Open for Business

Great Southern Bank opened its 31st branch Dec. 31 at 507 E. Kearney. The bank spent $580,000 purchase and renovate the 3,200-square-foot building, formerly Last Great American Diner, according to spokeswoman Kelly Polonus. The branch features a full-service lobby with safe-deposit boxes, four drive-through lanes and an automated teller machine. Branch Managers Lance Ramsey and Elaine Eddings lead a staff of three full-time and three part-time employees. Lobby hours are 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Drive-through hours are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Bolivar Area YMCA relocated from its storefront offices at 114 W. Broadway to a new 4,000-square-foot facility at 1805 W. Broadway, Ste. G. Operations began in the new offices Feb. 8, and the new facility opened with limited equipment and programs for members Feb. 28. The branch has three full-time and 14 part-time employees. Robin Fish, branch executive, said the move expands membership services from strictly youth to serving the whole family, and it was the next logical step between a storefront operation and the ultimate goal of a full-service facility. YMCA officials hope to break ground for that facility in the fall. Hours are 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.

Rib Crib opened Feb. 14 at 750 N. 18th St. in Ozark. More than 40 stores are open in the United States, and this is the seventh for franchisee Bold Ribs Co. LLC, with locations in Branson, Marshfield, Joplin, Rogers, Ark., and two in Springfield. Bob Luke, vice president of operations for Bold Ribs Co., said that remodeling and equipment for the 2,400-square-foot former Mazzio’s Pizza cost about $400,000. The store seats about 85 and has 102 employees, the majority of which are part-time. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

After sitting empty since May, Dairy Queen at 2300 W. College reopened under new ownership Nov. 19. Al Selbee purchased both the business and the 2,400-square-foot, 12-year-old building for an undisclosed amount Nov. 1 through Ron Tappan of CJR Commercial. This is Selbee’s second store, having purchased the 3665 E. Sunshine location in June 2004. Assistant store manager Tony Wells said that the store has five full-time and 14 part-time workers. Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.