Open for Business: The Epicurean

Downtown Springfield added another restaurant Feb. 10: Tony Choe (pictured) opened The Epicurean at 314 W. Walnut St. Choe, who also owns East East Asian Market, said the eatery features European and Asian fusion cooking. "There's no competition," he said of the increasing number of downtown restaurants. "We just needed more business in downtown; it helps each other draw more people in." The 6,000-square-foot restaurant comprises three levels: a first floor dining room, mezzanine and downstairs lounge. The Epicurean dining room is open 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, while the bar is open until 1:30 a.m. Lunch will be available in a few weeks, Choe said.

Russell Cellular opened a retail location in Ozark Jan. 1 at 741 N. 20th St. and another store in Fort Smith, Ark., on Jan. 23. Owner Jeff Russell founded Russell Cellular, an Alltel agent, in 1993; there are 42 locations throughout Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Russell said 16 stores opened in 2002 and another 15 stores are scheduled to open this year. "We're projected to have 55 (stores) by the end of the year," he said.

Eric K. Hassani opened Fee Simple Appraisal Company Feb. 14 at 3707 S. Luster Ave., Ste. J. Appraisal assignments include fee simple, lease fee, lease hold, partial interest, condemnation and estate valuation, Hassani said. Hassani has 12 years of commercial appraisal experience and is a Member Appraisal Institute appraiser.

Dr. David Smith, a medical QiGong doctor, opened for business Oct. 1 at 1722 S. Glenstone Ave., Ste. HH in the Glenstone Square. Smith specializes in pain relief through QiGong, a 5,000-year-old Chinese technique. "A lot of the treatment involves periods of not touching you at all, but you feel something going on," he said. Smith treats chronic pain such as carpal tunnel, arthritis, muscle strain, injuries and migraine headaches. He has been practicing in the United States, China and South America for 28 years. Smith relocated from Boston.