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Springfield, MO
Restaurateur Michael Felts is planning a barbecue and Cajun restaurant at the site of a former Newk's Eatery near Battlefield Mall.
Felts, who’s also working on bringing two Taco Habitat restaurants to the area, said he’s targeting a late summer opening for his concept called Bourbon and Beale at 2639 S. Glenstone Ave.
Felts said he’s close to finalizing a ground lease with Battlefield Mall owner Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE: SPG) after buying the 4,900-square-foot former Newk’s from its franchisee, Dan Garrett of Danco LLC. Felts declined to disclose terms for the 10-year lease or the purchase price of the building.
Bourbon and Beale combines the famous streets in New Orleans and Memphis, Tennessee, Felts said, noting the areas are his favorite places to visit.
“I grew up in Memphis and spend a lot of time there,” he said, indicating the restaurant would offer Memphis-style barbecue alongside Cajun dishes. “I got to thinking about different twists I could add to it. There’s not many big concepts out there that have a Cajun twist with barbecue.”
Declining to disclose his planned investment in Bourbon and Beale, Felts said expenses were limited since the location is an existing restaurant. He’s planning to add a wraparound patio, roll-up garage doors and a bar in the middle of the restaurant.
The Newk’s restaurant closed in May 2017 after Danco LLC opened another location at 220 W. Battlefield Road.
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