By ERIN EDGEMON, Business Editor
Posted: Sunday, June 29, 2008 8:27 am

Ray Hines & Co. is expanding again.

Owners Pam Wellhausen and Melissa Ray have leased the former space of South Church Street Studio & Gallery at 121 S. Church St. to expand their retail operation on the Public Square. The pair aren’t sure yet how they will make use of the 400-square-foot space, but they hope to have it operational in about a month.

Ray Hines & Co. originally opened in March 2007 at 123 S. Church St. carrying European antiques, unique gifts and jewelry. The store expanded in November 2007, adding a second location four doors down at 115 S. Church St. offering expanded lines of traditional furniture, upholstery and tables.

Ray, an antiques buyer, and Wellhausen, a retired English teacher, moved to Murfreesboro from Abilene, Texas to open Ray Hines & Co.

•••

At least one Murfreesboro Hardee’s restaurant will soon be serving up burritos and taco salad in addition to hamburgers.

“We are eagerly anticipating the opening of our Hardee’s on Old Fort Parkway to a dual-branded Hardee’s/Red Burrito location,” said Jenna Petroff, public relations manager of Hardee’s Food Systems. “The addition of the Red Burrito menu gives Hardee’s Thickburger lovers a chance to change it up by ordering delicious Mexican fare.

“Customers can choose from bulging burritos, tempting tacos and combo platters with a little bit of everything,” she continued. “Or, they can mix and match by ordering a favorite Thickburger with a side of nachos. All of the Red Burrito entrees are prepared with all-white meat chicken or seasoned beef. The signature “Red Burrito” is made with chicken or beef, refried beans, rice and salsa, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and topped with red sauce and melted jack and cheddar cheese.”

The dual-menu concept is scheduled to open at the Hardee’s location at 2382 Old Fort Parkway in the first week of August, Petroff said.

Minor renovations within the resturant will take place a few days prior to the Red Burrito opening, she said. The restaurant should remain open during the renovations.

Hardee’s current has nearly 90 Hardee’s/Red Burrito restaurants in the Midwest and Southeast.

Petroff said she doesn’t know if additional Hardee’s locations in Rutherford County will be renovated in the future to include Red Burrito.

The dual-branding concept began with Hardee’s sister-chain Carl’s Jr. in 1984 when Carl’s Jr./Green Burrito opened in Carson, Calif.

Erin Edgemon can be reached at 869-0812 and at eedgemon@murfreesboropost.com.