Last edited 2:19 p.m., Dec. 30, 2015
DotPops Popcorn
Ray and
Trina Danley opened DotPops Popcorn shop June 12 at 1323 W. Sunshine St. in Elfindale Corners. Organized through Ozark Sugarmill Inc., which was formed with the Missouri secretary of state’s office in late 2014 to retail chocolates and other candy, the Danleys signed a three-year lease for 1,200 square feet with HMR Properties LLP. DotPops sells 50 flavors of gourmet popcorn, from amaretto to white cheddar. Declining to disclose startup costs, Trina Danley said the shop makes its popcorn on site with real cane sugar and no genetically modified organisms or corn syrup. She said cheese flavors are made with organic cheeses. Pricing ranges from $1.50 per person for special event bags, to $13.50 per gallon and $66 for large tins, which are half-price for refills. With 15 years of experience running bakeries and retail stores, the Danleys employ two at DotPops. The store also offers shipping and fundraising programs. Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 501-8368. Web:
DotPops.com
Connell Co. Inc.
St. Louis-based material handling firm Connell Co. Inc. opened Oct. 1 at 3015 N. Lester Jones Ave., north of the Springfield-Branson National Airport. The fourth-generation family business leases 8,000 square feet, including warehouse space, two dock doors and a drive-in dock. Branch Manager
Scott Campbell, the lone Springfield employee, handles sales and leasing of Doosan forklifts, as well as operator training, said Vice President
John Turek, the great grandson of founder John Connell. With a third operation in Kansas City, the 86-year-old company also offers aerial equipment, storage products and warehouse planning. Turek declined to disclose startup costs in Springfield but said the company invested over $150,000 for initial inventory and $50,000 in equipment. Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (888) 522-6099. Web:
JJConnellCo.com
Big O Tires
Big O Tires franchisee
Rusty Coats opened a store Aug. 25 in Branson, at 977 State Highway 248. Through Columbia-based MFA Petroleum Co. Coats owns and operates all 15 Big O Tires in Missouri and Arkansas.
Matt Smith, store manager in Branson, said the 10,000-square-foot shop includes five service bays, a showroom, lobby and office. Big O Tires offers tire services, system flushes, diagnostics and other mechanical services. In addition to the Big O brand, the store carries over a dozen others, including Cooper, Michelin, Sumitomo and Continental. Of the seven employees, Smith said two are licensed mechanics. Oil changes start at $29. Founded in the early 1960s, Florida-based Big O Tires now operates over 400 independently owned stores in 20 states. Franchise fees run up to $30,000 and initial store investments start at nearly $240,000. Hours: 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 334-1834. Web:
BigOTires.com
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