Open for Business: Rasta Grill

The Jamaican-themed restaurant Rasta Grill opened at 319 W. Walnut St. on Jan. 14. It previously operated from the narrow, 900-square-foot space at 434 S. Jefferson Ave. for three years. Owner Mark Cotner (pictured) purchased the 4,700-square-foot building in the fall and invested $150,000 in remodeling. With seating capacity for 130, Cotner has increased staff from 12 to 30 employees. Rasta Grill is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Cotner plans to open Kahuna Burger selling burgers, fries and shakes in the Jefferson Avenue space next month.

Country Sampler, a 6-year-old Republic quilt shop, moved Sept. 12 to 2904 S. Campbell Ave. in Imperial Plaza. Owner Jan Cole relocated to Springfield seeking a larger location with better visibility.

"I had grown all that I could in Republic," she said. "I felt like I needed to be more visible." Country Sampler sells quilting fabrics, books, tools and needlework. Cole said quilting classes also are offered. The business is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Cole also owns the Country Sampler in Branson.

Independent audio producer/engineer Jim Wunderle relocated his recording studio, Wunderle Sound Services, to 613 E. Locust St.

Wunderle performs voice-over production, original music and audio for video, television and radio spot production for such firms as Schilling Sellmeyer & Associates Inc., The Team Inc. and TPS Media Group. Wunderle said he is looking to branch out to musical group production in the new studio.

Wunderle has been in the recording business since 1988, employed for the past 14 years at Associated Video Producers Inc.