|
|
Published September 30, 2008 08:41 am - When I write about the new stores that open on Range Line Road, I often do not have an opportunity to visit them until after they have opened. So on Friday, I hopped in my little red Honda — wish it were a Corvette, but alas — and visited McAlister’s Deli, The Right Shoe and Unique.
Wally Kennedy: New stores prove a hit on Range Line
When I write about the new stores that open on Range Line Road, I often do not have an opportunity to visit them until after they have opened. So on Friday, I hopped in my little red Honda — wish it were a Corvette, but alas — and visited McAlister’s Deli, The Right Shoe and Unique.
I had lunch at McAlister’s. I was greeted at the door by someone who opened it for me. Nice touch. I walked up to the counter and ordered a Reuben with a side order of coleslaw for $6.59, and a glass of sweetened tea for $1.69. The total was $8.93.
They gave me a placard with a number on it and told me my order would be delivered to my table. I asked the gal behind the counter whether they made their own coleslaw. She said she didn’t know. I ordered it anyway because I like coleslaw, but I’m kind of finicky about it. There are certain restaurants in town that have it on their menus as a side order that really shouldn’t.
One thing I immediately liked about McAlister’s is that it has plenty of help. I also liked the decor and the use of old historic photos of Joplin. I think they’re saying: “OK, we’re new here, but we respect your history.” I appreciate that. Our history is something to be respected.
It was obvious when my Reuben arrived that it had been made by someone who knows how to make a Reuben. The corned beef was tender with a hint of Swiss cheese, and just the right amounts of sauerkraut and thousand-island dressing. It was served on a light toasted rye. I prefer a dark rye, but this worked just fine.
Now for the coleslaw. It was OK, but not spectacular. I ate all of mine and might order it again. The tea, which EVERYBODY orders, was unbelievably sweet. After one and a half glasses — they give you free refills — I was nearly in a sugar coma. So be careful.
The next time I go to McAlister’s, which is in the new Range Line Marketplace at 24th Street, I’m going to order the bacon spud. One was delivered to the table next to me that was big enough to feed two people. Enormous would not describe it.
After McAlister’s, I dropped in at The Right Shoe in Bel-Aire Plaza at 20th Street to visit Mike White, the owner. He was formerly at Northpark Mall. His shop has much more space than the previous one. It’s about 25 steps from the parking lot to the front door. The atmosphere is relaxed. The chairs are comfortable. The help is knowledgeable.
Mike and I had a good laugh about his opening this summer. I prepared a column about his opening and went on vacation. While I was out of town, he called and left messages that he wouldn’t make the opening date that he had told me. He got up at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday, the day this columns appears, and read that his store was opening that day. He was not ready to open. He had empty shelves in his store. Needless to say, Mike put his opening into high gear.
The store has a great selection, including Josef Seibel, Born, New Balance, Clark’s and Florsheim. Mike is the exclusive dealer for a new brand called MBT. This is an odd-looking shoe that appears to have a sole shaped like a rocker. It’s apparently recommended for people with back problems. He also has slip-resistant shoes for people who work in restaurants. Oh yeah, check out the clearance corner.
Finally, I visited Unique, a new spirits and liquor store in the Oakland Plaza at Zora Street. It’s next door to the old Coach’s Corner. Mark Lovelady has done a great job with this venture. He has a bit of everything, including a huge selection of wines and specialty brews. His prices could well be among the most competitive in town — not that I’m an expert.
You know, there are places in town where you can buy liquor where a woman would not feel comfortable walking through the door. This is not one of those places. It’s bright inside and very inviting. If you’re a woman who likes wine, ask him to show you his new Australian wine with the pink label on it. It’s a hoot.
To conclude my visit on Range Line, I had a sip of Jacob’s Creek cabernet that was quite tasty. Of course, I’m not supposed to drink on the job, but duty calls. The truth is, I’m mostly Irish-Cherokee. I learned a long time ago that I can’t drink and type.
Hot news
Denny’s, the first breakfast restaurant on South Range Lane, has closed. It closed last Tuesday, according to a woman whose husband would eat breakfast there most every morning.
•
Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
: Special Offer For New Subscribers
:
|
 |
|
TEAMS NEEDED
SIGN-ON BONUS $3000 Benefits and West Coast $$ Scheduled Raises $$ HIGH MILES WEEKLY 72hrs...>MORE
DRIVERS WANTED
DRIVERS WANTED Drivers needed for Waste Corporation of Joplin, a growing company in the Joplin and surrounding areas. ...>MORE
GREAT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Located on US Business. 60 7 acres with 3 BR house on Hickory Creek 3 buildings with 20 10 x 15 units each ...>MORE
MEDICAL OFFICE
seeking Insurance Clerk. Coding experience required. Will pay for experience. Benefits. Send resume: Globe Box 94, 117 E...>MORE
LIFEGUARDS
all shifts available, Apply in person at either Joplin Family Y location. www.joplinfamilyy.org....>MORE
GROWING DENTAL PRACTICE
looking for experienced Dental Assistant. Computer knowledge a must. Resumes: 2710 Picher, Joplin, MO 64804. Deadline by...>MORE
LIBRARY SPECIALIST
Crowder College Lee Library, 25 hours a week. For complete information, see www.crowder.edu, employment section, or call...>MORE
ACCOUNTANT.
