Open for Business

The Blitz of Springfield opened Jan. 31 at 4127 S. Kansas Expressway, Ste. 116, in a 2,800-square-foot space in Kansas Plaza Center.
Franchisees Steve Patter-son and Brent Paoli are the sole employees. They purchased the southwest Springfield territory for the Gardner, Kan.-based chain and plan to open more locations, although Paoli said a timeline for expansion has not yet been set.
The facility combines strength training, boxing and martial arts techniques into a 20-minute circuit workout.
Hours are 6 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.
Cheryl Knox and Leslie Bertalott opened Lettuce Cater to You LLC Feb. 1 at 1923 E. Kearney, Ste. E-5, in North Town Mall. The pair prepares food for special events and meetings, and corporate box lunches from about 750 square feet in the mall’s former food court. Knox said the company delivers within a 20-mile radius. The pair works by appointment.

Cool Cow Custard opened Dec. 10 at 1701 James River Road in James River Crossing, Ozark, in 1,750 square feet with a drive-through window. Owned by Sheila and Craig Gracey, the shop prepares hot dogs, chili dogs, grilled chicken and barbecue sandwiches, and frozen custard including sundaes and concretes called “cowcretes.” Sheila Gracey said that she works at the shop full time, her husband works there part time and they have five part-time employees. The Graceys lease the space from Don Kissee for an undisclosed amount. Hours are noon-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.

Springfield-based franchise Mailbox It has expanded with three new stores in the area. Mike and Diana Hunt opened a store Oct. 13 at 1738 S. 20th St., Ozark, in Ozark Centre. Mike Hunt is the sole employee of the 1,850-square-foot store. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Linda Maddox opened a store Jan. 31 at 2939 E. Battlefield Road in Regency Center. She operates the 2,000-square-foot store with the help of four part-time employees. Hours are 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday. David and Kaye Running opened a store Feb. 1 at 220 W. Sunshine in Sunshine Corners. The Runnings are the sole employees of the 1,600-square-foot store. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Each store offers mailing and shipping services, copying, office supplies and free Wi-Fi Internet access.