White Castle taking site of Lion's Choice

White Castle has confirmed that it will be bringing its signature mini-burgers -- known as Slyders or belly bombers -- to Cape Girardeau early next year.

Kim Bartley, spokeswoman for the Ohio-based, 24-hour burger chain, said that the company has signed a lease with Drury Development to move into the building currently occupied by Lion's Choice at 102 Siemers Drive. She said things are currently in the "permitting process" with plans submitted to the city to renovate the existing structure at that address. Bartley predicted an opening sometime in late March.

Andy's Frozen Custard coming to Cape: In December, it may be difficult to imagine a craving for frozen treats. But by next spring, that type of hunger should start to sprout with the tree buds. That's just about the time Andy's Frozen Custard expects one of its newest outlets to be up and open at 829 N. Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau.

According to the Andy's Web site, the new Kingshighway location is one of seven new franchise locations that will soon open up in Missouri, Illinois and Arkansas. The company started in Osage Beach, Mo., but is now based in Springfield, Mo., where it runs three locations. Andy's offers custard with a variety of toppings, sundaes, shakes and malts. Company head Andy Kuntz said construction on the new building at 829 N. Kingshighway should begin within the next couple weeks, with an opening date targeted for late spring.

Plaza Conference Center staying in Cape: The construction of the new Holiday Inn Express in Cape Girardeau has yielded rampant speculation about what new businesses and restaurants MidAmerica Hotels Corp. will bring in to surround it. But it has also stirred whispers about what's to become of the Plaza Conference Center that now stands behind it. The recent departure of the Universal Health and Fitness Center of Saint Francis Medical Center from the lower level of the conference center to the new Health and Wellness Center across William Street has only served to fuel those rumors.

John Echimovich means to quell that speculation, at least for now. The corporate sales and marketing director for MidAmerica has announced that the Plaza Conference Center will continue to serve convention groups and banquets through December 2006.

Echimovich said that the center is crucial in Cape Girardeau's efforts to attract meeting planners and large functions to the community. He said the center will continue to work directly with the adjacent Victorian Inn and Suites and the new Holiday Inn Express to do just that for at least two more years.

As for the now-vacant lower level, Echimovich said that Saint Francis will officially release the space at the end of this year. He expects a new tenant to be finalized within the next 30 days.

Worship Audio building on: In July, Matt Schwartz started up Worship Audio Video Consultants, which provides design and equipment consultation to help churches looking to move their sound and music in a more contemporary direction. Now Schwartz has taken the next step: starting a division of Worship Audio Video that will sell pro audio equipment.

With the aid of partner and audio engineer Steve Parsons, the new Unity Pro Audio Video will seek to complement the design consultation of its mother company by being able to supply clients with all the equipment needed to upgrade or build anew.

"Now Worship Audio Video is a total package from start of project to end," Schwartz said.

Aide-de-Life shopping for Cape area: Many people find holiday shopping to be a chore. Crowded stores, long lines at the register and congested parking lot traffic are enough to drive crazy any shopper not battle-hardened from regular retail warfare. Now there's an alternative.

Louise Getts and David Larson have just started Aide-de-Life LLC, a personal holiday shopping service for people living in and around Cape Girardeau.

The endeavor is actually the second phase of the Getts/Larson plan, following their initiation of Driver's Advantage Services -- a business that provides at-home services for truck drivers -- last May. Similarly, Aide-de-Life will provide grocery and gift shopping; courier services; and delivery of customized gift baskets, boxes and bowls for people who aren't able or just don't want to brave the holiday shopping frenzy.

The company also offers letter writing, envelope addressing and stuffing, and faxing; local courier pickup and delivery; party planning and decorating; and personal bill paying and account reconciliation.

Comfort Keepers moves: Speaking of special personal services, co-owner Linda Bass reports that her business, Comfort Keepers has moved to 2145 William St. (next to BG's Olde Tyme Deli). The business has been open since January 2000.

Comfort Keepers provides extra assistance to senior citizens with an array of nonmedical, in-home services. These services include getting to doctor appointments, shopping for groceries or clothing, doing the laundry or housework, running errands and preparing meals.

Fare thee well: This will be my last column for the Southeast Missourian. I'm moving on to write for a magazine in Indianapolis. I've enjoyed writing for and working with you all.

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