Open for Business: The Cookie

The Cookie, a coffee shop and cookie bakery, opened for business April 14 at 1129 E. Walnut St., formerly Quisenberry Gardens. According to owner Steve Harris (pictured), a former attorney, The Cookie seats 80 and has private rooms available for rent. The bakery also caters cookies for business meetings and social gatherings, Harris said. It is open 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Harris said live acts are performed on Friday nights and independent films are shown Tuesday evenings.

Home Sweet Home Horse & Pet Care opened for business May 1 in Strafford, offering pet care in client homes. Owner/operator Danette Gardner said when clients are on vacation or business trips, she visits their homes to care for pets, as well as bring in the newspaper and mail, rotate lights and water houseplants. "We want every pet owner to be able to leave home with peace of mind, knowing that his or her pets and home are in our responsible care," Gardner said. Gardner is insured and bonded through Pet Sitters International. She is targeting Strafford, Springfield, Marshfield, Rogersville and Fair Grove.

The Bank opened its fourth Springfield location May 5 at 2144 E. Kearney St. to target commercial and industrial customers on the north side. Don Cowherd, former president of Community First Bank of Boonville, serves as president of the new branch. There are eight associates at the full-service banking center, which is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday. Drive-through lanes are open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Youngblood Volkswagen Marketplace opened its renovated showroom May 1 at 2701 E. Sunshine St. It is designed to emulate a European market square and features a 14-foot mural of Volkswagen vehicles, said Heather Thompson, marketing coordinator. The showroom caters to customers with Internet access stations, a child's play area and a lounge with refreshments. There also is a Driver Gear boutique selling Volkswagen T-shirts, mugs, hats and other accessories.