Open for Business: Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs
Jason Pullman opened a Firehouse Subs franchise store July 1 at 4135 S. National Ave. A former Subway franchisee in northwest Arkansas, Pullman bought the rights to Springfield and Branson after two years of dining and researching the company. “The sandwiches just sucked me in,” he said, noting the use of choice, steamed meat served on toasted bread. Pullman said he invested about $300,000 to open the restaurant, including the $20,000 franchise fee. Firehouse Subs, which operates nearly 650 stores, charges 6 percent royalties, he said. Founded in 1994 by two brothers from a fire and police family in Jacksonville, Fla., the chain has an aggressive plan to open another 1,300 stores by 2020. Pullman is planning four stores and targeting north Springfield for his second location. He leases 2,800 square feet from Jared Enterprises for undisclosed terms. Firehouse Subs employs 25 under the management of Angie Faust. Hours: 10:30 a.m.–9 p.m. daily. Phone: (417) 887-4848. Web: FirehouseSubs.com

Mr. Bigg’s Pizza & Italian Food
Six months after entering the Springfield market, restaurateur Jason Bebout moved Mr. Bigg’s Pizza & Italian Food on Aug. 1 to 320 Park Central West. Bebout, who launched Mr. Bigg’s in Republic in mid-2010, opened in February at 834 E. Division St. He said the Park Central site is more than double in size. Since 2008, the space has had four restaurant tenants: Migulito’s Wrap and Roll Cafe, which closed this year after a few months operating; Boca Mocha Coffee & Café; and Rendezvous Coffee Lounge. Acknowledging the recent turnover, Bebout said, “I’m not afraid of the location. More times than not, (turnover) is due to poor management or lack of management altogether.” Bebout, who previously had a career in auto parts pricing for O’Reilly Automotive and The Merrill Co. in Iowa, signed a three-year lease with landlord Scott Murray for undisclosed terms. He spent about $30,000 for new ovens and refrigeration, a liquor license and supplies, and other expenses. Hours: Opens at 10:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. on weekends with flexible closing hours. Phone: (417) 501-8906. Web: MrBiggsPizza.com

Family Matters Resource Center
Family Matters Resource Center opened Aug. 2 at 1774 1/2 S. Grant Ave., offering training and advocacy for individuals involved with foster care and adoption. Run by Director Melinda Nicholson and Assistant Director Deb Fusek, the 501(c)3 nonprofit currently works with about 100 people to provide foster care and adoptive services, as well as respite events for foster families and counseling services. Serving 29 southwest Missouri counties, Family Matters is one of four state-funded foster and adoptive resource centers. Fusek said a state appropriation does not exceed $100,000, and other operating funds will come from donations and grants. She declined to disclose the estimated first-year operating cost. Family Matters charges the state rate of $48 per hour for counseling, and other services are free, Fusek said. Nicholson, a licensed subcontractor for the state children’s division and private agencies, was appointed to the state Foster Care Adoption Board in January, and Fusek founded The Reach Effect to serve the parents of kids with special needs in 2010. Hours: by appointment. Phone: (417) 866-3672. Web: FamilyMattersCares.org

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