne Sante expanded its offerings to include vitamin and herbal supplements, as well as organic food options. "Finding ways for people to stay healthy was our goal, I know we have accomplished it just by the customers who have shared their experiences with us," Braaten added.
Hyde Park residents expressed mixed feelings about the transition. Sisters Kenya and Kacia Muhammad, visiting the store on Monday, were taken aback upon learning of its impending closure. "I’m just really shocked to hear the replacement is Chick-fil-A," Kenya said. "I feel like this is such a needed store. It’s super important, especially now where our food quality isn't as great as it should be." Kacia, on her first visit, added, "It's always beneficial and healing to come to a place where you know you’re going to get what you need."
Despite the loss, Eunice Sanders, who managed Bonne Sante for three years, is determined to continue its legacy. She is launching her own health food store, Sankofa Bonne Sante, underlining her commitment to providing the community with healthy options. "I want to take my expertise and pass it on to the next generation," Sanders declared. The new shop is set to include offerings such as health grills, wellness subscription boxes and workshops. She emphasized community engagement, with plans to hire several former Bonne Sante employees.
Meanwhile, the entire city of Jackson is also facing changes as Chick-fil-A's downtown location is closing its doors. Ian Hodges, who has owned this location for seven years, confirmed it would close on January 31 after serving the area for over 31 years. Reasons for the closure remain vague, as Hodges indicated he was unaware of the specific motivations behind the decision.
The downtown Chick-fil-A operated primarily during weekdays, attracting considerable foot traffic from workers at nearby offices. Following its closure, Hodges plans to shift his focus to the new Chick-fil-A location he is opening in Flowood, situated adjacent to GI Associates at 2520 Lakeland Dr. He has expressed deep attachment to the downtown site, stating, "I really will miss the downtown location. It has meant so much to me and my family for the last seven years."
Ann Fry, property manager for Regions Plaza, confirmed they had yet to find another restaurant to fill the void left by Chick-fil-A. Preliminary discussions are underway with potential candidates, including several national and local concepts. "We want to find someone to cater to the breakfast and lunch crowd, especially since the area is primarily office space," she elaborated, recognizing the business potential from the location.
Hodges noted the new location's drive-thru would incorporate technology unique to the area, allowing for efficient pickup of pre-ordered meals. Though the downtown location feels like it is being neglected, Hodges assures it has maintained steady sales, which typically characterizes successful franchises. "All I know is there was no one available to step up as operator for the Regions building," Sam Cox, from Pinpoint Realty, said.
Chick-fil-A's popularity is undeniable, maintaining massive crowds across the area. Yet, the transitions at the Jackson and Hyde Park locations spotlight the delicate balance between thriving businesses and new corporate interests, leaving local patrons to adapt to the swift changes.
While the new Chick-fil-A may bring with it fast food convenience, many locals hope to see community health-centered offerings continue to thrive. And yet, as history shows, every closure creates space for something new, for both businesses and communities alike. Will these bold changes forge the way for vibrant new alternatives, or will the favorites of yesterday simply fade from memory?