Omega Health Care Inc., a hospice-care company based in Lee's Summit, opened a Springfield branch July 1. Russ Rogers, CEO and president, was hired in 2007 to help grow the company, and he bought the new facility from Alabama-based hospice provider SouthernCare. Omega Health cares for patients at home and can orchestrate support for up to 60 individuals. Nurses, chaplains, social workers and volunteers provide services out of the company's 2,400-square-foot space at 777 E. Battlefield Road, Ste. 401-A. Rogers has doubled the location's staff to 12 employees and intends to hire another six people in coming months. He estimates startup costs for a new location are $250,000 and plans for the Springfield branch, Omega's fourth, to be profitable by October. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday with services provided 24 hours. Phone: (417) 886-6995.
Heavenly Shrimp
Rick Gerard and his son, Jake, plunged into the shellfish-selling business July 6. Their company, Heavenly Shrimp, sells shrimp brought up from La Batre, Ala., a city on the Gulf Coast near Mobile, Ala. The prices for the headless, shell-on shrimp they import range from $7 a pound to $8.50 a pound. Rick Gerard, who previously worked in trucking and construction, markets his product to area restaurants and runs a mobile kiosk. The Gerards are bringing shrimp to Springfield once per week and hope to double that rate. Rick Gerard, who runs the company out of his home, estimates startup costs were around $10,000. Hours: available 24 hours. Phone: (417) 459-1708.
The Galley Restaurant and Lounge LLC
The Galley Restaurant and Lounge, opened Aug. 7 in Branson. Owner Jeff Hodges built the 2,000-square-foot diner and outdoor patio, as well as neighboring Rockwood Resort, through his HM Construction company. He operates the restaurant with his wife, Sunny, and five employees at 2290 Indian Point Road, a few miles south of Silver Dollar City. The eatery seats 60 and serves a variety of American fare, from catfish to five kinds of burgers. The average plate runs between $7 and $10, and buffet specials, such as all-you-can-eat fish and chips, are $9 to $11. Sunny Hodges estimates startup costs were roughly $140,000, including construction. Hours: 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. daily. Phone: (417) 338-3020.
Springfield Business Journal brings you new businesses each week. Send business info by fax to (417) 799-0603 or by e-mail to sbj@sbj.net.
This installment of Springfield Business Journal’s Architects & Engineers Project Report showcases 26 endeavors by area design and engineering professionals.
