Open for Business: Grace Kitchen

Grace Kitchen
The Queen City’s dining options expanded downtown with the Nov. 25 launch of Grace Kitchen LLC. Nigerian food is on the menu at the 2,800-square-foot restaurant owned by Patience “Grace” Gigi at 431 S. Jefferson Ave., Ste. 172, in Wilhoit Plaza. Gigi’s sister, Racheal Dami Odunewu, who is helping with the eatery behind the scenes, said startup costs were around $50,000, declining to disclose the three-year lease rate with Wilhoit Plaza L and P LLC. Odunewu said Grace Kitchen’s jollof rice combo is the most popular option. Jollof is a smoky tomato-based rice dish served at the shop with a choice or protein and a side of fried plantains or Nigerian salad. Several soups, shawarma wraps and baked goods, such as puff puffs, an African street food made of fried dough, also are served. Entree prices range $14-$26. Gigi, a native of Nigeria, came to Springfield in 2017 and said she formerly worked as a cook for Mercy Springfield Communities and CoxHealth. Grace Kitchen marks her first ownership venture.
Phone: 417-773-1237
Web: Facebook.com/gracekitchensgf

Missouri State University Collaborative Care Clinic
The 17,000-square-foot Missouri State University Collaborative Care Clinic opened Jan. 26 on campus. The clinic is located on the first floor of the Ann Kampeter Health Sciences Hall, at the northeast corner of Cherry Street and Kimbrough Avenue. Graduate students studying speech-language pathology, counseling, audiology and psychology provide services to members of the public under direct faculty supervision. Services available include counseling, speech-language pathology diagnostics and treatment, hearing and balance testing, hearing aid services and psychological and learning diagnostic services. It is open to patients of all ages from the university and broader community on weekdays, and services are offered pro bono. Mark Smith, dean of the McQueary College of Health and Human Services, said the clinic does not accept Medicaid or do billing, but occasionally takes donations for counseling services. While audiology services are free, Smith said there is a charge for hearing aids and related components.
Phone: 417-836-5275 
Web: MCHHS.MissouriState.edu/collabcare

JKD Financial
John Davis, a financial adviser with a decade of experience in the industry, has launched his own firm. JKD Financial got its start Feb. 18, Davis said. The firm, which is registered with the Missouri secretary of state’s office under JKD Financial Planning LLC, is named for Davis’ initials. A certified financial planner, Davis said JKD Financial provides financial planning and tax preparation services. Setting the firm apart are its flat-fee payment model and tax preparation offerings, he said. Startup costs were roughly $10,000 for JKD Financial, Davis said. Currently operating from his home office as the firm’s sole employee, Davis said the goal is to secure a physical office in the next couple of months. He’s interested in hiring at some point in the future, as well. Davis most recently worked as a managing adviser with Forvis Mazars LLP, and he has past experience at Heim, Young & Associates Inc. He said his last day at Forvis Mazars was Jan. 2 after working at the company since 2022.
Phone: 417-267-1042 
Web: JKDFinancial.com