Open for Business: Downtown Cleaners

Downtown Cleaners opened for business Oct. 24 at 327 S. Patton Ave. in the John W. Williams Building. Owner E.J. Luarca (pictured) decided to open the laundry cleaning service based on a recent downtown market study. One of the things that the business owners wanted was a cleaners along with the residents that are going to be coming into the area, Luarca said. That was the driving force. Downtown Cleaners performs same-day and next-day dry cleaning services, including suede and leather and bundle laundry. It is open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday.

All You Can Bead opened for business Sept. 15 at 1330 E. Battlefield Road in Fremont Center. More than 2,000 different types of beads and other products, including stringing materials such as hemp and leather and equipment, are available at the store, said owner Sara Jenkins. Jenkins also offers jewelry beading classes and repair services. All You Can Bead is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

MTA Republic opened under new ownership May 19. Jay Gillespie purchased the Midwest Tae kwon do Association studio at 824 E. Highway174 in Republic from Kristen Pattinson. Gillespie, a fourth-degree black belt, is chief instructor and teaches tae kwon do, martial arts, kickboxing aerobics, defense skills and toning programs. MTA Republic has been in business six years. There are eight other Midwest Tae kwon do Association schools in southwest Missouri, including a Springfield studio. Class times vary on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, Gillespie said.

Cox Fitness Centers held a grand opening for its Republic location Nov. 1. It is located at 711 E. Miller Road, occupying 10,000 square feet in the new Republic Community and Recreation Center, which opened Oct. 2. Individual health assessments, strength and conditioning equipment, personal training, nutrition services, fitness classes, indoor track and basketball courts, and seniors and kids programs are available. Sherri Roberts is manager. The medical fitness center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.