Pasta ExpressUnder MBC Noodles LLC,
Matt Krupa, B.J. Lowrance and
C.J. Miles opened a Pasta Express franchise eatery on Nov. 8 at 321 E. Battlefield Road. The new location joins two other Pasta Express restaurants, one owned by Lowrance and Miles at 3250 E. Battlefield and another owned by Krupa at 3025 W. Republic Road. Lowrance said 16 part-time employees work at the 3,000-square-foot restaurant, formerly a Blockbuster store. The owners have nearly 50 years of food industry experience combined. Pasta Express offers sandwiches, salads and vegetarian meals. Lowrance said the most popular dishes are spaghetti and toasted ravioli, and entrees range from $4 to $8. The owners personally financed the undisclosed startup cost, which included renovations and equipment. Hours: 11 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sunday. Phone: (417) 885-0030. Web:
PastaExpress.comEdjy Skate Apparel LLCBrothers
Jerrod and
Ethan Harmon and their cousin,
Joe Stafford, on June 1 started Edjy Skate Apparel LLC, an online seller of skateboard apparel. Jerrod Harmon and Stafford are in charge of company operations, which Harmon said is primarily focused on growing the brand and working with Lincoln, Neb.-based nonprofit Skate For Change. Harmon said 20 percent of Edjy Skate Apparel’s profit goes to both the Lincoln and Springfield branches operated by Mike Smith. Skate For Change in Springfield accepts donations to build care packages, including clothing, water and food for the low-income and homeless. Edjy Skate, which also sponsors skaters, in August launched its first apparel line of hats, sunglasses and bracelets, and has since added T-shirts. The company’s branded shirts cost $20, and hats are $24. Edjy apparel is mostly sold online but also is available at the Springfield Longboard Club Longboard Shop. The owners personally financed the $1,800 startup, which went into a website, licensing and inventory. Phone: (417) 839-0155. Web:
LiveEdjy.comPappo’s PizzeriaOwners
Jonathan Swisher and
Briana Mathews opened Pappo’s Pizzeria on Nov. 14 at 221 E. Walnut St. Swisher manages the 3,000-square-foot restaurant with the help of 30 part-time employees. Swisher said salads and appetizers are on the menu, but pizza is the main entree. An 8-inch cheese pizza is $6.50, while a 12-inch is $11 and a 14-inch is $13. Pappo’s, which originally had targeted an opening last spring, also has a full bar. The owners personally financed the venture along with investments from an undisclosed number of investors. Swisher and Mathews have 10 years of experience in the food industry and also own The Village Market in Lake of the Ozarks. Swisher said one of the investors also has experience in owning multiple Domino’s restaurants. The space is leased from Jan Hyde for undisclosed terms. Hours: 11 a.m.–midnight Monday through Wednesday and 11–2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday. Phone: (417) 866-1111. Web:
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