Open For Business: Mitchem Tire & Auto Service

Mitchem Tire & Auto Service
A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 21 for the Republic location of Mitchem Tire & Auto Service at 122 U.S. Highway 60 West. The newest store for the family-owned automotive repair business initially opened Feb. 2, said Steve Kruse Jr., who owns the business with his brother, Cory Kruse. The exit of Car-X Tire and Auto in June 2025 from the Highway 60 storefront provided an opportunity for Mitchem Tire, Kruse Jr. said, adding the business has been owned and operated by the same family since 1939. The newest Mitchem Tire is the sixth location for the company, which also has stores in Springfield, Branson, Nixa and Ozark, according to its website. Kruse Jr. declined to disclose lease terms or startup costs for the 6,000-square-foot Republic shop, which employs eight and is led by manager Robert Gryzmala. Aside from wheel and tire sales, Mitchem Tire services include batteries, brakes, oil changes, preventative maintenance, tuneups and wheel alignments.  
Phone: 417-647-1939
Web: MitchemTire.net/republic

The Last Chapter Deathcare 
Cecily Robertson started her first business ownership venture, The Last Chapter Deathcare, on Feb. 1. A volunteer with home hospice for about two years, Robertson said she completed death doula training last year through Going with Grace, an end-of-life planning organization. A death doula is a nonmedical support person for dying people and their loved ones. Robertson said her home-based business guides and supports people with services such as planning, bedside companionship, creative legacy work and education. She also offers end-of-life planning and grief support for animal companions. Aside from visiting clients in their homes or in the community, she said virtual appointments also are offered. Robertson declined to disclose startup costs and said she is the lone employee for Last Chapter Deathcare, adding she still volunteers with Haven Hospice LLC in Ozark. Robertson said her interest in hospice work and starting her own business stemmed from recent end-of-life planning with her mother and grandmother. 
Email: hello@LastChapterDeathcare.com
Web: LastChapterDeathcare.com

Big Baby Bagels 
After closing their Rountree neighborhood restaurant Skully’s Ramen in January, Lora and Joe Still are back at the same 1427 E. Cherry St. address with Big Baby Bagels LLC. The made-from-scratch bagel shop opened April 7 in a building it shares with The Royal. The husband and wife said they were looking to fill a niche in the local food scene but also wanted to have more time with their daughter, Lucy, who was born in December. The business name was inspired by their daughter. Joe Still said in coming up with a new concept, the couple decided the roughly 500-square-foot space – with an occupancy of 22 – was better suited to a bagel shop. They lease the space for $1,600 a month from Pickwick and Cherry LLC and have two full-time and two part-time employees. For the new venture, the Stills partnered with Corey Milam and Mike Stevens and spent an estimated $45,000 to add appliances and remodel. Bagel flavors such as asiago, cinnamon crunch, everything and rosemary salt are sold, as are breakfast sandwiches. Bagel prices range $2.75-$5.75. 
Email: BigBabyBagels@gmail.com