Mold Remediation in Columbus, GA

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, the 17-unit, laid-back seafood franchise, is setting its sights on Columbus, Georgia, with plans to bring a taste of the coast to the historic, community-focused market. With a proven track record in similar Southern markets, and one open restaurant and another in development in the state, the brand is actively seeking passionate Franchise Partners to establish its presence in the thriving Georgia hub.

“Columbus is a prime example of the type of market where Shuckin’ Shack excels,” said CEO Jonathan Weathington. “We already have a strong presence in the South, and adding a Columbus location would only bolster that. And the Columbus market, specifically, is growing with job opportunities, military presence, tourism and culinary events. It’s ripe for success.”

Columbus’s restaurant scene has a strong variety of restaurants, ranging from fast-food to white-tablecloth establishments, but Shuckin’ Shack fills a specific niche. Its unique blend of fresh seafood, relaxed atmosphere and genuine hospitality creates a space that’s truly unlike any others in the area — a space where people can go to have a great time and enjoy great food.

Another key aspect of Columbus’s appeal for Shuckin’ Shack is its strong military presence, anchored by Fort Moore.

“We’ve seen, in other markets, how Shuckin’ Shack can succeed in military communities,” Weathington said. “Military bases create fantastic captive audiences for concepts like ours, and Columbus will be no different. Service members and their families are always looking for welcoming, community-oriented places to gather, and we fit that bill perfectly.”

In addition to the community aspects that make Columbus a great fit for Shuckin’ Shack, the economics just make sense. With a median household income of over $50,000 and an average household income of $75,620 in a relatively affordable market, the population of over 514,000 people has ample disposable income for dining experiences like Shuckin’ Shack.

As the team looks to grow across Southern markets, it is seeking passionate Franchise Partners to support the development, establishing restaurant environments that truly cater to the wants and needs of the guests they will serve.

“We pride ourselves on being a neighborhood-focused concept that feels local to each community we enter,” Weathington said. “While the quality of our food and the laid-back atmosphere are reliable nationwide, each Shack embraces the unique character of the community. As is the case in all of our markets, we aim for our Franchise Partners in Columbus to become true pillars of their community, fostering connections and creating a gathering spot locals will be proud to call their own.”

The starting investment is $471,750. Learn more about franchise opportunities here: https://shuckinshackfranchise.com/.

Shuckin’ Shack Eyes Greenville, North Carolina for Franchise Growth

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, the 17-unit, laid-back seafood franchise, is setting its sights on Columbus, Georgia, with plans to bring a taste of the coast to the historic, community-focused market. With a proven track record in similar Southern markets, and one open restaurant and another in development in the state, the brand is actively seeking passionate Franchise Partners to establish its presence in the thriving Georgia hub.

“Columbus is a prime example of the type of market where Shuckin’ Shack excels,” said CEO Jonathan Weathington. “We already have a strong presence in the South, and adding a Columbus location would only bolster that. And the Columbus market, specifically, is growing with job opportunities, military presence, tourism and culinary events. It’s ripe for success.”

Columbus’s restaurant scene has a strong variety of restaurants, ranging from fast-food to white-tablecloth establishments, but Shuckin’ Shack fills a specific niche. Its unique blend of fresh seafood, relaxed atmosphere and genuine hospitality creates a space that’s truly unlike any others in the area — a space where people can go to have a great time and enjoy great food.

Another key aspect of Columbus’s appeal for Shuckin’ Shack is its strong military presence, anchored by Fort Moore.

“We’ve seen, in other markets, how Shuckin’ Shack can succeed in military communities,” Weathington said. “Military bases create fantastic captive audiences for concepts like ours, and Columbus will be no different. Service members and their families are always looking for welcoming, community-oriented places to gather, and we fit that bill perfectly.”

In addition to the community aspects that make Columbus a great fit for Shuckin’ Shack, the economics just make sense. With a median household income of over $50,000 and an average household income of $75,620 in a relatively affordable market, the population of over 514,000 people has ample disposable income for dining experiences like Shuckin’ Shack.

As the team looks to grow across Southern markets, it is seeking passionate Franchise Partners to support the development, establishing restaurant environments that truly cater to the wants and needs of the guests they will serve.

“We pride ourselves on being a neighborhood-focused concept that feels local to each community we enter,” Weathington said. “While the quality of our food and the laid-back atmosphere are reliable nationwide, each Shack embraces the unique character of the community. As is the case in all of our markets, we aim for our Franchise Partners in Columbus to become true pillars of their community, fostering connections and creating a gathering spot locals will be proud to call their own.”

The starting investment is $471,750. Learn more about franchise opportunities here: https://shuckinshackfranchise.com/.

Shuckin’ Shack Eyes Greenville, North Carolina for Franchise Growth

An eight-month investigation conducted by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office — with help from federal and local agencies — has led to the seizure of over $1.3 million in illegal drugs, the MCSO announced Thursday.

The MCSO, along with the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and DEA executed nine search warrants Monday in Columbus as part of Operation Hades, according to MCSO Sheriff Greg Countryman.

Countryman said Hades references the grave.

