Entrepreneur opens restaurant on northwest side

A canine-themed deli restaurant on Springfield's northwest side is the latest business offering from entrepreneur Mark Burgess.

Big Dog Deli opened with a June 6 soft launch, said Burgess, its owner. The 1,250-square-foot eatery operates at 3459 W. Kearney St., Ste. 100, at the intersection with West Bypass. It's a short drive from the airport, where Burgess operates one of his ventures, Burgess Aircraft Management LLC, dba OzAir Charter Service. 

Burgess is partnering on Big Dog Deli with John Allen, having previously worked with him in the Aviary Cafe and Creperie LLC business founded by Mark and Debbie Burgess. Reached via email, Mark Burgess said the plan is for Allen to take on an ownership stake in Big Dog Deli in the near future. 

Burgess said of the concept that the "intention is to perfect it, then possibly franchise it."

Big Dog Deli's New York-style deli menu lists build-your-own-sandwich options called Mutts and several dog-named Best in Show sandwiches such as the Yorkie with chicken salad and the Corgi with ham, turkey and bacon. Breakfast and coffee also are served.

Burgess said startup costs for infill, signage and equipment were roughly $250,000. He said Big Dog Deli pays a lease rate of roughly $1,650 per month that includes an adjacent small office space in the approximately six-storefront retail center that he owns via Big Dog Airport Plaza LLC.

Big Dog Deli would employ four to six people once fully operational, Burgess added.

Among Burgess' other business ventures is the Ozarks Lunkers football team, which recently picked up a victory in its first game of season two of The Arena League, according to past reporting.