Open for Business: Local Republic Market

Local Republic Market
Acting on her passion for health, local food and supporting the community, Amy Forester opened Local Republic Market LLC on Oct. 1. She co-owns the 224 N. Main St., Republic, venture with her husband, Clint. Local Republic Market focuses on offering locally sourced products from farmers, makers and small businesses. Vendor spaces are available for $20 per day, Forester said, adding products sold include baked goods, coffee, dairy, meats and produce, as well as household supplies, such as lotions and soaps. She declined to disclose startup costs and lease terms. Forester said she hosts a small farmers market on weekends for which vendors can set up inside or outside, and she added that food trucks also frequently are on-site. Additionally, she allows the 2,400-square-foot space to be used for activities, such as mobility and painting classes. Forester said she wanted to create a one-stop shop for myriad products, while also supporting small businesses by providing a low-priced venue to sell their wares.
Phone: 417-571-5992
Email: Localrepublicmarket@gmail.com

Backyard Pyro
Begun in 2022 as an online-only business selling fireworks, Backyard Pyro has launched a brick-and-mortar location at 71 Endeavor Drive in Rogersville. Jason Neeley, who co-owns the venture with his wife, Jessica, said the Rogersville shop opened June 27 to take advantage of Fourth of July sales, but then closed temporarily to finish up construction on a portion of the building. He said it reopened Dec. 15 with startup costs around $750,000, including the purchase of the property, construction and product acquisition. Neeley said having a year-round, permanent retail space was a long-term goal, and he added that the 6,000-square-foot Rogersville building includes retail, warehouse and office space. He said Backyard Pyro, which sells professional and consumer fireworks and equipment, also operates several tents in the summer in the Springfield area. The business continues to offer online ordering with curbside pickup and can ship products across the country, he said.
Phone: 417-227-0291
Web: Backyard-Pyro.com

7 Brew Coffee
The newest Springfield-area 7 Brew Coffee shop opened with an Oct. 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony in Republic at 1234 U.S. Highway 60. It’s the first Republic location for brothers Chris and Brandon Sebald and friend Larry Wilson, who are company franchisees via Brew Crew LLC. Brandon Sebald said startup costs were roughly $1.5 million for the 510-square-foot coffee stand, which employs a staff of around 60. Sebald said the Arkansas-based franchisee now operates 72 locations across four states. That includes the first 7 Brew shop in Ozark, which opened in November. Additionally, Sebald said the company in 2026 is planning its eighth 7 Brew location in Springfield, as well as its first in Nixa, at 415 N. Massey Blvd. According to its website, 7 Brew now has 632 shops in 38 states. The shop has dual drive-thru lanes with a menu including iced and hot coffees, Italian sodas, energy drinks, shakes, smoothies and teas. Prices range $2.50-$7.
Web: 7Brew.com