Dog Days sidewalk sale draws mixed review

There are mixed feelings about the results of this summer’s Dog Days sidewalk sale.
The Special Business District doesn’t keep statistical results of the sale, but they do ask businesses some questions at the end of the sale to get an idea of the turnout.
“For the most part, we talked to folks and it was pretty good.” Carrie Gartner, director of the District, said. “It rained the first day, which is always tough.”
George Wren, owner of the Birkenstock store on Broadway, said that he saw less foot traffic than last year, and because of the economic recession, people are buying less.

Bleu to open mid-August

Bleu, a restaurant and wine bar at 29 S. 8th St., will open its doors the week of Aug. 18 said owner Travis Tucker.
Tucker said that Bleu will serve contemporary American food and focus on small plates of food.

Tucker said that he is opening Bleu after gaining experience in the food industry.

“I’ve been in the industry for 15 years and I was just ready to do my own thing.”

Tucker chose Columbia for his business because of his ties to MU as a graduate.

On average, customers can expect to spend $10 for lunch and $15 to $20 for dinner.

Details about Bleu
Phone number: (573) 529-9915
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – midnight

View Larger Map

MU students to open Hot Box Cookies this fall

Columbia’s first cookie delivery shop plans to open its doors this September.

It’s founders, MU students Corey Rimmel, David Melnick, and Adam Hendin, took the idea from a similar shop that Rimmel saw while visiting Bloomington, Ind.

“Corey saw how well they were doing, he came back and started talking about opening a similar store at Mizzou,” Melnick said.

The owners are currently in the process of building the shop, which will be located at 808-B East Broadway.

The Rome opening on Saturday, July 26

The Rome, a home-style italian restaurant, will open its doors on Saturday, July 26.

Established in Franklin, Mass. in 1965, The Rome is a family-operated restaurant by the Colace family.

Son Dan Colace attended MU where he met his friend and co-owner Cory Hodapp. After graduating and returning to the east coast, the two decided to move back to Columbia to open a second The Rome restaurant.

Guests can choose from a menu of salads, soups, pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and meat dishes. Soups, sauces and pizzas are made in the kitchen daily and all dishes are served with fresh ingredients. Prices are about $7 – $17.

The Rome is open daily for lunch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dinner hours for Monday-Saturday are 4 to 10 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The restaurant is located at 114 S. Ninth St.

View Larger Map

Contact (573) 876-2703 with any questions.

Hair salon cuts old location

The Strand reopened at 1100 Club Village Drive, Suite 105, on Tuesday, June 24. Owner Christy Huggins said the hair salon and spa moved from its old location on Tenth Street because of the larger, more adaptable space.

“It’s a beautiful building, but there were no private service rooms,” she said of the space at 125 N. Tenth St.