These Springfield spots have closed their doors; Girl Scouts start cookie season early
This week in Springfield-area restaurant and food news: Three local spots and a local bakery close their doors. Also, the Girl Scout Cookie season is starting early.
Ruthie's closes, but is looking to relocate
Ruthie's on C Street closed on Dec. 31. The pub announced in mid-December that its lease would not be renewed. According to previous News-Leader reporting, Ruthie's had been at 504 E. Commercial St. for seven years and on Commercial Street since 1984.
However, the owners are determined to keep going.
"That being said it is not the end," the post said. "We are working on a new home."
As of Jan. 4, the owners are searching for the right place and hoping something comes up on Commercial Street, as "Ruthie’s belongs on C street."
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Girl Scout cookie season is starting early
While you won't see any booths popping up in front of grocery stores just yet, the Girl Scout cookie season in Southwest Missouri is starting nearly a week before the national season, according to a press release. Nationally, Girl Scout cookie season runs from January to April.
As of Jan. 5, Girl Scouts will begin taking initial cookie orders from friends, family and neighbors.
Don't know any Girl Scouts? Never fear: According to Lauren Slamb, spokesperson for Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland, people can expect to see booths in mid-February. Starting Feb. 17, people can also use the cookie finder at girlscoutcookies.org to find booths, purchase cookies from a local troop for delivery or to donate cookies to local causes, according to the press release.
Moon City Pub closes on New Year's Eve
Another Commercial Street bar closed on Dec. 31, as well: The Moon City Pub at 420 W. Commercial St.
The bar made its announcement in mid-December and closed the year out with drink specials and sales.
More: After over 40 years in Springfield, Jan. 7 will be last day for Ebbets Field on Walnut
Bakery on Battlefield Road closes
Vic's Pastries, 1545 W. Battlefield Road, closed its doors on Dec. 30, according to a Facebook post.
Orders for January will still be fulfilled, according to the post, and owner Vic Pace hopes this won't be the end.
"We do plan on looking into doing some baking from home and also, doing farmers markets in the future," Pace said in his post.
Houlihan's on south side of Springfield closes unexpectedly
Employees and customers of Houlihan's, 2110 E. Republic Road, were surprised on Tuesday with the news that the location closed.
The Republic Road location is no longer listed on Houlihan's website, Google lists the location as permanently closed and the phone number plays a pre-recorded message informing callers of the closure.
An message sent to members of the restaurant chain's email club said that the Republic Road location would be closed, "effective immediately" and thanked the employees and patrons.
Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Girl Scouts start cookie season; Springfield spots close
