Maes Gelateria adding south-side shop

As the dog days of summer near, Maes Gelateria LLC is bringing its cool treats to a new south-side Springfield spot.

Cameron Maes, who co-owns the business with his father Earl, said this morning the company plans to open its second permanent shop in the next week or so at 1332 E. Republic Road, Ste. E, in the River Plaza retail center. The new shop’s neighbors will include Arris’ Pizza and Hibachi Steak & Sushi.

Maes said all construction work is complete and furniture has been moved in. The business is currently waiting for the city’s Department of Building Development Services to complete occupancy permitting and zoning work before it can open. He said startup costs were between $30,000 and $40,000.

“Once we get that approved, we’ll be ready to announce a specific date,” he said, adding the shop is on a three-year lease for an undisclosed rate.

John Haik, who owns the River Plaza retail center, said Maes Gelateria began moving into the space in mid-June, replacing the Brown Eyed Girls clothing and gift shop, which closed last month.

The eatery, which serves gelato, sorbet, dolce waffles and coffee, according to its website, opened its first shop in 2016 at 334 E. Walnut St. A satellite location was added in January this year at 1932 S. Glenstone Ave., featuring a walk-up window and drive-thru, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

Maes said the Glenstone Avenue location has served more as a temporary space for the business to get a foothold on the south side of town. It will be closed once the new location is open, he said.

“We’re wanting to get more customers from the south side of town and that’s why we’re trying to direct our focus over there,” he said, noting the temporary location will eventually be moved to the company’s new spot on Republic Road. “That will probably more likely be next summer.”