Majeed returns to run Stevie's Steakburger

When Steve Majeed left Cape Girardeau to return to his native Pakistan in July, he believed the move would be for many, many years.

But e-mails and phone calls from former customers of Stevie's Steakburger business at 600 Broadway prompted him to move back to the area to operate the burger joint and SEMO Gas, 40 N. Sprigg St., both of which he leased. Majeed told me he wasn't pleased with the way Stevie's Steakburger was being managed.

Majeed, who returned with his wife and children in November, said that while he'll miss the lifestyle he enjoyed in Pakistan, he's excited about once again serving his customers in Southeast Missouri.

"I want everyone to know that I've come back once again," Majeed said. "Unlike last time, when I leased the restaurant with the option to buy, I'll not make the same mistake again. I want to stay here for a while and welcome everyone back to Stevie's Steakburger."

* Payday loan service opens on Sprigg: A payday and title loan service and auto detail service shop have opened on North Sprigg Street.

Cash 4 Less and Ace Auto Detail, both at 41 N. Sprigg St., recently began operations. Owner Scott McClellan, who also owns a Cash 4 Less at 2616 E. Jackson Blvd., said it was always his dream to open both businesses, but it hadn't panned out until now.

"I was in the truck-driving business for a while but I got tired of being on the road," McClellan told me. "Now I'm at home and am able to be my own boss. This has been something I've been wanting to do for about three years but never could find the right location before."

Both businesses are open 9 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Cash 4 Less may be reached at 270-1996 while Ace Auto Detail's phone number is 270-4376.

McClellan said soon he'll be adding an auto consignment business on the property, but he has to build up his inventory first.

* Select Physical Therapy moving to former Joey's building: Since the early part of 2008 the building that housed Joey's Seafood Grill at 155 Siemers Drive, Suite A, has sat empty. Contrary to such rumors as a Red Robin burger restaurant moving in, Select Physical Therapy will be the new tenant by Dec. 21. An open house is planned for Jan. 21.

Jason Mulholland, a work strategies manager with Select Physical Therapy, said the location at 240 S. Mount Auburn Road no longer suits their needs. Only physical therapy will be offered at the new location.

"This building is newer and gives us better visibility," Mulholland said.

Its new hours will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to noon Tuesday and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. They can be reached at 334-6711.

* Security company changes ownership: Hackett Security, a St. Louis-based company, has acquired the former Secure Tech of Jackson. The security company at 1272 Gloria Drive was originally founded by Brian K. Mouser in 1992.

The company offers security and fire alarm systems, card access systems, closed-circuit video systems and other products. Mouser plans to remain at the office for two more years until he retires and moves to Florida.

Michael J. Hackett, CEO and president of Hackett Security, said he's looking forward to the future relationship with the Jackson company.

"They already enjoy a solid reputation coupled with longevity and profitability," Hackett said. "They have a strategic location to Southern Illinois, Northern Kentucky and Arkansas. Secure Tech provides us with the opportunity to expand quickly as we continue to grow on a regional and national basis."

* Former Superfund site sold: An Oak Ridge concrete contractor has purchased the former Missouri Electric Works property in Cape Girardeau.

According to Tom Kelsey, commercial broker with Lorimont Place Ltd. who handled the deal, Glen Fronabarger of Fronabarger Concreters plans to redevelop the 6.5-acre site at 824 S. Kingshighway to include storage units.

The site has quite a history. Missouri Electric Works operated on the site from 1954 to 1992, where it sold, serviced and reconditioned electric motors, transformers and transformer controls.

In 1990 the Environmental Protection Agency began treating contaminated soil on the property and by 2002 the clean-up was complete at a cost of $25 million, Kelsey said. The EPA and other environmental consultants declared the property safe from any environmental issues earlier this year.

A sale price was not disclosed, though the Lorimont Place Ltd. website lists the price at $576,000.

* Ribbon cutting in Jackson: The Jackson Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. Wednesday at McDowell South Outdoors, 2929 Sappington Drive in Jackson.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Brian Blackwell may be reached at 388-3628 or bblackwell@semissourian.com.<I>