Wacky World
A new children's playhouse opened in Springfield on May 1. Wacky World, 4234 S. Reed Ave., is an 8,000-square-foot space packed with inflatable obstacle courses and bounce houses. Owned by Brad and Lisa Boyd, the venue hosts "open jump" sessions and accommodates up to 50 kids for birthday parties. Wacky World's main competition is Jump Mania, but Brad Boyd hopes video games and air hockey will give his business an edge. Parents can partake of free coffee and Wi-Fi during operating hours. The Boyds, who also own a local branch of financial services firm Primerica, employ four people at Wacky World. Brad Boyd estimated startup costs of $100,000, and he plans to be profitable in a year. Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m Friday through Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 889-5439.
BioProtect
BioProtect opened July 6, providing disinfecting services in Greene and Christian counties. Jason Nichols and Chris Merced, owners and operators of the business, use products from HELP Technologies through a distributor agreement; sprays from HELP - which stands for Healthier Environment Living Program - are designed to eliminate and prevent mold, mildew and bacteria. The duo plan to target schools, day cares, fitness clubs and restaurants and charge between 10 cents and 12 cents per square foot, though prices are based on job size, Nichols said. Both men are taking on the venture as a second job and are currently running BioProtect out of Merced's home. Nichols estimated startup costs of $10,000 and hopes for profitability within six months. The business is available for service 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily and by appointment. Phone: (417) 597-5137 or (417) 884-0962.
Yum Yum Bowl Inc.
The Tan family - known for Ocean Zen and 5 Spice China Grill - opened Yum Yum Bowl Inc. on July 10 at 706 E. Battlefield Road. This third and most informal Asian eatery is owned by brothers Johnson and John Tan and their cousin, Mei Tan. "With the economy being harder for nicer restaurants, we wanted to do something more causal," Johnson Tan said. "It's the Qdoba of Asian fast-food." Yum Yum Bowl features rice and noodle bowls with fresh vegetables and meat costing between $6 and $8. Ten employees work at the 2,800-square-foot eatery, which seats roughly 80 and is leased from Mei Tan's family, who formerly ran Mandarin Inn there. Johnson Tan estimated startup costs of $140,000. Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 882-3644.[[In-content Ad]]
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.
