Open for Business: Monk’s Social Club

Monk’s Social Club
Jeff Jenkins and Kent Williams started Monk’s Social Club on April 19 as a comedy club, music venue and bar at 504 W. College St., formerly the College Street Barkade. A key component also is the return of The Skinny Improv, which Jenkins co-founded in the early 2000s. The improvisational troupe held its last public show in 2015, and in the next go-round, Jenkins said over 20 performers are on board. Jenkins said Monk’s plans to host eight to 12 shows a week. Scheduled events include regular performances by Tweedle and the Dee jazz band, Wednesday open-mic nights and weekly live recordings of the Obscure Reference podcast beginning May 8. Jenkins, who declined to disclose startup costs, signed a lease for undisclosed terms with building owner Bo Hagerman. Monk’s operates on the first floor, and Gypsy Lounge is housed upstairs.
Hours: 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday, and 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday
Phone: (417) 866-3695
Web: MonksSocial.com

Cochrane & Co.
Forty-year-old Springfield insurance firm Bohrer-Croxdale & McAdoo Inc. sold Jan. 1 to Spokane, Washington-based Cochrane & Co. Terms were undisclosed. Human Resources Director Toni Gillette said the five-employee office converted to Cochrane & Co.’s Springfield division on Feb. 20, and it involved a move to 4350 S. National Ave. from 601 South Ave. Gillette said Sydney Croxdale, one of the founders, and her son Chris Akins sold the company after meeting Cochrane & Co. owner Tom Cochrane at a conference. Croxdale, who had been “operating at a distance for a while,” and Akins did not stay on board through the transition, per the terms of the deal, Gillette said. Cochrane & Co. last year produced over $100 million in revenue across six offices, Gillette said. Bohrer-Croxdale & McAdoo recorded $8 million-$10 million in 2017 revenue, she said. The Springfield office sells commercial lines, such as property and casualty, transportation, professional liability, personal and bond insurance.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: (417) 869-2550
Web: CochraneCo.com

Spring Branch Kombucha
The city’s first kombucha manufacturer began wholesale distribution in early March, when husband-and-wife Chris and Jessica Ollis launched Spring Branch Kombucha. Chris Ollis said he began home brewing the fermented tea drink two years ago. Flavors such as blueberry thyme, lemon hops, raspberry basil and lavender are available on tap for $4-$5 per pint at MaMa Jean’s Natural Foods Market, Lucky’s Market, Tie & Timber Beer Co., 4 by 4 Brewing Co. and Classic Rock Coffee. The Ollises own the 1,650-sqaure-foot manufacturing plant at 1200 S. Hillcrest Ave., designed by Sam A. Winn & Associates, Architects PC and built by Greg Crawford Construction Co. Inc. Startup and building costs were not disclosed. Ollis said he still works full-time as a portfolio manager for U.S. Bancorp Wealth Management, and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom. He said his brother recently started helping to keep up with orders. “Even with the small number of outlets we have right now, we’re not meeting the full demand,” he said.
Hours: N/A
Phone: (417) 496-2647
Web: SpringBranchKombucha.com