Open for Business: Big Al's Diner

Derek Carlson (left) opened Big Al's Diner Oct. 27 at 434 S. Jefferson Ave., the space where Rasta Grill started and Big Kahuna Burger previously operated. Carlson said the restaurant is the "Home of the Chub," small, grilled burgers with fried onions, pickles and mustard on steamed buns. There are also five specialty sandwiches, including the Howell County BLT, which is served on Texas toast with red onions, shredded cheese and a fried egg. The eatery opens at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Monday through Wednesday it closes at 9 p.m., but Thursday through Saturday it is open until 2 a.m., featuring a late-night breakfast. Carlson, who has 14 years of experience in the food service industry, operates the eatery with a staff of about 20.

Physical Therapy Care opened a third area office Aug. 1 at 110 N. Third St., Ozark. Owners and physical therapists Gerry and Lalaine Catapang also have practices in Springfield and Rogersville. The Catapangs, who perform manual physical therapy and specialize in workers' compensation cases, began practicing in Rogersville in 1999, according to administrative assistant Dena Woodson. The Ozark office is open 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Pickwick Underground Studio and The Josh Mitchell Fine Art Gallery held a grand opening Nov. 7 of its newly renovated space at 1424 E. Cherry St. Artist Josh Mitchell and Laurie Knowlton, who started a custom framing shop in her Pickwick Avenue home five years ago, share 1,200 square feet of retail framing and artist showroom space. The studio and gallery, located in the historic Roundtree area, also features Navajo rugs, Native American pottery and an original oil painting collection from the Amazon region of Peru, Knowlton said. It is open in the afternoons and by appointment.