Business to bring a piece of Mexico to Cape

Small-town life can be frustrating at times.

Like when you ask a waitress what the "soup du jour" is and she tells you it's the soup of the day, as if you were asking for a translation. Or that the best art-house movies never make it to our local theaters because they absolutely HAVE to have six screens reserved for the latest Will Ferrell flick.

Don't get me wrong. Cape Girardeau is Mayberry by no means. But we're small enough that I still find myself pleased when I come across little pockets of the large outside world seeping into our often insular little community.

I encountered such an instance last week in the voice of Hugo Crespo, a Mexican-born citizen I had the pleasure of speaking with on the phone Friday. Hugo has been in the United States for 14 years, the last three as a Cape Girardeau resident.

Crespo is an interesting guy. He and his wife teach salsa dancing. He hosts a Spanish-speaking AM radio show every Saturday, chatting up his fellow Hispanics about anything from U.S. immigration policy to his love of soccer. So he likes to talk, which makes him even more likable to a media type like myself.

On top of all that, you can now add Cape Girardeau businessman to his resume.

This weekend, Crespo and his wife, Mandi, are opening Art of the South, which will bring decorative furniture and other handmade items that were painstakingly crafted by our friends south of the Rio Grande.

"It will be something different than you normally see around here," Crespo said. "And the people who make it, they are making furniture and things to feed their family. It's all handmade. It's all artistic, Mexican furniture."

Art of the South -- way south -- is going into the spot at 16 N. Frederick St., which used to be the Greyhound bus depot and later Stinnett Produce.

Crespo has been making monthly buying trips to places across Mexico, finding items to stock up his store.

"I wanted to bring these things here, and I think people will like them," he said.

The store will feature more than 500 pieces, from bedroom and dining sets to hand-painted dishware, frames and flowerpots.

"They are meticulous when they make these things," he said. "People should come and check it out."

* The Beanery Cafe at Southeast: I got an e-mail last week from Trevor Sumner of Chartwells and thought I should pass the information along.

Chartwells is commemorating the opening of The Beanery CafŽ in the Southeast Missouri State University Center. The grand opening celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Festivities include a guest appearance by university mascot Rowdy, a contest to win a free iPod shuffle, a sampling of the Beanery menu and special discounts.

The cafe will serve Starbucks coffee, quiche, signature salads, upscale desserts and sandwiches made with fresh roasted meats served with specialty spreads on daily baked bread.

* Flowers from Europe: In 2003, Debby Erlbacher reopened Francine's Gardens at 28 N. Pacific St., a historical business that had originally been operated by Erlbacher's late mother, Francine Seier, who died eight years ago. One aspect that Erlbacher didn't include when she reopened the business was the flower shop.

But today, Erlbacher is starting up Francine's Flowers, a full-time flower shop to accompany the garden where social and business events are held. The shop will offer 3,000 or more fresh flowers. Erlbacher is using a service that delivers the flowers Amsterdam and Holland.

Barbara Lynch, who owned Floral Connections for 32 years in Scott City until she sold it, has come on board as a partner.

* Cape Importers: A new gallery that will feature items imported from Indonesia is expected to open sometime in November at 16 N. Spanish St., according to manager Mike Crowden. The business is owned by Joe Layer and Paul Walker. (Disclosure: Paul is an advertising person here at the Southeast Missourian.)

Crowden returned from Indonesia after a 30-day buying trip in May and June to buy art, sculpture and other home decor items.

* Wendy's to become Arby's in Jackson?: It takes more than both hands to count the number of calls and e-mails I've received in the past few weeks with this rumor: That the Wendy's in Jackson is closing and will be replaced by Arby's.

I've been unable to reach the owner (yet), but the I know the employees at the restaurant have been hearing the same thing, though their bosses have not confirmed that for them.

I'll keep checking.

Scott Moyers is the business editor of the Southeast Missourian. Send your comments, business news, information or questions to "Biz Buzz," 301 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63702-0699, or e-mail them to smoyers@semissourian.com or call (573) 335-6611, extension 137.