Open for Business: Asa Al-Furat

Asa Al-Furat
A native of Iraq, Imtihan Alaid has brought a taste of her home country to downtown Springfield through her bakery, Asa Al-Furat LLC. The shop, which highlights Middle Eastern flavors, opened Sept. 8 in the Holland Building at 207 Park Central East. Alaid said she became a first-time business owner with the venture, noting it fills 1,300 square feet in space formerly occupied by European Cafe. After sharing her desserts at local community events, Alaid said she was inspired to create a permanent downtown space. She declined to disclose startup costs or her three-year lease rate with The Historic Holland Building LLC. Although she receives occasional help from her mother, Manal Al Saker, Alaid said she’s currently the bakery’s lone employee. Asa Al-Furat sells Iraqi sweets such as baklava, coconut cookies and kunafa, which are rolls with cream cheese and a honey glaze. Drinks on the menu include Iraqi coffee, karak tea, which is made with cardamon, and blue blinko, a sweet and sour lemon iced drink. Prices range $3-$8.50.
Web: asaalfurat27@gmail.com

Element Branson
Springfield-based Bryan Properties opened the 123-room Element Branson on Oct. 30. The hotel is at 201 Pat Nash Drive near Ballparks of America and White Water. St. Louis-based Midas Hospitality serves as the property management company. Officials say the hotel operates as an Element by Westin, one of 30 brands in Mariott Bonvoy’s portfolio. The Branson location is the fourth hotel Midas Hospitality manages for Bryan Properties. The 73,637-square-foot hotel was built by Osage Beach-based Thomas Construction and designed by H Design Group LLC. Emily Givens, director of development with Bryan Properties, declined to disclose project costs for the 30-employee hotel led by General Manager Christine Clark. Element Springfield South, located at 1100 E. Battlefield Road, opened in January 2024. Marriott International Inc.’s (Nasdaq: MAR) Element by Westin concept has extended- and long-term stay options, according to its website. An indoor pool, restaurant, fitness center and free breakfast are among its amenities.
Phone: 417-570-2400
Web: Marriott.com

Upside Down Mercantile
Two-year-old retail shop Upside Down Mercantile, run by the Down Syndrome Group of the Ozarks, made a short move Oct. 1 to a new location on Commercial Street. The venture relocated to 209 W. Commercial St. from 203 W. Commercial St., Ste. C. The shop’s concept is to provide a variety of retail products, such as clothing and jewelry, through vendors who rent out space. All the vendor booths are run by individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Vendors also are involved in the selection, development, branding and selling of all products in the store. DSGO spokesperson Ben Ward said the larger 1,900-square-foot space allows more vendors to launch products. He declined to disclose lease information or relocation and renovation costs. Ward said the address formerly served as a studio for photographer Randy Bacon, who moved to another C-Street location. Services of Springfield-based DGSO include support groups, advocacy work and a connecting point of resources for families that have loved ones with Down syndrome.
Phone: 417-885-9905
Web: DSGO.life/upside-down