Open for Business: Pack 'N' Mail

Brandon Freeman (left) and Paul Holzer Nov. 7 acquired Pack N' Mail at 3825 S. Campbell Ave. in Parkcrest Center from Dave and Rita Carpowich. Brandon Freeman did not disclose the purchase price. The mailing center, which processes approximately 10,000 mail pieces per month, ships U.S. Postal, UPS and will soon offer FedEx. It also offers copying and faxing services, mailbox rental, gift-wrapping and passport pictures, said Cortney Freeman, Brandon's wife and company accountant. Business Brokers Unlimited served as broker.

Cielito Lindo Mexicano Restaurante owner Alberto Ortiz opened his fourth Springfield restaurant Jan. 7 at 730 N. Glenstone Ave. Ortiz converted the former Wendy's restaurant for $10,000 and leases the space from Hamra Enterprises. It is the second closed fast food chain establishment Ortiz has seized for his business; in June, Cielito Lindo opened in a former Hardee's on West Kearney. A native of Mexico, Ortiz began the restaurants in 1992 with his first location on South National Avenue. The North Glenstone location is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.

Maggie Moo's Ice Cream & Treatery opened for business Dec. 4 at 2005 W. State Highway 76, Ste. 207, in Branson's Vista Plaza. Maggie Moo's is a national chain owned by Maggie Moo's International LLC; Mike and Ann Evans are franchisees. Mike Evans said 40 different varieties of ice cream are made on site, and include pistachio, cheesecake and sorbet. Maggie Moo's operated a store in Springfield, but it closed in 1996, Evans said, adding that he selected Branson based on its tourist draw. Maggie Moo's is open 1-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday until March, when regular hours take effect: 11 a.m.-midnight daily. There are more than 100 Maggie Moo's in 27 states and more than 200 stores under contract. The concept started in Kansas City in 1989 but is now based in Columbia, Md.