The area's sixth McAlister's Deli opened Aug. 17 at 586 E. Harrison St. in Republic. Franchise owner Richard Vance employs 62 hourly workers at the new location, as well as four salaried staff, including General Manager Ian Miller. They serve sandwiches, soups, salads, spuds and desserts, with meal prices between $6 and $8. The Republic eatery provides carryout and seats 118, plus 32 on the patio. Catering services, coordinated by Regional Manager Brock Barton, also are available. McAlister's Deli operates more than 280 locations nationwide, with another 20 opening in 2009. Vance estimates startup costs for the new branch to be $700,000. Hours: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone: (417) 732-4747.
Karl's Tuxedo, Karl's Bridal and Linda's Flowers
Karl's Tuxedo, Karl's Bridal and Linda's Flowers joined forces in a single space on July 20. The new location at 1255 W. Battlefield Road doubled the total area the three businesses previously had to 10,000 square feet. Owner Karl Jones modeled the interior of the new building and was able to tailor the space for his various "one-stop shop" services; this location also offers easier access and parking, he said. Twenty-five employees work in the three shops under the management of Karl Jones' son, Joshua Jones. The stores offer fresh flowers, live plants, gift baskets, balloon bouquets, tuxedos, dresses and other wedding services. Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Phone: (417) 883-6861 for Linda's; (417) 883-7774 for Karl's.
Seniors on the Move LLC
Seniors on the Move LLC, a company that helps the elderly relocate or readjust their living spaces, opened in Springfield on May 15. Owner and operator Becky Vitt started the business after working for 30 years as a legal secretary. She recently had to relocate her mother and developed a model to hire third parties as needed to cover the sometimes overwhelming details of relocating, as well as the basics. The company will, for example, help clients sift through decades of possessions, change over utilities and mail, and sell their homes, in addition to doing the packing, moving, unpacking and setup. Vitt, who runs the company out of her home, is certified through the National Association of Senior Move Managers, a group that sets business and ethical standards for members. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 883-4444.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
