Open for Business

Gordon Elliott opened Candlewood Suites on April 7 at 1920 E. Kerr St. The hotel, accessible from North Glenstone Avenue, caters to extended-stay guests, and the 83 rooms are equipped with full kitchens and flat-panel TVs, Elliott said. Nightly rates start at $90 but decrease with longer stays. This is the 14th hotel that Elliott has opened since forming Elliott Lodging in 1993 with the acquisition of Best Western Coach House Inn on North Glenstone Avenue. Elliott is planning to open a Candlewood Suites near the intersection of Republic Road and National Avenue in early 2008. Phone: (417) 866-4242.

Fitzgerald First Realty LLC

Owner/broker Bob Fitzgerald moved Fitzgerald First Realty LLC on July 1 to 1370 E. Primrose St., Ste. E, after seven years at 2726 E. Chestnut Expressway. Fitzgerald said he moved the real estate business to be closer to south-side clients and developments. He’s leasing the new space but still owns the Chestnut Expressway building, which houses his development company, First Venture LLC. Fitzgerald has developed single-family housing neighborhoods, including east Springfield’s Cobblestone Creek and southwest Springfield’s Frisco Trails. Fitzgerald First Realty has five agents. Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment Saturday and Sunday. Phone: (417) 616-5400.

Wendy’s

Sam and June Hamra opened their 24th Wendy’s franchise restaurant on Aug. 16. The 3,178-square-foot restaurant, 3558 S. Campbell Ave. at Kickapoo Corners Shopping Center, employs about 40 and seats 86. It marks the seventh Wendy’s the Hamras have opened in Springfield through Springfield-based Wendy’s of Missouri Inc. They are planning to open an eighth Springfield location by the end of the year at Airport Plaza, near West Kearney Street and West Bypass, according to Wendy’s of Missouri Marketing Manager Alex Rozier. Hours: 10–1 a.m. daily. Phone: (417) 882-0701.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new businesses each week. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 616-5854.