Here’s a story that ought to go down in the books as one of the more unusual beginnings of a Conway dining establishment. As the keeper of such books, I should know.

Remember a very long time ago when a restaurant was in the works on Salem Road next to Stromboli’s? Those of you who are very regular readers with a keen curiosity (or perhaps live in the neighborhood) will recall the place appeared decorated and ready to go, and then it never opened. The whole thing was shrouded in mystery.

Imagine my surprise when one of my loyal readers emailed me to say this place was actually hiring workers. I went by and found something delightful. A new owner has taken over, changed the name and given this little restaurant a chance to meet Conway. If you remember the name of the place that never opened, well, don’t bother, because now it is called Naru, which in Japanese means “success.”

David and Rachel Kim are the owners. They are from Los Angeles and have lived in Little Rock for six years. They have worked for sushi bars and restaurants in the past, and this is the first restaurant they have opened. David Kim said the restaurant’s sushi chef has worked in big markets in Dallas and Oklahoma, and the kitchen chef is from Pasadena, Calif. He noted they will specialize on Japanese food that is healthy and low-calorie. They will serve sushi, sashimi, yakisoba, teriyaki, bento boxes and such.

Naru will offer its customers loyalty cards they can use to earn a percentage off toward their purchase at each visit. The restaurant opens Tuesday.

Magnolia’s Consignment is moving, but not far and not for another couple of months. Sheila Goode, who has owned the shop for the past 18 years, said the family-operated business expanded three years ago and has outgrown its location on Washington Avenue at Meadowlake Road. They are moving right across the street to the brick building with the green roof and shutters.

Goode said the building is to be gutted and remodeled to provide almost 5,000 square feet for Magnolia’s to “spread out.” Customers can follow the remodel on Facebook. The new location will likely open around November 1.

Pizzazz has announced it is going out of business, and the everything-must-go sale continues through Monday. Also, Grand on Oak has its grand opening set for Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.

(Rachel Parker Dickerson is a freelance columnist/journalist. Send your questions and comments to rachelpdickerson@gmail.com)