Wally Kennedy: Fazoli's closing after 25 years in Joplin
May 24—You never know when what appears to be a successful restaurant or hotel will close its doors.
The latest example of this is the recent closing of Fazoli's, 4027 S. Range Line Road. This restaurant, which specialized in budget-friendly pasta dishes, had existed on the strip for 25 years. From all outward signs, it appeared to be doing well. Signs have been posted on the front doors thanking Joplin for its support while noting that gift cards can be redeemed at the two Fazoli's locations in Springfield.
Fazoli's was not on my watch list of struggling restaurants in Joplin. I'm watching a handful that are franchises in which the parent operations are facing financial or management issues. I'm not naming names, but don't be surprised if some popular brands leave the market.
Fazoli's, founded in 1988, now has about 211 locations in 28 states.
Also closed is the 82-room Comfort Inn and Suites at 3400 S. Range Line Road. Signs posted on the doors say it has been closed for remodeling. The inn's website says it is permanently closed.
'We never closed'
A call to Hermann Lumber Co., 3012 E. 12th St., was answered this week, which surprised me. I thought it had been temporarily closed because it was still recovering from the EF1 tornado that struck Joplin the night of May 6. The tornado cut an intermittent damage path that was 4.49 miles long and up to 100 yards wide from southeast Joplin into Duquesne, according to the National Weather Service.
A Hermann salesman told me the lumberyard, which took a direct hit from the tornado, never closed.
"We kept it going with our laptops in the dark," the salesman said. "We never closed."
The lumberyard, which has existed in Joplin since the 1960s, still has a way to go to get back on its feet, but it's doing business.
New digs
The Domino's Pizza at 1714 S. Range Line Road is relocating to 2907 E. 22nd St., which is directly west of the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen restaurant on Range Line Road.
People circling the block to enter the new Whataburger restaurant from Highview Avenue are getting a firsthand look at this new construction on East 22nd Street.
The construction work is nearing completion. A spokesman for Domino's Pizza said the restaurant could open June 17, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
The restaurant will feature a drive-thru.
New restaurant
Kim's Kitchen Vietnamese Noodles and Grills, 842 S. Range Line Road, is set to open Thursday, May 30.
The restaurant has been constructed on the former site of the Colonel's Pancake House.
Contact Wally Kennedy at wkennedy@joplinglobe.com.
