Arvest Bank
Arvest Bank on May 18 opened a branch inside Nixa's Walmart Supercenter, 1102 N. Massey Blvd. Kenneth Martin manages five employees in the 535-square-foot space - previously occupied by Guaranty Bank - and offers investment, personal and business services, including home loans. Arvest is not affiliated with Wal-Mart Stores Inc., but Jim Walton, the youngest son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, is the Arkansas-based bank's CEO and board chairman. Arvest operates five branches in the Springfield area and more than 200 in Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas. Michael Gandy, Arvest's Springfield area marketing officer, said the bank holds assets of about $9.5 billion. Bank officials say they've loaned more than $1.8 billion this year through June 5. Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 885-7340.
Nature's Way Pet Café
Nature's Way Pet Café started selling specialty, "human grade" pet treats on April 13. Owner and operator Stephanie Berding concocts 10 varieties of treats, including the garlic-based "No More Fleas Please" and the minty "Bad Breath Be Gone," with the help of one employee. Nature's Way also custom-designs treats for pets with food allergies and carries a gluten-free product. Berding started the business out of her home after developing the chemical-free treats for her own pets. Four local outlets, including Mama Jean's Green Circle store and Jan's Grooming, carry her products, most of which cost around $7. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone: (417) 770-5910.
Southern Smoke BBQ
Chad and Leann Boyd opened Southern Smoke BBQ on May 2 at 3700 S. Campbell Ave. in the Kickapoo Corners parking lot. Chad Boyd operates the mobile take-out and catering company with one employee, and Leann Boyd handles marketing. The business prepares pulled pork and beef, ribs, hot links and beef tri-tips Southern-style, which is slightly spicy and less sweet than other types. Chad Boyd, previously a computer consultant, said the business can cater lunches for 200 or more. A large pulled-pork sandwich with a side order is priced at $5.99 for take-out. Hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 429-1908.
Compiled by Barbara Burgess and Katy Steinmetz. 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.
