Open for Business

Nicola and Monica Gilardi, with the aid of silent partners, opened Design Discoveries on Sept. 2 at 820 E. Walnut. The Gilardis, who already owned the building, also own and operate Ristorante Gilardi, an Italian restaurant in a separate building on the premises. Design Discoveries is a 1,200-square-foot furniture and accessory store, with items priced from $9.99 to $1,500. “The reason we called it Design Discoveries is because every time you go there you might find something new,” said partner Susan Andrulis. “A lot of our things are one of a kind.” Five part-time employees work at the store. Hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Golden Corral

Golden Corral restaurant opened Oct. 5 at 2734 N. Kansas Expressway. The 150-employee operation is owned by S&S Golden Management LLC. KJM Properties owns the building and land. Liberty Bank financed the project, estimated at $3.5 million. The 10,300-square-foot restaurant, which can seat 388 people, is a buffet offering nearly 200 items for $6.69 at lunch and $8.99 at dinner, according to Dan Spitz, co-owner and general manager. Hours are 10:45 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10:45 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday, 7:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday.

Candy House Gourmet Chocolates

Terry and Pat Hicklin have changed the name of their candy company from Richardson’s Candy House to Candy House Gourmet Chocolates after a trademark dispute with Miami-based Richardson Brands Co. arose about six months ago. Richardson Brands was established in 1893 as Richardson Mints. The Hicklins are the third owners of Candy House Gourmet Chocolates, which began in Joplin 35 years ago. They now operate two Joplin stores, one Carthage store and one Springfield store at 3857 S. Campbell. The company was founded by Don and Peggy Richardson and offers hand-dipped chocolates, toffees and other sweets. Hours are 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon–6 p.m. Sunday.

Contact Cory Smith with your Open for Business submissions. He may be reached by e-mail at csmith@sbj.net, by fax at (417) 799-0603 and by phone at (417) 831-3238.