Open for Business: Bambinos Cafe

Bambinos Cafe
After undergoing expansion and renovation since spring 2024, the Phelps Grove neighborhood location of Bambinos Cafe reopened July 15 to customers. Andy Faucett, co-owner of the business with the Faucett family, said the 1141 E. Delmar St. restaurant still has some upstairs construction and landscaping work to be completed but has expanded to 3,800 square feet and added a second story through the project. He declined to disclose project costs. Green Block LLC served as general contractor for the construction project designed by architect Hood-Rich Inc. The kitchen expansion will facilitate more catering, carry-out and third-party delivery, Faucett said. Bambinos operated a temporary downtown site at 405 W. Walnut St. amid the work, and its other restaurant at the intersection of Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue within the Half A Hill retail center has remained open. The Delmar Street building, located in a largely residential neighborhood, has been home to Bambinos since 2001 and was erected as McLaggan Groceries in 1927, he said.
Phone: 417-862-9999
Web: BambinosCafe.com

Olive Garden
A new Olive Garden restaurant, which opened June 23 at 3370 W. Sunshine St., marks the first tenant to launch at west Springfield development Sunshine Towne Center. Target will anchor the retail development, which is at Sunshine Street and West Bypass. Olive Garden spokesperson Brittany Baron said Taryn Purucker is general manager of the new 7,845-square-foot Springfield eatery, which includes the company’s latest design, such as removal of walls to create a more open and inviting atmosphere. Company officials declined to disclose startup costs. Olive Garden has long operated in Springfield at 3105 S. Glenstone Ave., near Battlefield Mall. The Springfield restaurants include call ahead waiting, car-side pickup, online ordering and delivery. The Olive Garden restaurant chain is operated by parent company Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI). Olive Garden has nearly 900 restaurants, more than 99,000 employees and over $4.9 billion in annual sales, according to its website.
Phone: 417-520-8285
Web: OliveGarden.com

The War Zone Springfield
Roughly four months after purchasing the 4-year-old business, Chris and Lisa Clay have relocated indoor Nerf gaming venue The War Zone Springfield LLC. The venture is now in Battlefield at 4032 W. Lark St., Ste. N, having moved May 2 from Sheid’s Plaza at 3322 S. Campbell Ave. Lisa Clay said relocation and renovation costs were around $7,500, adding they signed a three-year lease for an undisclosed rate with Can Van Tran. The War Zone expanded its space to 4,500 square feet in the move, she said, adding the suite was formerly occupied by Dollar General. Clay said the relocation allows the couple to be closer to their home, and the extra space allows for two gaming areas and two party rooms. They also want to reach more customers in Battlefield and Republic, she said. The War Zone offers games for ages 4 and older, with Nerf gun, ammunition and safety glasses provided for all players. Hourly open play is $10 and birthday parties range $275-$625, according to its website.
Phone: 417-761-0314
Web: TheWarZoneSpringfield.com