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Brothers John and Johnson Tan, above, convert Flo Restaurant and Wine Bar into The Big Island Grill.
Brothers John and Johnson Tan, above, convert Flo Restaurant and Wine Bar into The Big Island Grill.

Open for Business: The Big Island Grill

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The Big Island Grill
Brothers John and Johnson Tan, restaurateurs known for Ocean Zen, 5 Spice and Yum Yum Bowl, on Sept. 2 opened The Big Island Grill. They spent $50,000 converting their Flo Restaurant and Wine Bar, 2925 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. 105, to the casual Hawaiian-themed restaurant. Johnson Tan said the authentically designed menu offers Hawaiian-style barbecue short ribs, Huli-Huli chicken – named after a popular teriyaki-style barbecue marinade – steamed edamame and a pork burger with grilled pineapple. Big Island Grill staffs 30, a mix of former Flo workers and at least 15 new hires, he said. The restaurant seats 50 on the patio and 90 inside, where Flo’s dark red curtains give way to a brighter vibe.

Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Phone: (417) 886-0356

Alchemist Attic LLC
Michelle Nimmo opened Alchemist Attic LLC on July 1 at 308 1/2 South Ave. next door to Nonna’s restaurant downtown. Rooted in alchemy, the medieval forerunner of chemistry based on the supposed transformation of matter, the store sells metaphysical and spiritual items, such as stones, necklaces, vintage clothing and pictures. Prices range from $1 to $500. Nimmo leases from building owner J.W. Pulliam for undisclosed terms. Before opening Alchemist Attic, Nimmo worked as a poet and farmer. She also hosts one artist a month and allows tarot card readers to rent out her table for a 25 percent commission.

Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Phone: (417) 234-9235
Web: AlchemistAttic.com

Aldi
The Aldi store at 421 E. Battlefield Road reopened Aug. 31 after the Batavia, Ill.-based chain performed $1.5 million in renovations. Closed since July 17, general contractor Crossland Construction Co. expanded the sales floor space by a third to 19,885 square feet and added a fifth shopping aisle. Mark Bersted, an Aldi division vice president in Olathe, Kan., said the remodeling plans came from input by customers encouraging a new look. With higher ceilings and natural lighting, Bersted said the Springfield store meets Aldi’s corporate environmentally friendly requirements, such as energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting. The store employs about 20. Aldi operates a second Springfield store and one each in Bolivar, Lebanon and Nixa.

Hours: 9 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday
Phone: (855) 955-2534
Web: Aldi.us

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