Expanding CPA firm: full time, degree/ computer skills required. Audit/tax experience preferred. Send resume to P...>MORE
CNA AND CMT
CNA AND CMT Joplin Healthcare Center is looking for CMT for day 12 hour shift. Also a CNA for night 12 hours shift. Exc...>MORE
GROWING DENTAL PRACTICE
looking for experienced Dental Assistant. Computer knowledge a must. Resumes: 2710 Picher, Joplin, MO 64804. Deadline by...>MORE
See all ads |
|
FORD 2001 ESCORT
FORD, 2001 Escort, 4 cylinder, automatic, good condition. $1800. (417)437-5682....>MORE
LEXUS 2002 ES
LEXUS, 2002 ES 300, silver/gray leather, navigation, heated seats, second owner, 94,000 miles, $10,900. 620-856-2804, 41...>MORE
1957 CHEVROLET
2 door post, project, rust free Texas car, no motor or transmission, good Missouri title, $7500. Bob 417-781-1932 ...>MORE
FORD 2000 1 TON
Ford, 2000 1 ton, 4X4, 6 speed, duals, flatbed, 7.3 diesel, $6800; 1998 Bucket truck, 55’ Altec. 417-358-8636, 483-9700....>MORE
2005 HONDA SHADOW VLX 600
2,000 miles, color white, $3950. (417)673-3860....>MORE
1990 GMC HIGH SIERRA
short wide bed, 2 wheel drive, V-8, power windows/locks, air, CD, tinted windows, chrome wheels. $2,000 or best offer. (...>MORE
1932 FORD
5 window, coupe, glass body rolling chassis, torch thrust, 2 wheels, etc, $18,000. (417)781-1932, or 417-437-9942...>MORE
1999 CHEVROLET TAHOE
2 door, 2 wheel drive, barn door rear, lowered, custom paint/grill/wheels, asking $5500. (417)781-1932, or cell (417)437...>MORE
MAZDA, 2000
B3000, 4x2, V6, automatic, high miles, $2150. (417)843-2613....>MORE
2006 CHEVROLET HHR LT
automatic, 40,000 miles, loaded with options, $6200. (417)434-2949....>MORE
See all ads |
|
OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE 7/5/09 1:00-4:00 2281 sq. ft. Updated kitchen 4 br + bonus room 2 living areas Metal roof. Stapleton school ...>MORE
LAKE FRONT MOBILE
Lake Front Mobile Grove, OK 1972 14 X 46 1 Bedroom, 1 bath lake front mobile home weekend getaway. Complete with furn...>MORE
2-3 BR
Basement, newly remodeled, oak cabinets, nice wood floors, privacy fence. $79,200. 2525 N. Ozark. (417)483-0900....>MORE
HANDYMAN SPECIAL
Handyman Special, only $500 down, owner financing, 11% interest, $345/ month, priced at $23,900. 1120 W. 12th Street (41...>MORE
OWNER FINANCE
OWNER FINANCE. $650 down, $435 monthly. 201 N. Washington, Joplin, 3 BR, garage, Full price $32,500. 417-359-4113. ...>MORE
INVESTORS OR START-UP
INVESTORS OR START-UP 1217 Central. $67500 2 bedroom, 1 bath, very nice,room to build more. See more at homesbyowner.co...>MORE
See all ads |
|
MINI SCHNAUZERS
8 weeks AKC house breaking underway, vet checked/healthy. rsfieker@yahoo.com 417-235-3168....>MORE
YORKIE-CHORKIE
Yorkie-Chorkie, 6 weeks, weight 12 oz. and up. 417-358-4202....>MORE
LAB MIX
black female, spayed, 3 years old, and 2 puppies, male/female, up to date vet care, $35 each. Refundable with proof of s...>MORE
PATTERN TORCH
Industrial, $500. (417)781-1932....>MORE
NASCAR
Indy Brick Yard 400, 7/26/09, 2 at $90. 417-483-1460....>MORE
SHIH-TZU PUPPIES
$125 each; Shih-tzu adults free to a good home, (417)439-5568....>MORE
MALTIES PUPS
$150-$300; Yorkies, $300; Morkies-$200. 592-7827, leave message....>MORE
AMPLIFIER
1953 Gibson BHR, $250. (417)437-9942....>MORE
WANTED; 2006 OR NEWER BUMPER TRAILER
WANTED: 2006 or newer 28-29’ bumper hitch travel trailer with slide, in excellent condition. (417)235-3402....>MORE
INDEPENDENCE DAY BLOW OUT SALE
20% off all grocery items 20% off all cleaning supply items 20% off all refrigerators, dishwashers, deep...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|