Jackson bakery to be part of strip mall

When that infamous Jackson twister wreaked havoc last May, it toppled two of the four walls of Meyer's Bakery at 404 S. Hope. It ripped the roof off. The sign was blown to a parking lot a block away.

It was a complete loss.

But the damage could have been worse. It could have destroyed the spirits of owners Brian and Connie Meyer. They didn't let that happen, though Connie said they took it hard.

For some time after the tornado, the Meyers considered not rebuilding the business -- formerly Willie's Bakery -- they bought two years ago. After some soul-searching, it was Connie who reached a decision: "I want it back open," she told her husband.

So they started looking for a new site and came across a good-sized parcel just north of the Citgo on East Jackson Boulevard across the street from Woodard's restaurant.

They bought the property from Stacy Mansfield of Midwest Construction, and now they have plans for a strip mall to house their bakery as well as several other businesses. They're close to reaching an agreement to lease 4,000 square feet to Chinatown Buffet, which will be a second location after the Cape Girardeau spot. She said both businesses should be open by late spring.

The first phase of what they plan to call Cedar Square will be 10,000 square feet, Connie said. As they get leases, they will build from there. The bakery will be 2,500 square feet and have two drive-throughs.

Meanwhile, the Meyers are just glad to be on the mend.

"I feel like I'm actually accomplishing something," she said. "I can't wait to get back."

NEW MALL RESTAURANT: A new restaurant called Shangrila that will feature Asian cuisine is opening at Westfield Shoppingtown West Park. The owner is Raj Marasini, and the restaurant will be where Port Cape Girardeau West used to be. The restaurant is expected to open in late November or the first week of December.

Marasini said the dishes will include a mixture of Japanese, Thai and Indian food. The dishes will include tandoori chicken, kabobs and curries.

SPEAKING OF THE MALL: Westfield Shoppingtown West Park is welcoming several new temporary stores for the Christmas shopping season. Here's a quick rundown of what they are:

Center Court: Airport (flying saucers and zoomcopters); Arena Golf (golf gear); Booth's Micro Racing (arcade-style remote-control racetrack); Carpool (remote-control toy cars); Glass Gallery (hand-blown glass items); Hermit Crabs (LIVE hermit crabs for pets); Hickory Farms (gift meats and cheeses); Pure Silver & Gifts (silver necklaces, rings, pendants); Sleepy Feet (athletic team slippers); Top Country (embroidered sweatshirts); Turbo Twister (remote-control twisting/flipping cars).

Famous Barr wing: Charmful Creations (crystal bracelets, Italian charms and handbags); Geppeddo Dolls (collectible dolls); Day By Day (calendars.)

J.C. Penney wing: Arctic Fleece (hunting gear and apparel); Holiday Happenings (Christmas store); Shades of Country (country crafts); Wood Specialty (personalized and specialty wood signs).

NEW SECRET IDENTITY: A year after opening, Andrew Johnson has moved his Comix Strip store from 407 Broadway to larger digs at 621 Broadway. Johnson tells me he's also going to sell T-shirts and posters.

Scott Moyers is the business editor of the Southeast Missourian.