North Pointe nets first two tenants

trehagen

When Sandy and Gary Helwege and Gary and Jane Stanley first cleared the 15.5 acres in the 1700 block of North Kingshighway, they planned to erect an upscale commercial development called "North Pointe Center, a Destination." Now Sandy Helwege has announced that the developers have nailed down two new tenants in the complex, one of which is sure to make the development a prime destination for those with an on-the-go appetite.

Sandy Helwege said that Sonic Drive-Ins has acquired space at the location, with plans to be open by the end of spring.

The Sonic will be the second in Cape Girardeau. But Sandy Helwege promises that this one will be unique among Sonics, primarily by its outward appearance. She said in order to fit in at North Pointe, the Sonic will be built in the "Old English" theme of architecture that will be featured in the buildings of the development. Those buildings will be accentuated by cobblestone driveways, fountains and courtyards.

However, Sandy assures Sonic faithful that the North Pointe installation of the national chain will still operate as a drive-in, featuring the usual menu of limeades, shakes and burgers that have made Sonic famous.

Cape Girardeau's Kenny Ochs also purchased a little over half an acre at the North Pointe Center. Ochs said that the final concept of his new business venture is not yet complete. He said he'll be ready to release more specifics in the coming weeks.

Velosity takes over Clas Computers: Since it started in 2000, Cape Girardeau's Velosity Electronics has been steadily growing.

First, owners Eric Bennett and Ryan Frenz decided to expand the business' services from computer sales, service and networking to include Web design and hosting. Over the years, they've added telephone systems and surveillance systems to that menu. Now they've decided it's time to expand Velosity's customer base, and they've done so by buying a company over three times Velosity's size.

Velosity has purchased the assets of Clas Computers, a computer sales and service company started in Cape Girardeau by Gene Magnus in 1990. Velosity has now moved its operation into the former Clas Computers outlet at 340 S. Broadview, and will seek to provide their larger combined customer base with the same quality of computer service and at the same time bring them new options in telephone systems and surveillance.

"We purchased a well-known name, a well-known location and a well-known operation," Bennett said. "Now we can give the area better service and keep growing."

Magnus recently sold the other half of the Clas business, the Clas.net Internet service provider, to Big River Telephone Co.

New menu for males at Style Stop: Style Stop Lifestyles spa in Jackson is hoping to catch the attention of the area's male population.

When husbands and boyfriends come into the spa at 3812 E. Jackson Blvd. to pick up gift certificates for their significant others for Christmas, the employees are hoping they'll notice a new menu of spa services geared specifically to men.

"We want them to see that the spa isn't just for women," said employee Jolene Renner.

Indeed the new menu includes a variety of hair services, body waxes, facial treatments, pedicures, manicures, body polishes, body detoxing, massages and wraps all tailored for men. Men can get a deep tissue massage and a mid-section wrap to help reduce love handles. They can also take advantage of the spa's gym for personal training.

Maurices open in Perryville: Dust has settled around one of Perryville's newest developments, and now store manager Nicole Miinch is ready to unveil Maurices as the area's newest men's and women's fashion store. Located at the Perryville Crossing (next to Wal-Mart), Maurices held its grand opening this past weekend and is now open for all area shoppers.

Maurices features an assortment of fashionable clothing for young men and women that ranges from casual to formal. It is owned by American Retail Group and operates more than 450 stores nationwide.

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