Branson Macadoodles opens for business

The first Branson location of Pineville-based liquor store franchise Macadoodles has opened its doors.

The 10,300-square-foot store owned by Bob and Cathy Blankenship opened Aug. 1 at 483 Branson Landing Blvd.

Bob Blankenship said the store includes a sales area comprising 9,500 square feet, and the store site includes land for the eventual addition of gas pumps.

The store employs 25 full- and part-time employees, including Blankenship's son, Brian, who is general manager.

Bob Blankenship said the Branson location is similar to the Springfield Macadoodles opened in May by franchisees Kim and Brett Lorenzen.

“The floor plan is exactly the same, except it’s flipped. Their wine, as you walk in, is on the right, and our wine … is on the left,” Blankenship said.

In addition to a liquor store with dozens of beers, including Macadoodles Irish Red Ale, the Branson store also has gifts, party supplies and a cigar shop. The store also boasts two tasting bars, one for wines and one for beer and liquor, Blankenship said.

Blankenship said his roughly 40-year career in retail paved the way for him to open the store, along with a connection to Macadoodles corporate President Roger Gildehaus.

"I spent 25 years with Wal-Mart, and Wal-Mart provides this particular model," Blankenship said, noting a focus on customer care. "Roger and I worked together for many years through our Wal-Mart careers."

It also represented a chance for Blankenship to settle in Branson, where he has vacationed every summer for about 16 years.

"We thought there was a lot of opportunity here to provide a service not only to the local residents but the many visitors that come to Branson every year," Blankenship said.