Open for Business: The Story House Bookstore

The Story House Bookstore
One bookshop replaced another on historic Walnut Street with the Nov. 17 opening of The Story House Bookstore LLC. The new business at 1150 E. Walnut St., inside a 1905-built residence, is owned by siblings Michael Bruner and Penny Scroggs, along with friend Arthur Marx. It fills space that housed Pagination Bookshop LLC, which shuttered in early November 2025. Bruner, who recently retired from teaching at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, said he grew up in the Springfield area and has returned to open the bookstore. Bruner said he and Marx, grandson of late Springfield artist Pinky Marx, both have ownership in the 3,400-square-foot house. Declining to disclose startup costs, Bruner said the mission of the four-employee venture is to be a community-focused verbal and visual arts center, serving simultaneously as an independent bookstore, event center and art gallery, mostly celebrating artists and themes from the Ozarks. He said the store also is adding a small coffee shop with hopes it may be ready by later this month.
Phone: 417-402-4513
Web: TheStoryHouseBookstore.com

Springfield Comedy Club
Springfield Comedy Club opened Dec. 12 in downtown Springfield at 420 W. College St., said Adam Norwest, co-owner of BARK Entertainment. The company’s name is an acronym for its four owners: Bree Norwest, Adam Norwest, Renee Fandt and Kevin Fandt. Adam Norwest, who is based in the Tacoma, Washington, area, said the Springfield venue is BARK Entertainment’s 10th comedy club. He said the Springfield location is close to its Tulsa and Oklahoma City clubs, which makes it easier for routing big acts. He declined to disclose startup costs for the business that fills space previously occupied by Blue Room Comedy Club LLC, which shuttered last fall. Norwest said BARK Entertainment signed a seven-year lease, with options, for undisclosed terms with building owner Tillman Redevelopment LLC. The roughly 25-employee comedy club is led by General Manager James Legault, Norwest said, adding ticket prices for the headliners typically range $15-$40, while food and drink options are priced between $6-$15.
Phone: 417-220-8770
Web: ComedySpringfield.com

Mumbles1888
Sports-focused pub Mumbles1888 opened on Feb. 7 at 504 E. Commercial St. The pub is the latest concept from Neil and Christina Chanter, owners of Springfield Brewing Co. and sister company Ty Iechyd Da Distillery. Early morning weekend openings are customary at Mumbles for fans wanting to catch live matches of the Premier League, a professional soccer league in England. Mumbles serves a dozen SBC beers on tap, with six of those rotating, along with canned brews and a full line of spirits from Ty Iechyd Da, said General Manager Bailey Turner. Since Mumbles has no kitchen, on-site food mostly involves imported Irish and British snacks. However, Turner said customers can bring in outside food. Mumbles fills space formerly occupied by Ruthie’s, which reopened at 1611 N. Campbell Ave. in late 2024. The pub is in roughly 1,800 square feet of the two-story, 138-year-old building that the Chanters bought last year via LowerDeck94 LLC. Christina Chanter declined to disclose startup costs, including the building purchase price.
Phone: 417-986-2354
Web: SpringfieldBrewingCo.com/mumbles-1888