Budget Blinds opens N. Ky. store

Budget Blinds, a provider of custom window coverings, has opened its first Northern Kentucky location.

The new store, at 495 Erlanger Road in Erlanger, will also be the chain's first location to feature lines of interior design products to compliment Budget Blinds' window treatments. The concept store is called "The Studio" and represents a collaboration with Indiana-based Lafayette Interior Fashions.

"We created The Studio to inspire our customers to decorate and enhance their homes beyond the many window dressing solutions available to them," said Robb Hudson, president and owner of the new franchise.

Hudson said he departed from the company's usual direct-to-consumer approach in creating the retail outlet, but felt it was important to display decor options at one site. "There is no possible way to house all of our products in a delivery van," he said.

The company's custom products include bedding, headboards, footboards, benches, table linens and wallpaper. The store also features a full display of Hunter Douglas' Alta products, designed by supermodel Kathy Ireland.

Information: www.budgetblinds.com.

Two CPAs start Norwood firm

Two certified public accountants have started a firm in Norwood.

As of Oct. 16, Jim Messmer and Marc Kiner became Messmer Kiner & Associates LLC. They offer consulting services for businesses and individuals, as well as tax and accounting services. Those services include estate planning, assistance with lenders, tax compliance and profit-maximization strategies for small businesses.

Kiner said that the firm specializes in working with franchised businesses.

The office is at 1776 Mentor Ave., Suite 220. Information: 351-5707.

Favorite Things adds a few more

There are a few more favorite things for customers to choose at a west-side gift and home decor shop.

Rita Brogan and Jeanette Lavanier, owners of Favorite Things in Bridgetown, have added several new lines of merchandise that were formerly carried by Lasting Impressions' Bridgetown store. The store closed recently after 20 years.

"Included are many personalized items and a complete line of invitations, most of which can be printed in the shop," Lavanier said.

These products join Favorite Things' traditional selection of home decor, accent pieces, furniture and gifts. The store is at 4465 Bridgetown Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Information: 598-9900.

2 Oxford eateries get new operator

Two Oxford restaurants now have a Cincinnati hand at the helm.

The Elms Hotel, in the college town's business district, has contracted with Cincinnati restaurateur Elliot Jablonski to operate DiPaolo's Fine Dining and Catering as well as Three Trees Irish Pub.

Jablonski, owner of Elliot J Restaurants, also operates The Vineyard Cafe & Wine Room, Latin Quarter, Bistro at Harper's, Tink's Cafe and Sugar n' Spice.

The new manager of the Oxford operation is Chris Helms, formerly of Ciao Baby restaurants.

The hotel's owners say DiPaolo's will remain largely the same in menu and concept, and will continue to serve Sunday brunch. Three Trees will continue to feature comedy on Wednesday evenings and live music performances Thursday through Saturday.

The Elms is at 75 S. Main Street.

Information: 523-1541 (DiPaolo's) or 523-8733 (Pub).

College honors business owner

A small-business owner in Boone County has been inducted into the Arizona State University's College of Public Programs Alumni Hall of Fame.

Lauren Abel, president and CEO of Abel Associates Inc. and Creative Consortium Inc., is one of three ASU alumni so honored this year. The ceremony took place Oct. 31 on the university's campus in Tempe, Ariz.

Selection was based on the ways in which individuals' professional and civic lives reflect the quality of the education they received at ASU, their commitment to their communities, and willingness to use their professional skills to address social issues.

Abel Associates specializes in public relations, media relations, and crisis media management and training. Creative Consortium offers a full range of marketing communications services.

Information: 859-586-7939 or www.abelpr.com.

E-mail jcallison@zoomtown.com or fax 564-6991 with openings, expansions and other news about neighborhood businesses.