Branson/Tri-Lakes News: Entrepreneurs open Skaggs coffee cafe

Skaggs Community Health Center's Outpatient Center was designed to be comforting with a soaring ceiling, big windows, plants and lush chairs. Now, the lobby has Café Macchiato adding the ambiance of a sidewalk café.

For owners Brady and Tracey Williams, the café is a mix of coffee passions and entrepreneurial pursuits. The site was perfect, said Tracey Williams, a registered nurse and Skaggs' Director of Women's Services. "We have a captive audience of patients, visitors and staff," she said, noting that lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, teas and protein shakes are served.

Skaggs spokeswoman Michelle Leroux said hospital officials put the idea out for bids, and selected the Williamses' Café Macchiato plan. A portion of the proceeds from the kiosk go to the Skaggs Foundation, Leroux said.

Engrave a New Career

It's not unusual for people to retire in Branson and later decide to open a business. Colona, Ill., residents Richard and Sheila Lewis visited family in Branson for years and wanted to move to the Ozarks, but they couldn't yet retire. After researching business opportunities in Branson, the Lewises opened Galleria Engraving in Dogwood Plaza across from Stone Hill Winery.

The couple had operated a video rental store, but both are mechanically inclined and artistic, Sheila Lewis said. Lewis said she became fascinated by laser engraving after watching someone operate a machine, which is the size of a large photo copier.

The Lewises took classes on setting up a new business, and now, they engrave just about anything, including trophies and photos. Customers bring in items for engraving, but Galleria Engraving also stocks pieces such as Christmas ornaments and picture frames. The Lewises also work with designers to create custom engraving on cabinet doors and furniture.

Air Show Connection

There was a big crowd at Branson Airport recently when its first airline carrier - AirTran Airways - arrived in the largest plane ever to land in Branson. There's more to come, said Gene Conrad, airport marketing director.

The Branson Air Show May 9-10 features two headliners: the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team. The Branson Airport also will have international acts that participated in the AirVenture show in Oshkosh, Wis., which draws 1 million people each year.

Airport officials already have sold more than 100 tickets at www.bransonairshow.com. Tickets purchased in advance are $16 and $5 for children.

Conrad said it's unusual for a first-time destination to be able to get such a premier show, but Conrad had an inside track: His father, Blair Conrad, who died in 2005, was a longtime manager of the Oshkosh airport. Gene Conrad grew up in Oshkosh and returns to volunteer at the air show each July. "It's a huge deal to get the Thunderbirds and the Golden Knights," Conrad said. "The Thunderbirds don't usually go to first-year air shows."

Banking Online

Customers may still go talk to a friendly teller face-to-face, but Ozark Mountain Bank is now one of the few Missouri banks to enable customers to open a checking account online, said marketing director Roger Frieze.

"We've taken the initiative to go through the many steps necessary centered around identifying that the user is who they say they are," Frieze said. At www.ozkmtnbank.com, customers also may opt to get a daily e-mail or text message showing account balances or direct deposits, and they may chat online with customer service representatives.

Peter Pan in Town

Broadway actress Cathy Rigby was in Branson recently, checking out the stage at The Mansion Entertainment Center, where she'll perform "Peter Pan" on a split bill May 23-Aug. 9 and Nov. 1-Dec. 12. In September and October, the show will feature guest stars.

She held a meet-and-greet with area residents, said theater General Manager Larry Wilhite. Rigby invited some of the adults onstage, put crazy hats on them, and led them in singing "I Won't Grow Up."

The sets and costumes are from Rigby's Broadway show, and she'll bring her Broadway director Glenn Casale. Area singers and dancers have auditioned - including for the role of Capt. Hook - and those selections will be announced soon, Wilhite said.

Rigby loved Branson, Wilhite said: "She thought we were very kind and gracious."

Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, can be reached at kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com.

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