Open for Business

Carrollton, Texas-based Taco Bueno is entering the Springfield restaurant market fast and furiously. Between Sept. 13 and Oct. 5, Taco Bueno opened two locations in Springfield – 334 N. West Bypass and 2119 S. Glenstone Ave. – and a third is scheduled to open Oct. 31 at 2113 W. Republic Road. Tom Lally, vice president of development, said the stores are the first in Missouri, and Taco Bueno has plans for more. The company is expanding into Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Nebraska and it should build three to four more area stores within the next few years, including one in Branson. Taco Bueno was founded in 1967 and currently has about 150 stores. Scott Terraciano-Spence, vice president of marketing, describes Taco Bueno as a mix of Taco Bell and Qdoba for its speedy service and food quality. Meal platters range from $2.99 to $5.99. District manager is Joe Maloney. Hours at all three stores are 10 a.m.–1 a.m. daily. The phone number for the West Bypass location is (417) 869-6137.

Starr Media Inc.

Michelle Hunter started Starr Media Inc. on Sept. 30 when she installed the first of 10 automated DVD rental kiosks throughout southwest Missouri. Hunter’s rental machines are located in four Cody’s Convenience Stores, three Signal Food Stores, one Price Cutter supermarket, the Springfield-Branson National Airport and the Student Life Center at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. Each machine up to 1,000 DVDs that customers can rent for 99 cents per 12-hour period. Hunter said the machines are updated with new releases weekly. Phone: (417) 861-7411.

Abraham’s Cosmetic Laser Center

Dr. John Abraham opened Abraham’s Cosmetic Laser Center on Oct. 23 at 3232 E. Ridgeview St. Abraham, a family practitioner, and four staff members offer hair removal, spider-vein therapy, Botox, skin tightening, cellulite treatment and other services. Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon Friday and 9 a.m.–noon every third Saturday of each month. Phone: (417) 883-7546.

Reporter Cory Smith brings you new businesses each week. He may be reached by e-mail, by fax at (417) 799-0603 or by phone at (417) 831-3238.