DIAMOND, Mo. —
Here’s some more good news on the restaurant front: Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is coming back.
Some of you out there knew about this long before I did, but I had to confirm it first. The confirmation is coming from Eric Contizano, who owns a Freddy’s in Hays, Kan. He will bring the new store to Joplin.
His name and telephone number were gladly given to me by someone at the Freddy’s in Pittsburg, Kan.
They were glad to give it to me because they are tired of taking phone calls and answering questions from Joplin residents who want to know when their Freddy’s is coming back.
Freddy’s was situated in a leased space in a small strip mall at the southeast corner of 15th Street and Range Line Road. It did very well there despite the fact it was difficult to access. The May 22, 2011, tornado destroyed it. After the tornado, the management of Freddy’s said it would find a new home for the restaurant in Joplin.
Contizano said it took some time “to get the right location. We’re going to build a brand new building.’’
That new building will be on the former Ford dealership property at 30th Street and South Range Line Road. It will be south of Andy’s.
Contizano said ground will be broken in early 2013.
Writing about Freddy’s reminds me of how two workers there saved some lives during the tornado. Meagan Snider and Erika Sylvester were running the restaurant. They ushered everyone into the restaurant’s bathrooms.
If you can imagine this, some customers asked: “What about our food?’’
They were told to take it with them.
One man said he did not think it was necessary to go the bathroom. Snider laid down the law: “Get up and move NOW!’’
No question about it — they saved lives.
Earth moving
Sometime before the end of this month, ground will be broken for the new LongHorn Steakhouse at the northwest corner of 20th Street and South Range Line Road. This is where the Bel-Aire Shopping Center was located.
The earth moving there now would suggest that an effort is being made to lower the terrain a bit. That’s a good idea. If you entered the shopping center from the south side, it was pretty steep. It should also improve the visibility from Range Line of the businesses that locate there.
LongHorn is a growing steakhouse brand owned by Darden Restaurants. They also own Olive Gardens and Red Lobster, and some other brands.
There are 13 LongHorns in the state of Missouri. Joplin will be No. 14.
There also has been some earth moving on the east side of the 3300 block of South Range Line. That’s where a new Sonic Drive-In will be constructed.
Earth also is being moved at the northwest corner of 15th Street and Range Line Road. A lot of red clay is being brought in to add elevation to the site. Not sure yet what’s planned for that spot.
Demolition
The former Sherwood Cleaners building at 2202 S. Main St. was leveled this week.
Except for the awning out front, the building did not look to be in bad shape from the outside.
Next in line could be the old furniture store south of the Sherwood property.
Openings
Wilhite Sign, a familiar name in these parts, will have its grand opening on Wednesday at 1419 S. Main St. The Wilhite Sign company, now owned by Larry Seward, of Pittsburg, Kan., dates back to 1921 in Joplin.
Max Basye, who worked for Wilhite in Joplin several years ago, is returning.
Workers at the new IHOP were putting finishing touches on that restaurant last week. Expect on opening at any time.
If you have news about something that’s happening on Range Line Road or Main Street, dial 623-3480, ext. 7250; send an email to wkennedy@joplinglobe.com; or send a fax to Wally Kennedy at 623-8598.
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