Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center
The Arc of the Ozarks opened its $10 million Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center on Jan. 2 at 2864 S. Nettleton Ave. The nonprofit, which purchased the clinic’s property – Empower: abilities’ former building – has partnered with Mercy Springfield Communities and Missouri State University to provide care at the 18,000-square-foot facility, which provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment and advocacy services. Dr. Kyle John is medical director for the clinic, which Arc of the Ozarks Executive Vice President Tim Dygon said employs 59. Q & Co. LLC served as general contractor for the $2 million renovation of the building designed by Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective. Along with partners Mercy and MSU, Arc leadership secured $5 million in matching funds to start the center. The remainder of the $10 million comprises the building purchase, equipment and furnishings, and startup and operational expenses. Officials say the autism center is the first of its kind in southwest Missouri, joining six others statewide.
Phone: 417-605-7100
Web: TheArcOfTheOzarks.org
Classix Vintage Auto Rental
Branson couple Ed and Dawn Smith turned an interest in vintage automobiles into a business with the July 28 opening of Classix Vintage Auto Rental in Branson. The Smiths operate a rental office for the venture at 673 State Highway 165, Ste. 22, in the Coffelt Country Craft Village. Declining to disclose lease terms, Dawn Smith said she and her husband invested roughly $250,000 in startup costs for Classix Vintage, which has five vehicles in its fleet available for rental. They are a 1956 Ford Thunderbird convertible, a 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne, a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air and a 1928 Ford Model A. Prices are $150 for a two-hour rental and $263 for four hours with additional rental lengths available. The vehicles also are available to rent for special events, such as weddings and photo sessions. The owners are the lone employees for Classix Vintage, Smith said, adding they both previously worked in residential real estate for undisclosed companies.
Phone: 417-544-0474
Web: BransonClassix.com
Chick-fil-A
Highway 76 Strip in Branson gained its first Chick-fil-A eatery Dec. 14. Located near WonderWorks and Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the store operates at 2915 W. 76 Country Blvd. Kevin Hutcheson is franchisee of the 5,300-square-foot store, which includes 80 interior seats and seating for an additional 56 under an exterior canopy. Hutcheson, who also is the franchise owner for the Branson Chick-fil-A restaurant at 607 W. Main St., said the new shop employs a staff of 110. Officials declined to disclose startup costs. Its menu includes chicken sandwiches, wraps, breakfast items, salads and milkshakes. The family-owned chain, which was founded in 1976, operates more than 3,000 restaurants in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, with plans to expand by 2030 to Asia and Europe, according to its website.
Phone: 417-202-4311
Web: Chick-fil-A.com