Open for Business: Split Social Kitchen

Split Social Kitchen
Communal-style dining concept Split Social Kitchen launched July 2 at 3027 E. Sunshine St. in the Habersham Center. It’s in 1,200 square feet formerly occupied by Cesar’s Old Mexico, which moved in December 2019 to 2627 E. Sunshine St. Split co-owners Kristen Douglas and Dylan Collins have over 35 years of combined experience in the food industry, including time working together at Maria’s Mexican Restaurant. Most recently, Douglas was an assistant manager at Schultz & Dooley’s Pub, while Collins was co-owner of Crave Cookie Dough, which shuttered in February. Split has food price points ranging $12-$20, Douglas said, with several dishes that can be shared. Featured menu items are Yoshi and Lace, black mussels served in garlic white wine tomato sauce, and the chiliville chicken sandwich, featuring kimchi vinaigrette slaw and gochujang mayo. The owners have a son together and were formerly romantic partners – hence the name Split, Douglas said. They declined to disclose startup costs or lease terms with property owner Sunset Holdings & Investments Inc.
Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight Tuesday through Sunday
Phone: 417-755-7155
Web: SplitSpringfield.com

Wicked Edge Barber Co.
Wicked Edge Barber Co., a mobile, full-service barbershop and salon, got rolling May 22. Laina Ridenhour and fiance Tony Abbott co-own the business, which operates in a former shuttle bus the couple purchased in Kansas City. Ridenhour said Abbott handled the bus renovation, noting startup costs came in around $10,000. Haircuts are $20 for men, $15 for ages 10 and younger, and $30 for women, with color, conditioning and curling among other services, she said. The owners currently have city licenses in Branson, Clever, Springfield, Republic and Willard, and post the bus location schedule on its Facebook page. Ridenhour said she and Abbott have a combined 10 years of experience in the hair care industry, most recently as educators at Academy of Hair Design Inc., which they left in May. Wicked Edge Barber is the pair’s first business venture, through which they also offer continued education programs for licensed hair care professionals, she said.
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Phone: 417-554-3690

Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar
Scotch & Soda co-owner Josh Widner converted the 310 South Ave. lounge space to Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar on June 19. He decided amid the COVID-19 pandemic to pivot to the new concept, which includes a rotating cocktail menu, shots and house-made punches. Most draft beers are $4, with HellBoy, a frozen Irish coffee drink with a FatBoy ice cream sandwich in it, priced at $11, according to its website. Widner partnered on Sweet Boy’s with Josh Sullivan, owner of Fried Design Co., and Rogan Howitt, Widner’s brother and beverage director of his Good Spirits Concepts LLC company. Sullivan declined to disclose startup costs or lease terms. Locally, Good Spirits also operates Cherry Picker Package and Fare, Golden Girl Rum Club, and Best of Luck Beer Hall, as well as Scotch & Soda in Bentonville, Arkansas.
Hours: 4 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and noon-midnight Sunday
Phone: 417-719-4224
Web: SweetBoysBar.com