Open for Business: Electric Newsstand

Electric Newsstand opened Aug. 2 at 414 South Ave. The 1,100-square-foot shop is owned by Ken Giddens, who also owns Ozark News Distributors at 1630 N. Eldon and Heritage Bookstore at 2863 S. Campbell. Inventory includes magazines, newspapers, soft drinks, snacks, popcorn and tobacco products, said Drew Summers, manager (pictured). Plans are to add international cigarettes and newspapers like The Jerusalem Times and some Arabic-language papers. The store has a three-year lease with Todd Duncan, Summers said. It has six employees. Previously, South Avenue Pool Hall occupied the site, he said. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Southwest Missouri Motorcycle Training Center opened June 4 at 1147 S. Glenstone Ave. The business is owned and operated by Donna Rice; the instructor is Gregg Routh. It offers basic training and experienced-rider courses. The basic course is 20 hours long and costs $200; the experienced rider course is $100, Rice said. Class sizes go up to 10 students, and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation provides the center's 10 bikes. With completion of the class, the driving portion for a Missouri operator's license is satisfied, she said. Actual driving practice is held on a parking lot at Ozarks Technical Community College. Revenue forecast for 2004 is about $40,000. Chaps, jackets, gloves, helmets, vests and other riding gear is available for purchase. Office hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and noon-10 p.m. Friday.

Charlie's Chicken opened in about 2,600 square feet Aug. 3 at 1540 W. Republic Road. The majority owner is David Reifsteck, said manager Dustin Ross, who has a small ownership interest in the 104-seat facility that employs 55. Projected revenues through the end of 2004 are about $650,000, and $1.3 million for the first fiscal year, Ross said. Menu items revolve around chicken with catfish and meatloaf also served, in addition to more than 15 side items. Plate prices run from $3.99 to $7.29. Cost for construction, real estate and equipment ran about $1.2 million. "We have additional plans to open a store in Ozark and another one here in Springfield," Ross said. The location has a drive-through window and offers catering. Charlie's Chicken is open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily.