Open for Business: Old Missouri Bank

Old Missouri Bank
The newest branch for Old Missouri Bank opened Feb. 14 at 2423 W. Republic Road, the site of a former Simmons Bank. OMB purchased the building in September 2021 for undisclosed terms, said Ryan Bowling, vice president and director of marketing. Bowling said Williams Construction Co. performed the renovation work for the 2,310-square-foot branch, but he declined to disclose project costs. Jessica Antczak manages the 10-employee team, and commercial loan officers Michael Headlee and Jordan Holder also have offices in the building. Bowling said the West Republic Road location was a target for OMB due to the increased traffic and commerce the area has experienced in recent years. The new branch is OMB’s third in Springfield and eighth systemwide. Its other Springfield branches are at 3570 S. National Ave. and 1535 W. Sunshine St.
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, lobby; 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, drive-thru
Phone: 417-530-1265
Web: OldMissouriBank.com

Summit Nightlife
A pair of friends teamed up in Branson to launch Summit Nightlife, 204 N. Commercial St., on Oct. 31. Pierce Evans, who owns the venture with Chad Thomas, said Summit is the first nightclub in Branson. Evans said they invested $250,000 to open in a 10,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by shuttered restaurant Bleu Olive. Drinks at Summit Nightlife include beer, shots and cocktails, such as cranberry lemonade and money ball, made with sour apple and vodka. Prices start at $5. The nightclub employs 15, but Evans said they also plan to open a restaurant in half of the building this spring. Evans said he and Thomas have prior food service and retail experience in the Branson area but declined to note past employers. According to their LinkedIn profiles, Evans formerly was manager at Branson locations of Dunkin’ Donuts and Godfather’s Pizza, while Thomas was previously an assistant manager at Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store.
Hours: 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Thursday and 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Phone: 417-544-1003
Web: SummitNightlife.com

Ukulele Academy of the Ozarks
Karen Maxson decided to strike her own tune with personalized ukulele instruction through Ukulele Academy of the Ozarks LLC. She launched the home-based venture Nov. 10 and provides private and group ukulele lessons for children and adults. Maxson said private lessons are $20 for a 45-minute session, and group classes range $40-$70. She also sells small accessories for the instrument, such as digital tuners and strings. Startup costs were roughly $2,000, she said, noting the academy is her second ownership venture. Maxson, who has led Queen City Ukulele Club since 2013, started Uke 66 in 2015 to provide educational services, such as ukulele camps for adults. Uke 66 also is the name of the ukulele band in which Maxson performs with her husband, Rick, and bass player Scott Pope.
Hours: By appointment
Phone: 417-693-4604
Web: UkeAcademyOzarks.com