Business Notebook: Area construction firm hires its 500th worker

A growing Perryville, Missouri, construction company now employs more than 500 people, the company said last week, making it one of the largest employers in Perry County.

Robinson Construction Co. processed 513 payroll checks for employees Wednesday, according to a news release from the company. It was the first time in its history to exceed 500 employees.

The company, according to its website, builds process-intense manufacturing facilities and utilities for clients in industrial manufacturing, chemical and processing, power and renewable energy, mining and government agencies. One local project is an expansion for TG Missouri, a Perryville manufacturer of automobile parts.

"We are extremely proud of many things at Robinson Construction -- our longevity, the projects we have constructed, and our long list of repeat clients; however, what we are most proud of, is the fact that we are able to provide a livelihood for a growing number of employees each year," company vice president Paul Findlay said in the release.

Robinson Construction got its start offering heating and air conditioning in 1946. The last 10 years the company has seen significant growth, according to the release.

Payroll for the company in 2014 is expected to top $25 million.

Regional bank opens Cape branch

First Midwest Bank opened its Cape Girardeau facility Nov. 17. The bank is new to Cape Girardeau but has Missouri locations in Jackson, Sikeston, Dexter and Dudley. It has been operating from a modular unit behind the new facility at 1820 N. Kingshighway since 2013. Kathy Bertrand is president of the Cape Girardeau branch. A grand opening event will be held in 2015, according to a news release from the bank.

Arcade and bar to open on Main Street

Coin-Op Cantina, a new arcade and bar, plans to open before New Year's at 46 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau, said co-owner John Browne.

Cup n' Cork, a coffeehouse and restaurant, was in the location until it moved to 11 S. Spanish St. in September. Other owners of the arcade and bar are Jeff and Jason Mungle.

Downtown antique store expanding

Judith's Antiques at 109 N. Main St. in Cape Girardeau will more than double its space when it expands into the building next door, owner Judith Golightly said.

Golightly and her husband, Gary, were on filling the building with items last week. She said she plans for the new space to open the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Gary Golighty also sells antique military items in the Gung Ho Militaria part of the antique business.

Several bars have been at 107 N. Main St. in recent years; the building was originally the flagship Hecht's store, which sold upscale clothing in Cape Girardeau for over 80 years until it closed in 2004. The Golightlys have been in the antique business in downtown since 1992.

Rust Communications buys bank building

Rust Communications, owner of the Southeast Missourian newspaper and digital agency rustmedia, has bought a former bank building at 325 Broadway from Merriwether Investments, owned by John and Jerriane Wyman.

The company is developing plans for use of the building, according to co-president Rex Rust. The two-story building is adjacent to company headquarters at 301 Broadway.

Jackson businesses hold ribbon cuttings

Three new Jackson businesses -- Brune Tractor Restoration & Auto Body at 4618 Highway 72, Heartland Custom Flooring at 2941 E. Jackson Blvd. and Casey's General Store at 1416 W. Jackson Blvd. -- held ribbon-cuttings last week, according to the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce.

Business licenses

• The Bar, Old Town Cape Dining, 117 Themis St., is owned by Sonjay Fonn, and plans are listed to offer catering in December and fully open by Dec. 31.
• Furniture Factory Liquidators, 3049 William St., Suite 300, is a furniture store owned by Milton Barnes. An anticipated opening date listed was Nov. 20.
• Snap Fitness, 2530 William St., is a fitness center owned by Matt and Ashley Diebold. An anticipated opening date listed is Jan. 1.
• Discount Corner, 215 N. Sprigg St., a resale shop. An anticipated opening date listed was Nov. 15.

eragan@semissourian.com

388-3632