Open for Business: Gallery Art Market

Gallery Art Market
Mark and Sandy Cunningham opened Gallery Art Market on Feb. 1 at 330 E. Commercial St. Gallery Art Market carries framed and unframed works from local, regional and national artists, said Mark Cunningham, who’s been involved in art dealing as a hobby for several years and decided to go full time after retiring from his landscaping company, Imagination Landscapes. The Cunninghams purchased the 600-square-foot gallery, which will celebrate its grand opening June 10–11, for an undisclosed amount. Mark Cunningham said patrons may also purchase art at www.artmarketnetwork.com. Gallery Art Market also allows patrons to sell their own collected art pieces, either through consignment or the gallery’s listing service, Cunningham said. Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday or by appointment. Phone: (417) 865-1888.

Bao Bao Chinese Bistro
Baogen Zhang opened Bao Bao Chinese Bistro on April 18 in Chesterfield Village, 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Ste. A-104, where China Max previously operated. Fiona Tan, Zhang’s daughter and a part-time employee, said the bistro serves authentic Chinese food as well as familiar favorites such as Springfield-style cashew chicken. Bao Bao Chinese Bistro is named for the Chinese word for “full” as well as her father’s middle name, Tan said. Zhang previously owned a Chinese restaurant in Shanghai, China, before moving to Springfield in 1999 to work as a chef. Tan said the startup cost for the restaurant was about $40,000. Zhang leases the 1,800-square-foot space from Sperry Van Ness/Rankin Co. for about $1,650 per month. Prices range from daily specials, such as sweet-and-sour glazed chicken, at $3.99 to chef’s specials, such as crispy salt-and-pepper crusted fish, at $8.95. Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Phone: (417) 877-7505.

Francesca’s Collections Inc.
Francesca’s Collections Inc., a national, privately held company, opened a store May 14 in Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave. Springfield store manager Tamra Smith said Francesca’s Collections, located between The Body Shop and Kay Jewelers, sells women’s clothing, accessories and gifts. Smith said jewelry prices range from $6 to $38, while clothing prices range from $20 to $68. Francesca’s Collections also operates a Branson store at 319 Branson Landing Blvd. Hours: 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 866-2185.[[In-content Ad]]