Open for Business: The Hepcat

The Hepcat
Inspired by the 1920s era, downtown jazz club The Hepcat opened Aug. 8 at 220 S. Campbell Ave. Two years ago, Jimmy Rollins and Dylan Fox began planning the business, which they co-own with Austin Hill and Daniel Larson. Featuring craft cocktails, homestyle food and live music, The Hepcat seats 136 people in a 4,200-square-foot main floor and upper level. Rollins said he and Fox invested around $290,000 in startup costs, including renovations of the building owned by Sam Freeman. They signed a 13-year lease with Freeman for $2,700 per month, which Rollins said would increase annually with multiple options built in. Rollins said he and Fox have a combined 20 years of restaurant and hospitality experience. Both formerly worked together at Barley, Wheat and Rye. Fourteen are employed at the club, including Fox’s brother, Dustin Fox, who is head chef. Rollins said the term hepcat, coined in the jazz age, refers to “someone who knows it all.”
Hours: 5 p.m.-midnight Tuesday and Wednesday, and 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday through Sunday

417 Brewery Bus Tours LLC
With the growing brewery scene in Springfield – now totaling nine establishments – husband and wife Jerry and Crystal Yarnell began a shuttle service May 4 that takes visitors to area breweries, wineries and distilleries. With 417 Brewery Bus Tours LLC, Crystal Yarnell said customers schedule nearly four-hour tours that stop at venues including Lost Signal Brewing Co., Tie & Timber Beer Co., Great Escape Beer Works and Whiskey Tango. Declining to disclose startup costs, she said each three-stop trip includes a tour and tastings at some locations. Cost is $35 per seat on the 15-passenger bus for Springfield-based tours. About one hour is spent at each destination. Yarnell also works as an elementary school teacher and with her husband owns a commercial parking lot sweeping and hauling company, which does business as Sweep-A-Lot LLC. She said 417 Brewery Bus Tours currently is booking by appointment.
Hours: By appointment
Phone: (417) 880-6066

The Lash Room and Brow Bar LLC
Owner JoHanna Shortt on June 1 moved The Lash Room and Brow Bar LLC to the Camelot Center at 2319 S. Campbell Ave. Among its services, the salon provides eyelash extensions and microblading, facial waxing and threading, lash lifts, tints and dermaplaning facials. Shortt signed a 42-month lease for $1,400 per month with Chambers Real Estate Services LLC. She said about two months of renovations in the 1,200-square-foot space cost $54,000. Shortt, who has a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Missouri State University, said she designed the salon, which included spatial lighting and custom neon signs. Chris Oberhansly of ABI Coating Systems served as general contractor. The business started in May 2017 in 100 square feet inside Salon Suites LLC, but Shortt said high demand necessitated a move to a larger home.
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Phone: (417) 319-5155
Web: TheLashRoomAndBrowBar.com