The Chart Online

New, old businesses add flavor to Joplin residents
Kimberly Feather

Staff Writer

Many restaurants and businesses are making Joplin their home this year. Babe's and the Sylvan Learning Center are a couple of the many businesses to hit the city of Joplin.

After Rookies closed its doors, the home of the chubby cheese burger moved in to give Joplin a taste of what it has to offer.

Babe's opened its doors Sept. 17 at the corner of Seventh Street and Duquesne Road. This location is one of four Babe s locations in Joplin, Webb City and Carthage.

Teresa Messer, part owner of Babe's, said the company chose this location because there really weren t many restaurants on the east end of the city. The new location is also close to Missouri Southern and gives college students a chance to grab a quick bite to eat in between classes.

Babe s is open every day from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and offers daily specials.

Striving to provide good food, great service and a fun atmosphere, this Babe's is excited to serve Joplin.

Valerie Earl, manager/instructor of Calypso Scuba and Ski located in a shopping plaza at 1840 N. Range Line Road, said new businesses are arriving to its area as well. The Sylvan Learning Center is planning on opening its doors on Nov. 1, with a grand opening on Jan. 1, 2003. Other businesses are expected to move into the plaza, but this is not definite.

Along with these businesses, Charlie's Chicken is expected to open soon on East 32nd Street.

The city of Joplin has faced many changes in the past several months.

Samantha Pickering, Joplin resident, is excited about the growth taking place. She said maybe there will actually be something to do in Joplin instead of sitting at home.

"I'm tired of doing the same old thing, Pickering said. It is about time we got something to add a little variety to our lives.