Salem's economy is getting a boost with the announcement that four new businesses are opening soon.
Salem Economic Development Director Sharon Tubbs said a new restaurant, furniture store, laundromat and a job-training office each have announced plans to open this spring or early summer in Salem.
The businesses include:
• Brick House Grill will open in April in the former Stephens Restaurant building on the S curve.
• Crowley's Home Works will be locating in Eastside Plaza, across from Country Mart in Salem in the former Fred's Discount Store location.
• The new Salem Laundromat will locate in the former Movie Gallery building on Scenic Rivers Blvd.
• MERS Goodwill, a job training office, will locate in the East Side Plaza shopping center on Hwy 72/32 in the new Eastside Village.
"What a boost for Salem, even in difficult economic times," Tubbs said.
Brick House Grill owners are Frank and Lisa Barnitz and Tracy and Julie Brakefield. They had talked about doing something together to better the community. After the closing of Stephens Restaurant, (a landmark for 42 years in Salem), they felt this was a great opportunity and there was a need to serve our area with a good, wholesome dining experience.
"We have some remodeling to do. We will be updating the restaurant with new colors, new floors, and a few other new things that will be a surprise for everyone to come and see. We hope to be open sometime in April," Frank said.
Barnitz said plans are to offer a mid to upscale dinner menu and a fresh and pleasant lunch offering, using locally grown products when possible. The menu will include quality meats, delicious fish and pasta dishes and a variety of vegetable dishes.
"We all feel that we should and will use local businesses and people to do business with whenever available," he said. "We don't mind to spend a little extra to support our local economy. Our success is going to be hinged on us providing an exceptional service, but ultimately on our customers being satisfied with their experience."
Crowley's Home Works will offer quality furniture, floor covering and appliances. Crowley's Home Works is scheduled to open in the spring or early summer.
"We are really excited to open the store in Salem," owner Laura Crowley said.
The Crowleys have other stores located in Houston and Mountain Grove.
Salem's new laundromat owner is Michael McCluskey, Edgar Springs. He said the facility will include front load, state-of-the-art washers and dryers. The store site is well-lit, features a glass front and security cameras for the customers' safety. The business is expected to open by April 1. Hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.
"There will be an attendant available in the evening and weekends to help people get the most value from these advanced machines," McCluskey said. "Washers and dryers will be large enough to accommodate sleeping bags, horse blankets or bedspreads."
MERS Goodwill, a statewide organization that offers training and job programs, will open on or about March 1.
"We look forward to providing employment and training opportunities to eligible individuals in the community with barriers to employment, so that the may work and live more independently," said Valerie Gaines, Regional MWA Program Coordinator.
MERS Goodwill will be located in the East Side Plaza shopping center on Hwy 72/32 in the new Eastside Village, a newly constructed mini-offices and retail space.
"We need to keep our customers here as well as bring customers to our community," Tubbs said. "People will travel to eat in a good restaurant, buy furniture and yes, to patronize a coin-op laundry facility. Local citizens need to support all of our local businesses as much as possible. They provide a convenience or service that we often take for granted."
Tubbs said the restaurant and furniture store will add competition to our existing businesses. However, the laundry will serve to fill a gap that is not currently being met.
"Economic times are challenging, but we are fortunate to have individuals willing to invest in our community and take the risk of opening a business," Tubbs said.
