Open for Business: Burger Bar

Burger Bar
Burger Bar launched May 16 in the lobby of Springfield’s Vib hotel near the intersection of Sunshine Street and Glenstone Avenue. Dustin Coffin said he’s managing the restaurant on behalf of hotel ownership. Part of the Best Western International Inc. portfolio of hotels, the Vib Springfield opened at 1845 E. Sunshine St. in 2018 via hotel developer Gordon Elliott of Eliott Lodging Ltd. Coffin said the menu’s focus is fast but fresh comfort food with smash burgers, such as The Hamburqueso, which includes smashed guacamole, pico salsa and spicy queso sauce, among items served. The eatery also sells wraps, salads and appetizers. Prices mostly range $10-$15. The Burger Bar takes over Vib space previously occupied by The Wheelhouse, an Asian fusion restaurant that exited in May to a downtown location. Coffin, the head chef and general manager at the Burger Bar, said he heads up a staff of five employees. He previously opened Dusty Bob’s food truck and DB’s Downtown Grillhouse, both in Bolivar.
Phone: 417-430-0400
Web: VibBurgerBar.com

Gold Mechanical Inc.
Ron Bogart, CEO of Gold Mechanical Inc. said his company closed May 6 on the purchase of Springfield-based Masters Plumbing LLC from founder Jerry Kendall. Bogart declined to disclose the purchase price. Masters Plumbing is retaining its name and its eight employees through the deal, Bogart said, with Kendall taking on a job at Gold Mechanical and all employees now working out of the mechanical contracting company’s headquarters at 4735 W. Division St. Masters Plumbing focuses on commercial services, which Bogart said brings on a new segment of the business for Gold Mechanical. Masters Plumbing’s website indicates the company was formed in 2017 by Kendall, who has over 30 years of experience. The purchase of Masters Plumbing represents the first acquisition for Gold Mechanical, which was founded in 1987. Bogart said the company has been in the market for acquisitions for around a decade. Gold Mechanical reported 2024 revenue of $60.8 million, representing three-year growth of 53.7%. Its 2022-24 employee count grew 34.3% to 180.
Phone: 417-873-9770
Web: GoldMechanical.com

HDR Engineering Inc.
The Springfield office of Omaha, Nebraska-based HDR Engineering Inc. moved Jan. 27 to Farmers Park at 2144 E. Republic Road, Ste. B203. HDR, which company officials say has maintained a Queen City office since 1991, was previously located at 2139 E. Primrose St. Eric Dove, Springfield office manager, declined to disclose relocation costs to its new 4,558-square-foot space or the rate of HDR’s five-year lease with Farmers Park developer Green Circle Projects LLC. The engineering, architecture and natural resources consulting firm has grown to 18 employees from five over the past several years, which officials say prompted the need for a larger footprint. Dove said the Springfield office has expanded services over the past couple years, including work with drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, environmental permitting and construction administration. HDR has more than 13,500 employees in 225 locations worldwide, according to its website.
Phone: 417-351-6500
Web: HDRInc.com