Open for Business

Laura Scott took control of two area weekly newspapers April 19. The Commonwealth, which features news from Ash Grove, and Willard Cross Country Times are both published from 100 Boone St. in Ash Grove. Publisher Scott plans to open an office in Willard next year. The newspapers cost readers about 50 cents each for 10 pages of community news. Circulation is currently 1,200 for each, but Scott’s goals are 20 pages and circulation of 3,600. Scott said her two employees sell advertising and manage the office, while she and free-lancers generate editorial content. Scott founded Today’s Woman Magazine, which ceased publication in late 2003, and has worked as a free-lance writer, including assignments for Springfield Business Journal. The Commonwealth was established in 1881. Kathy Ahrens, who sold the newspapers to Scott, died of cancer June 6. Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed after noon Wednesday. Phone: (417) 751-2322.

Andy’s Frozen Custard

The Jalili family opened Andy’s Frozen Custard on May 17 at 3415 W. Highway 76 in Branson. Mike, Billy and Sara Jalili and Courtney and Cody Yake – Billy and Sara’s daughter and son-in-law, respectively – paid $32,000 for the franchise rights. Springfield-based Andy’s Frozen Custard began franchising in 2004 and now has 10 locations in Missouri, Arkansas and Texas. There are three corporate stores in Springfield. The Jalili family spent $350,000 to open the Branson location, according to Billy Jalili. They plan to open a second location in Branson before heading into other parts of Missouri and other states. Hours: 11 a.m.–11:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.–midnight Friday and Saturday. Phone: (417) 337-5501.

McAlister’s Deli

Darin, Dale and Diane Thompson opened McAlister’s Deli on March 20 at 703 N. McCroskey St., Ste. 1, Nixa, in the Village Marketplace. McAlister’s Corp., based in Ridgeland, Miss., boasts more than 200 restaurants in 18 states, including two in Springfield that are operated by franchisees Trey and Richard Vance. The Thompsons invested $600,000 in the Nixa restaurant and plan to open at least 12 more McAlister’s Deli restaurants within six years. The next stop is Jefferson City or Columbia. They also are eyeing expansion opportunities in Branson, Lebanon, Ozark and Nebraska, according to Darin Thompson. The Nixa restaurant seats 125. The Thompsons also own a KFC-Taco Bell-Conoco store in Buffalo. Hours: 10:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 725-9299.

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.[[In-content Ad]]