“As we move forward,” he said during the news conference at the MCSO, “we want to be able to bury drug-related crimes and other violent crimes. Together we did just that.”

The operation led to the arrests of 10 people, including Archie Zanders, who the sheriff’s office identified in a news release as the “drug trafficking leader.”

Countryman said the following items were seized in the operation:

The following people were arrested:

Archie Zanders:

Christopher Mabry:

Hakeem Zanders:

Kenisha Miles:

Jama Zanders:

Edward Watson III:

Bobby Nelson:

Earnestine Sumrell:

Henry Royal:

Samantha Elders:

Jeremy Dockins, GBI special agent in charge of the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, said the outcome of the investigation wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the citizens.

“Your vigilance, your tips and your patience have played a crucial role in this investigation,” Dockins said.

Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Don Kelly said, “We’re not stopping.”

“We are going to continue to root out the people like this organization who prey on folks in our community, who have a problem and make money off of that, and also bring violence to our community,” Kelly said.

Kelly said all those arrested in this case went through preliminary hearings Wednesday in Magistrate Court, with most of the cases being bound over to Superior Court without bond.

“Now we will start work in Superior Court on each of the individuals who were arrested,” Kelly said.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones called the drugs, guns and other items on the table in front of the podium the “product of the purveyors of misery.”

Jones said he’s pleased to work with Lee County’s west Georgia partners.

“This isn’t just a Columbus problem, this isn’t a Muscogee County problem, this is a regional problem,” Jones said.

“We do see a nexus between activities in this area, (the) Columbus, Georgia, area and in Lee County,” Jones said.

This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 12:58 PM.

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office’s Operation Hades led to the arrest of multiple suspects and the seizure of drugs valued at over $1.3 million.

The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office Collaborative Intelligence Group conducted an 8-month investigation into a local drug trafficking organization.

Officials say the investigation led to the arrest of drug trafficking leader Archie Zanders and his co-conspirators.

MCSO’s Collaborative Intelligence Group worked in conjunction with the following agencies:

MCSO’s Special Operations Unit, FBI, DEA, GBI, GSP, and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

They said Zanders’s drug trafficking operation was responsible for trafficking and distributing multiple kilograms of Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana in Muscogee County.

This investigation led to the arrest of 10 individuals and the removal of illegal drugs from the streets of Muscogee County and other areas.

On Monday, June 9, the MCSO along with the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, Georgia State Patrol (GSP), Lee County Sheriff’s office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), executed 9 search warrants that resulted in the following:

The drugs seized have an estimated total value of $1,391,785.00

The suspects arrested and their charges are as follows:

Archie Zanders:

Christopher Mabry:

Hakeem Zanders:

Kenisha Miles:

Jama Zanders:

Edward Watson III:

Bobby Nelson:

Earnestine Sumrell:

Henry Royal:

Samantha Elders:

The case remains under investigation, and officials said more charges and arrests may be pending.

The MCSO held a press conference Thursday morning to talk about the operation. (FULL VIDEO BELOW)

Copyright 2025 WTVM. All rights reserved.

An eight-month investigation conducted by the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office — with help from federal and local agencies — has led to the seizure of over $1.3 million in illegal drugs, the MCSO announced Thursday.

The MCSO, along with the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, Georgia State Patrol, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, FBI and DEA executed nine search warrants Monday in Columbus as part of Operation Hades, according to MCSO Sheriff Greg Countryman.

Countryman said Hades references the grave.

“As we move forward,” he said during the news conference at the MCSO, “we want to be able to bury drug-related crimes and other violent crimes. Together we did just that.”

The operation led to the arrests of 10 people, including Archie Zanders, who the sheriff’s office identified in a news release as the “drug trafficking leader.”

Countryman said the following items were seized in the operation:

The following people were arrested:

Archie Zanders:

Christopher Mabry:

Hakeem Zanders:

Kenisha Miles:

Jama Zanders:

Edward Watson III:

Bobby Nelson:

Earnestine Sumrell:

Henry Royal:

Samantha Elders:

Jeremy Dockins, GBI special agent in charge of the GBI West Georgia Gang Task Force, said the outcome of the investigation wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the citizens.

“Your vigilance, your tips and your patience have played a crucial role in this investigation,” Dockins said.

Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Don Kelly said, “We’re not stopping.”

“We are going to continue to root out the people like this organization who prey on folks in our community, who have a problem and make money off of that, and also bring violence to our community,” Kelly said.

Kelly said all those arrested in this case went through preliminary hearings Wednesday in Magistrate Court, with most of the cases being bound over to Superior Court without bond.

“Now we will start work in Superior Court on each of the individuals who were arrested,” Kelly said.

Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones called the drugs, guns and other items on the table in front of the podium the “product of the purveyors of misery.”

Jones said he’s pleased to work with Lee County’s west Georgia partners.

“This isn’t just a Columbus problem, this isn’t a Muscogee County problem, this is a regional problem,” Jones said.

“We do see a nexus between activities in this area, (the) Columbus, Georgia, area and in Lee County,” Jones said.

This story was originally published June 12, 2025 at 12:58 PM.