YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY
Springfield, MO
Thai Garden
The closure of a longtime Thai restaurant led to the opening of a new eatery with similar cuisine in south Springfield. Thai Garden LLC launched Nov. 3 at 3454 S. Campbell Ave. in the Shamrock Center. Jenny Khokunthod, who co-owns the venture with boyfriend Bill Brink, said they purchased the business for undisclosed terms from Tong Trithara. Trithara had operated Tong’s Thai Cuisine in the roughly 3,300-square-foot spot for around 25 years. Khokunthod said she heard about the opportunity through a friend. A Thai chef who has lived in the United States for 28 years, Khokunthod recently relocated to Springfield after living in O’Fallon and Schaumburg, Illinois. In the Chicago suburb, she said she operated a restaurant called Thai Pepper for three years. Menu items at Thai Cuisine include entrees such as cashew-crisp chicken, pad thai, pineapple fried rice and panang curry. Entree prices range $15-$32. A dinner event that welcomed Thai Garden and said goodbye to Tong’s Thai Cuisine was held in late October.
Phone: 417-889-5280
Web: ThaiGardenSpringfield.com
Traffic Engineering Consultants
Norman, Oklahoma-based Traffic Engineering Consultants Inc. opened a Springfield office Aug. 1 at 2208 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Ste. 106, in Chesterfield Village. Office manager Dane Seiler said he currently is the lone employee in the Springfield location, which employs 20 companywide. He worked the previous 18 years at CJW Transportation Consultants LLC before starting in his new role, according to his LinkedIn profile. Seiler declined to disclose startup costs or lease terms for the 750-square-foot office. He said the new location expands the company’s footprint to five offices in Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The multifaceted traffic and transportation engineering firm’s services include planning, studies, design and operation work for projects such as traffic signals, intersections, roundabouts, roadway lighting and transportation master plans.
Phone: 417-413-5019
Web: TECUSA.com
Ozarks Connect
Ozarks Connect, a new mobile app that aims to unite Springfield-area businesses with consumers, began Sept. 1, said owner Aaron Phares. The app is available on Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store and has had roughly 450 downloads to date, he said. Ozarks Connect, which serves Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, Republic, Willard and surrounding communities, offers a business directory, featured business listings, special offers, Bluetooth proximity marketing and community connection services such as events and job listings. Phares said Ozarks Connect has more than 20 featured businesses who are paid users. The company’s website lists subscription tiers starting at $150, and he said the app is free to consumers to download and use, as well as for businesses wanting to list basic information. Declining to disclose startup expenses, Phares said the business has a virtual office in the Efactory.
Email: info@ozarksconnect.com
Web: OzarksConnect.com
Good Pizza Co. settled into a semipermanent home at Metro Eats; Trinity Electric Co. was acquired; and Cantrell Real Estate relocated.
Parent company to rebrand local, state Kum & Go stores
Unregistered vehicles creating tax collection deficit, say Springfield officials
Dillard's to consolidate Battlefield Mall operations in former Sears space
Quiksilver, Billabong and Volcom stores to close
Arlo Bank finalizes $40M capital raise
Chipotle to add new Springfield restaurant
Developer discloses $350M redevelopment plan for AT&T tower in STL