New lodging for the Winnebago

A retired Cape Girardeau banker is proposing a $1 million RV and camping park on North Kingshighway that would feature 100 pull-through spots, five log cabins, a swimming pool, miniature golf and an outdoor pavilion.

Stan Thompson and his wife, Kay, along with business partners Ronnie and Pam Wesbecher, are applying for a special-use permit from the city to build Cape Camping and RV Park on 15 acres of land that used to house Southeast Discount Golf.

"It's going to be a pretty good-sized deal," said Stan Thompson, who was president over three area banks before he retired. "Very upscale. It won't be anything that interferes with traffic and there won't be any big lights or loud noise. It's going to be a really nice, upscale RV park and camping ground."

Thompson said that there will be 100 "pull-throughs," for RVs. That means that they won't have to back into spots. Drivers will be able to pull right into -- and out of -- the spots.

The development will also feature a grocery store.

Thompson and his partners hope to get their special-use permit by the end of the year. They are on the agenda for Wednesday's Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

They plan to run electricity, water, computer modems and cable TV to each parking spot and get the campground open by the spring. He noted that the swimming pool will probably be built sometime later.

"There are an awful lot of campers in the Cape area," Thompson said. "We know there are an enormous amount of people around that have campers. I've been checking into this for the past six months and I'm very comfortable with the business prospect of it. I think it will do well."

Buying Bella Italia

Mark Dirnberger has done it all, when it comes to running restaurants.

Except own one.

That changes today, when the longtime local restaurant manager takes over Bella Italia, the popular downtown Italian eatery that he recently bought from John and Jerri Wyman.

"I've been looking for a place for a while," said Dirnberger, whose last day as a manager at Logan's Roadhouse was Friday. "I've known the Wymans for years and they approached me."

Though he has been a manager at Logan's for two years, he got most of his restaurant experience from his 20 years at Cedar Street. It's a cliche to say, but Dirnberger knows the restaurant business from the bottom up. In 1976, he started as a dishwasher fresh out of Notre Dame High School.

He worked his way up to become a cook, a banquet chef, assistant manager and eventually manager, which he did for about 10 years. He also was Drury's food and beverage manager for several years.

Dirnberger was looking for a restaurant, but he especially liked the idea of owning Bella Italia, which he said has a unique atmosphere.

"Downtown Cape is nostalgic on its own," he said. "It drew me in."

Dirnberger said not to expect many changes to the restaurant that is located at 20 N. Spanish St. and specializes in pasta, pizza and other traditional Italian fare.

"They've got a pretty good thing going down there," Dirnberger said. "There may be some additions to the menu later on. But as a whole, I won't change much at all."

Dirnberger said after managing restaurants for other people, he's more than ready to own his own. After all, who among us doesn't at some point longed to be our own boss?

"I've done this a long time," Dirnberger said. "I think as you mature in your field, it's time to take the biggest move, it's time to own your own restaurant. I think there will be a lot of self-satisfaction in owning my own place. There will probably be a few difficulties, but I'm ready to take it on."

Garden Gallery opens

The Garden Gallery's owner, Linda Bohnsack, describes her new business as "a shop specializing in the art of contemporary craft."

Bohnsack has gathered high quality, hand-crafted merchandise from all over the country and has established a historic retail shop above Grace's Cafe on the corner of Broadway and Pacific in Old Town Cape.

They have several neat items in the 1912 vintage shop including porcelain vases and bowls, lamps, pewter, blown glass, stained glass, silk wall hangings, sculptures of metal and wood and glass as well as photo graphics. Local craftsmen have also contributed many items.

They held an open house last Friday featuring local artists Myka Bohnsack, Lane Dynneson, Kristopher Naeger, Martha Stoecker and Stephanie White.

Mr. Tire

Mr. Tire has opened at 915 Broadway next to Dairy Queen, owner David McCormick announced last week.

The business sells and installs used tires, McCormick said. McCormick operates McCormick Tire in Marble Hill.

"We've had people in Cape come out here to get a used tire, so I thought I'd open a shop there," he said.

He said he has cheaper tires and nearly new tires. He has new tires, too, including tires for new cars where owners want chrome or aluminum wheels. It has been a family business for more than 40 years, he said.

They sell tires throughout the Midwest and the South in 15 states.

Only one question. I have some single friends who are wondering: Is there a Mrs. Tire?

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