Open for Business: Ozarks Elder Law LLC

SBJ photo by Wes Hamilton

Lori Rook, Ozarks Elder Law LLC

Ozarks Elder Law LLC
On Dec. 27, 2018, Ozarks Elder Law LLC closed on its acquisition of RTR Attorneys in Marshfield, along with the building at 107 E. Jefferson St., for an undisclosed price. Ozarks Elder Law owner Lori Rook said the Marshfield firm was not going to remain in operation beyond December, as two of its partners, Chuck Replogle and John Tyrrell, were elected to political office in November. At least half of the building’s 3,200 square feet will be used by the firm, Rook said, with the remainder likely to be leased. Ozarks Elder Law focuses on legal needs of the elderly and disabled, including estate and asset protection planning. In late December, the firm doubled its Springfield office to 6,000 square feet at 2832 S. Ingram Mill Road, Ste. 100. Rook declined to disclose renovation costs or lease terms with John Martin Property Management LLC. Staff is currently at 16, and Rook said she plans to add another four employees this year. The firm also has offices in Ozark, Nixa, Joplin and Cassville.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Phone: (417) 868-8200
Web: OzarksElderLaw.com

Hot Cluckers
Nashville-style fried chicken and catfish restaurant Hot Cluckers opened Dec. 22, 2018, at 1450 E. Sunshine St. It took the spot of The Big Slice LLC, which moved two doors down in the Allan Center. Michael Felts, who co-owns the eatery with fiancee Jennifer Obert, originally announced the restaurant via Facebook in June. However, he said permitting delays with the city of Springfield contributed to the opening at year’s end. Startup costs, which included renovation work involving new electrical, plumbing and lighting, were estimated around $250,000. Felts signed a five-year lease for an undisclosed rate with Chuck Bailey of CLB Holdings. The 2,000-square-foot restaurant employs 20, and menu items are priced $8-$15 for chicken and catfish dinner combo meals. Felts said a second Hot Cluckers is planned this summer at Lakeside Shoppes at Branson Landing, and a third is in the works for the St. Louis area.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily
Phone: (417) 882-5825

Geico Insurance Agency Inc.
The first Geico insurance office in the Queen City opened Nov. 13, 2018, in Kickapoo Corners at 3600 S. Campbell Ave. Owned and managed by Chad Astle, the eight-person staff provides insurance for auto, RVs, boats, motorcycles, homeowners, renters and condos. It also offers personal umbrella coverage and identity theft protection. Astle said Geico operates 180 offices nationally, and corporate spokesman Michael Young said the next closest office is in Lee’s Summit. Young declined to disclose the Springfield office’s startup costs or lease terms with Kickapoo Corners LLC. Astle said he and his family relocated from Stuart, Florida, to open the office. He was previously working in Florida as vice president with Fiorella Insurance Agency.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Phone: (417) 414-6634
Web: Geico.com/Springfield