Open for Business: Uptown Hog

Uptown Hog
The April exit of Abby’s Acai Co. as a vendor at 14 Mill Market led to the May 10 opening of Uptown Hog LLC at the Nixa food hall. The barbecue venture, which has operated since 2021 in food trailers, is owned by Ricky Michel. The launch marks the brick-and-mortar debut for Michel’s business, he said, adding he owns three trailers of varying sizes for Uptown Hog. The largest of the mobile eateries occupies a 48-foot semitruck trailer near Table Rock Dam in Branson at 5377 State Highway 165. The other trailers are primarily used for catering and special events. Michel declined to disclose startup costs or his one-year lease rate with 14 Mill owners Rich and Leah Callahan, adding he leads a four-employee staff at the barbecue eatery. The menu offers smoked meats such as brisket, pulled pork and ribs for sandwiches and platters, along with sides including potato salad, barbecue beans and homemade mac and cheese. Prices range $4-$26.
Phone: 417-901-0025
Web: UptownHog.com

Treasured Relics
Jo Christian became a first-time business owner with the March 1 launch of Treasured Relics Estate & Consignment Sales LLC at 880 E. San Martin St. in Bolivar. Doing business as Treasured Relics, the venture in the Vineyard Square shopping center primarily holds estate sales, Christian said. However, she said the 2,800-square-foot storefront also serves as a spot for monthly dispersal sales that include auctions to clear all merchandise. Treasured Relics, which employs a staff of three, also offers consignment opportunities to customers as part of its dispersal sale dates. Christian said startup costs were $12,000, adding she signed a one-year lease for an undisclosed rate with Vineyard Square owner Thane Kifer. Christian most recently worked as a safety director for Sedalia-based nonprofit Center for Human Services Inc. before opening Treasured Relics, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Phone: 417-777-0214
Email: TreasuredRelics417@gmail.com

El Escondite
Within 15 months of opening Latin-themed coffee shop El Cafecito, husband and wife Cristhian and Shanie Valdez launched a second food industry venture in the Queen City with the May 4 opening of El Escondite. The Mexican snack and drink establishment is at 2528 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. A, in the Old Town Centre, less than a half-mile from El Cafecito. Shanie Valdez declined to disclose lease terms and startup costs for the four-employee shop, noting its menu includes ceviche, oysters and sweeter offerings such as mangonada, a Mexican desert made with mango sorbet, chamoy and tajin. Cocktails, beer and margaritas also are sold. Prices range $4-$20. El Escondite, which its owners refer to as “The Hiding Spot,” also has a play area that includes foosball and table tennis. Valdez, who also works as a real estate agent with Murney Associates, Realtors, said she and her husband wanted the 1,750-square-foot El Escondite to provide a family-friendly hangout for parents and children.
Phone: 417-665-2486
Web: ElEscondite417.com