All up in your business for Jan. 19, 2016

Khushi

Khushi, a new salad restaurant on Franklin Street, is working to provide UNC students and the Chapel Hill community with fresh food with an Indian twist at a modest price.

The restaurant offers fresh salads, rice bowls and wraps, as well as a variety of homemade sauces to mix and match with entrees.

Raj Khanal and his wife Pam are the owners of Khushi, which opened Friday. The restaurant occupies the previous location of Hummus Café.

Khanal said they chose their location so they could be close to University students. He also said there are not any salad places nearby on Franklin Street.

“You have to go all the way to Whole Foods to find a salad place,” Khanal said.

Khanal said he wants to promote fresh food and the benefits of drinking water rather than soda.

“We don’t have a soda machine,” Khanal said. “For every meal, we give out a bottle of water for free.”

Dingo Dog Brewing Company

Dingo Dog Brewing Co. is saving animal lives one beer at a time.

Dingo Dog is a non-profit, small-scale craft brewery that will open this spring at Plowgirl Farm in Chapel Hill.

Dingo, a rescued St. Bernard mix, is the brewery's co-founder, and has started the brewery along with his owner, Tim Schwarzauer.

Dingo takes a fairly "paws off" approach to running the business, as long as he gets a warm place to sleep, Schwarzauer said.

Schwarzauer and brewer Billy Gagon, said he is working to set up Dingo Dog Charitable Trust, a 501c3 trust foundation, which will eventually become the sole owner of the brewery and provide funds to local, independent, “no kill” animal shelters.

Schwarzauer said he was attracted to the idea of partnering with a small, sustainable organic farm like Plowgirl since many of Dingo Dog’s products will be brewed with produce grown at the farm.

The ultimate goal for the brewery is to apply a zero waste concept, Schwarzauer said.

The brewery will be located in an old barn at Plowgirl farms that is currently being revitalized, Schwarzauer said.

Originally from Mississippi, Schwarzauer decided to open his brewery in Carrboro after being inspired by the wonderful and diverse group of breweries in North Carolina.

“It is not uncommon to see people, and their furry friends, sitting outside one of (North Carolina’s) breweries on beautiful days,” Schwarzauer said. “It seemed like a natural fit to create a brewery built around our drinking buddies.”

Ida Lou Weddings

Ida Lou Weddings offers a unique alternative to the traditional wedding preparation experience.

Ida Lou’s services include bringing gowns to customers in an intimate setting, hosting parties at the location that best suits the customer, and creating a private dressing room and unique setting for parties and photoshoots. She also partners with local businesses that provide hair and makeup.

Owner Ashley Morra operates Ida Lou Weddings from a converted 1976 Argosy Airstream, furnished with 1950s style seating, curtains, two gown racks, accessory area and a full length mirror.

Ida Lou mobile is also equipped with solar panels and a back-up generator for easy travel and setup.

Morra said the idea for Ida Lou developed after she witnessed the popularity of food trucks and in-home trunk shows in the ready-to-wear industry.

“It dawned on me,” Morra said. “Why not create a mobile gown boutique that allows me to work with local stores and offer at-home gown parties? The mobile dressing room aspect, custom-designed party dresses and special products evolved from this original idea. It also did not limit me to just one specific market.”

Ida Lou did a soft opening at University Place at the end of October, but did not officially launch until Jan. 1. 

Morra said she provides a variety of special products that include period brooches, fur wraps and purses.

Morra said she has training in jewelry design, so every once in a while customers can expect some custom accessories that add a shimmer or sparkle to their ensemble.

“Who knows, you may see an Ida Lou #2 on the road soon,” Morra said.