Columbia-based Tropical Liqueurs to serve drinks by mid-June

by Paul Schreiber

SBJ Reporter

pschreiber@sbj.net

Construction is under way at another downtown spot to whet one's whistle. Tropical Liqueurs is scheduled to open by mid-June, said Alan Dodds, co-owner with John Russell of the beverage and sandwich shop going into roughly 2,200 square feet at 420 S. Campbell, Ste. 100.

The downtown Springfield location is Tropical Liqueurs' third spot. The business was started in Columbia in 1985 by Dodds' parents, he said, with a second store added in 2001. Both Columbia stores are owned by Dodds' mother and employ about 25, he said.

Tucked behind the former location of the Christian Foundation, the new Tropical Liqueurs will serve frozen beverages and a selection of deli sandwiches, salads and soups, Dodds said.

He leases his space from Gregg-Wise Properties LLC for $2,500 a month. He has a five-year lease with two five-year options, he said.

The 10-employee location's main menu items are drinks dispensed by Frosty Factory frozen drink machines, Dodds said. Concoctions ranging from Tiger Paws made with orange juice, peach Schnapps and rum to a Toasted Almond made from ice cream, coffee liqueur and amaretto can be purchased in three sizes priced at $3.50, $5.50 and $7.50.

Originally envisioned as simply a beverage location, Springfield city ordinance made serving food a necessity. "If you're within 200 feet of an existing liquor license you have to serve $50,000 worth of food a year," Dodds said.

With The Epicurean looming behind the location at 314 W. Walnut, Dodds had no choice but to offer victuals. "We missed that cutoff by about 13 feet."

The restaurant will be open 10 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday through Saturday, Dodds said.

Downtown Springfield was a logical move, Dodds said. Its proximity to Southwest Missouri State University, Hammons Field, Jordan Valley Park, as well as the area's ongoing renovation and business influx, was "very attractive to us," he said.

Additional developments

Remodeling of both the former Christian Foundation building and Dodd's space is being done by general contractor Marc Wicks, said Bill Wise, co-owner of the property. Wise would not disclose the construction cost. Work began April 28.

The two-story Christian Foundation building will have up to three loft apartments upstairs and a retail outlet or restaurant downstairs, said James O'Donnell, project architect with Bill Derington, AIA. The renovation includes window replacements and exterior work, he added. Construction should be complete by Aug. 1, Wise said.

Sale of the Christian Foundation property to Gregg-Wise Properties LLC was complete Jan. 15. The property sold for about $275,000, according to Price Brown, Christian Foundation president.