Open for Business

First-time business owners Keegan Jones and Shawn Herschend opened Wheat State Pizza on May 14 at 3821 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. B. The entrepreneurs spent about $125,000 and more than two months converting the former Trenique retail space in Parkcrest Center. Jones said Godwin & Associates did the design work, and Don Russell Builders was general contractor. Wheat State Pizza is a four-year-old franchise based in Lawrence, Kan. The Springfield restaurant is the chain’s 11th and its first outside of Kansas. Jones, a first-year Missouri State University graduate student, manages operations, and Herschend handles financial matters. Jones worked for Wheat State Pizza during college in Baldwin City, Kan., where he met founder Ryan Murphy. Jones said large one-toppings, including barbecue chicken pizza, sell for $11.95 and specialty pizzas, such as the basil pesto-based Veggie Dream, are $15.99. A $5.99 lunch buffet includes salad and a drink and is offered 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. daily. Hours: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 881-2888.

Bull Creek Outpost

Larry Thompson on April 25 moved Galloway Creek Outfitters to Rockaway Beach and renamed it Bull Creek Outpost. The boating shop, founded in 2004 at 3545 S. Lone Pine Ave., now operates at 2806 Highway 176, Ste. E. In the move, Thompson dropped bicycles from his offerings in order to concentrate on paddle sports. The 1,800-square-foot store is 70 feet from Lake Taneycomo. “The hardest part is not letting the water call you and go paddle,” said Thompson, who considers recreational kayaks his forte. “I hear it, but I can’t do it – not till after five.” Bull Creek Outpost sells kayaks – $700 on average – and canoes – $1,400 on average – and offers on-the-water demonstrations and guided trips. Rentals also are available. Hours: 7 a.m.–dark daily. Phone: (417) 561-1045.

Elevation – Elevated Photography

William and Lisa Roberts on March 10 acquired the assets of Mast-R-Pix, now called Elevation – Elevated Photography by Elite PhotoArt. The Robertses started Elite PhotoArt 20 years ago and focus on fine art and commercial photography. William Roberts said the $12,000 purchase of Mast-R-Pix – a low-level aerial photo company started by Scott and Stacie Edwards in October – gives them a van equipped with a 60-foot, retractable mast and camera equipment. The business targets the real estate market, and Roberts said he’s most recently taken stock photos for the city of Republic. Also, his work will hang in The Tower Club after a remodel in July, he said. The couple works from home, and they’ve created a new Web site, www.elitephotoart-elevation.com. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment. Phone: (417) 569-3322.

Compiled by Eric Olson. Springfield Business Journal brings you new businesses each week. Send new business information by fax to (417) 799-0603 or by e-mail to sbj@sbj.net. [[In-content Ad]]