Andy’s Custard adds fifth corporate store

Andy’s Frozen Custard Inc. President Andy Kuntz said the 4420 S. Campbell Ave. stand – just south of James River Freeway – is expected to open Sept. 17. When it does, the facility will run on high-efficiency T-5 florescent lighting, contain low-flow valve fixtures, collect rainwater via a 5,100-gallon cistern and recirculate cooling water from its custard and ice machines, Kuntz said. The green concepts developed out of a three-year relationship with notable green architect Matthew Hufft, who designed Kuntz’s environmentally friendly east Springfield home.

“Why pour all that water down the drain, when we can use it for better purposes?” Kuntz said of the reused-water design. “We anticipate cutting our water bill in half.”

Click here for a rendering that details the project's green elements.

Hufft Projects LLC is project architect, and Bailey Co. is general contractor of the $600,000 custard stand going up across the street from retail development James River Commons. A Sam’s Club will anchor that 80-acre development in partnership by Columbia-based The Kroenke Group and Springfield-based Ron Stenger Cos.

“The deal across the street certainly doesn’t hurt any,” Kuntz said, adding that the new Andy’s stand will meet the needs of Nixa and southwest Springfield residents that company research showed were not frequently visiting the other city locations.

The Springfield-based custard chain has seven franchise locations, and Kuntz said the company plans to open one or two stores a year in Missouri.

The new location will employ about 17 and will be run by store manager Nanette Hanieg.

See SBJ's Aug. 18 From the Ground Up feature for more on the new Andy's, and the Aug. 18 In Focus: Architects & Engineers for other construction projects under way in the Ozarks.[[In-content Ad]]