By Wally Kennedy
Globe Staff Writer
JOPLIN, Mo. —
My memory is not what it used to be, but it’s still pretty good when it comes to food. If I’m not mistaken, I tried my first Cinnabon at the airport in Newark, N.J. Aside from seeing the New York City skyline from a distance, it was probably the most memorable thing about my visit there.
Cinnabon is the worldwide leader in the category of baked cinnamon rolls. They taste great, and it’s that fresh-baked aroma that makes you lose whatever sense of self-restraint you have.
Cinnabon bakeries traditionally have been located in high-traffic venues, such as shopping malls, airports, universities, casinos, amusement parks and train stations. Well, that’s about to change.
A Cinnabon Express will open on or about June 7 inside the Schlotzsky’s restaurant at 531 S. Range Line Road. This will be the new prototype version in which the product will be sold from the counter.
Unfortunately, a Cinnabon Express is not planned at this time for the Schlotzsky’s at 32nd and Main streets. That’s the Schlotzsky’s that I like to visit since it is close to where I live. Hopefully, the local franchisee will see the light and do the right thing before someone alleges — in print — that we Southsiders are getting the short end of the stick, again.
Of course, I cannot complain too much since we do, in fact, have a Schlotzsky’s, which was a big step forward.
Cinnabon opened its first bakery on Dec. 4, 1985, in Seattle, Wash. The company now has more than 600 bakeries worldwide. The secret to its success has a lot to do with the cinnamon, which comes from the mountains of Indonesia, and that secret-recipe cream cheese frosting.
More pizza
Little Caesar’s is opening a new shop at 13th and Madison streets in Webb City. It’s in that small shopping center on the east side of the Wal-Mart Supercenter.
This will be the first Little Caesar’s in Webb City. There’s also one in Joplin and one in Carthage.
The shop, which should open this summer, is hiring people. For details, dial 417-237-0300.
It’s a success
Vintage Stock, which specializes in music, movies and books, opened its mega store at the north end of Northpark Mall in September of last year. It was an experiment on a grand scale since the typical Vintage Stock store is much smaller by comparison.
Well, the experiment has worked. Vintage Stock has signed a long-term contract with Northpark Mall. It is now what you would call a permanent tenant.
This is a big development for the mall and an even bigger development for Vintage Stock.
It’s started
I’ve been watching for activity at the former MarketPlace Grill at the southeast corner of the Sam’s Club parking lot. The plan is to convert that restaurant into Cabo del Sol, which could redefine the market for Mexican food in Joplin.
I can now report that work has begun on the renovation of the building.
If you have news about something happening on Range Line Road, dial (417) 623-3480, ext. 7250; or send an e-mail to wkennedy@joplinglobe.com; or send a fax to Wally Kennedy at 417-623-8598.
