More than 40 businesses opened in '06 while 10 closed

More than 40 new businesses opened in Cape Girardeau, Scott City and Jackson in 2006 while 10 closed, according to reports in the Southeast Missourian.

The year started off with six new businesses opening in January. May had the highest number of openings with nine new businesses opening.

Food was the theme for new businesses in January, starting with Dented Can & More, a discount grocer opening at 52 Plaza Way. Owners Marissa and Tommy Waters said shoppers could save up to 60 percent compared to other grocers.

Panera Bread Bakery and Cafe, Fiesta Grocery and Ella's Bread Shoppe also opened in January, as did Magnolia Market, a flower shop, and Elite Auto Brokerage in Scott City.

In February, the Commander Premier Aircraft production and repair facility opened at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport. CPAC president and CEO Joel Hartsone and CFO and managing director Claudia Horn said the plant does aircraft repairs, and expected FAA approval for the production quality assurance program that will allow CPAC to start production of new parts and aircraft. CPAC also has designs to assemble parts on site in Cape Girardeau.

G&G Furniture in Jackson closed after 32 years.

Joey's Seafood opened in March at 155 Siemers Drive. Owners Steve and Catherine Mills opened the business after selling their Jackson Hewitt Tax Service franchise in town. BoxCar Cafe opened at 116 E. Hickory St., with owners Debby Erlbacher and Barb Lynch challenging customers to eat their seven-pound hamburger. Successful eaters get the burger for free. Landmark Hospital, a joint venture with Saint Francis Healthcare System opened at 3255 Independence St. Zydeco Auto Restification opened in Jackson. LoDo's martini bar in the Marquette Towers on Broadway closed.

April saw six new businesses. Michael Maguire opened his own law office in the Imperial Building at 1217 N. Kingshighway. Maguire had been in practice with Gerald Johnson, who retired. Reflections Portrait Studios opened in Jackson. Owner and photographer David Vaeth described it as a small, family-owned portrait studio that does weddings, senior pictures, "just about anything."

Station West Floor to Ceiling, a decorating center, closed its Shawnee Center location in April.

April was also the month of the opening of Miss Autumn's Bakery. Owner Victoria McDowell makes and sells healthy dog food, which she sells in stores in Cape Girardeau.

Jus' Teasin' spa/hair salon, Antiques and More, Global Cafe, a new Subway, Cue & Brew pool hall, Executive Limousines and Sun on the Run tanning salon and Sol de Oro Publications all opened in Cape Girardeau in May.

SEMO Antique Mall opened in Scott City.

Gatherings Cafe and the Sidewalk Sandwich Company closed in June and the 2 North Bistro restaurant opened in downtown Cape Girardeau.

July brought the end of an era with the closing of the Sunny Hill pet store owned by Ramona Brinkopf and her son, Bill.

Originally called Sunny Hill Feed and Seed, the business spanned five decades. Ramona Brinkopf said she married the owner, Bill, in 1964 and helped him run it. Eventually the business became a garden and pet center and then a pet store. "To make a child happy when they bought a dog or cat, it makes you feel good," she said.

When Bill Brinkopf died in 2005, she ran the business with her son. Eventually they decided to get out of the business altogether.

Security Finance opened in Jackson in July as well.

Mollie's Cafe & Bar opened in August, or reopened, when new owners bought the restaurant with the hopes of resurrecting it after financial instability forced the previous owners to sell. "We have a passion to do this," said new owner Brian Noto. "And we want to start with a clean slate."

Noto opened the restaurant with his wife, Quantella Anderson-Noto.

Francine's Flowers, Art of the South, Hey Gorgeous hair salon and Curb Creations opened in October. Starr's Jewelers closed.

Shear Designs Hair Salon and Boutique opened in Cape Girardeau and Pet Point opened in Jackson during November. Also new is the Temple Gym in December, just in time for holiday revelers to work off all those holiday feasts.

carel@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127