YUMA BUSINESSES ON THE MOVE
Burlington Coat Factory still in works for Southgate Mall
According to city officials, Burlington Coat Factory is still expected to open a store at Southgate Mall in the former JCPenney space.
Alan Kircher, assistant city building official, said he expects to receive tenant improvement plans for the retailer this fall and has heard the store's target opening date is in the spring of 2008.
In other city building activity, Kircher reported:
* Tenant improvement plans have been received for American General Finance and Snap Fitness to occupy spaces at Las Palmillas.
* Plans have been submitted for an Arby's at Avenue 3E and Interstate 8 where a Dairy Queen previously was located.
* Groundwork has begun for the construction of the Allstate Claims Center and development of the Rio Vista Commerce Center off Giss Parkway north of Las Palmillas.
* Groundwork has begun for the construction of the new Radisson Hotel off Redondo Center Drive north of 16th Street.
Alsco settles into new facility
Alsco, a commercial linen and uniform service, has moved into its new home in the Ramster Industrial Park at the corner of 32nd Street and Avenue 3E. The new 60,000-square-foot building replaces Alsco's longtime facility in downtown Yuma, which the city plans to purchase.
For more information about Alsco, call 782-2507.
Doctors move into new offices
Dr. Robert Land has moved his dental practice into his new office building at Tuscany Plaza, a professional complex being developed at Avenue B and 28th St. Land's office phone number is still 726-1700.
Dr. Barton Bernstein, a pediatrician, also is now located in his new office at Tuscany Plaza and can be reached at 782-4040.
Meanwhile, construction is proceeding on a new office for Dr. Basem Meri and is expected to be completed by late November, according to contractors Agustin Tumbaga Jr. and Sal Urena of DHG Construction.
DHG Construction also will be building a new office for Dr. Rodolfo Gonzales, with hopes of starting in the next few weeks.
Plans also are under review by the city for a new office building for Dr. Robert Barnett.
Pepsi moves
Pepsi has moved into its new home at Yuma Commerce Center, on 30th Street between Avenues 7E and 8E. The company recently completed construction of its new office and distribution center there.
Tony's Pool Hall closed
Tony's Pool Hall, 1322 S. 4th Ave., is no more. The business had been purchased by Brice and Becky Zeller, who also acquired the Lion's Den arcade at Southgate Mall.
Becky said the couple decided to close the pool hall and concentrate on the arcade and all the other businesses they have. Among them is the operation of the Yuma International Airport restaurant and bar and a new waste disposal business.
Media firm can help with advertising, public relations
Troy Wilde is welcoming new clients to his advertising and public relations firm, Troy Wilde Media. For more information, call 580-3542 or visit www.troywildemedia.com.
He can help with radio and television commercials, advertising placement, copywriting, press releases, media relations and other services. Wilde has 12 years' experience in commercial radio and television and public relations.
Marshalls expands shoe department
Marshalls, a discount retailer with a store at Yuma Palms Regional Center, has unveiled the new Marshalls Shoe MegaShop. The Yuma store now features a 5,000-square-foot expanded footwear department, showcasing thousands of up-to-the-minute looks in shoes and athletic wear.
WOW Electronics moves
It's back to the "old digs" for WOW Electronics. After leasing out all its space at 1881 S. 4th Ave. The business, which is transitioning from retail electronics sales to a design center, is again located in its former home at 1965 S. 4th Ave., the building WOW sold to KECY.
But that arrangement will only be temporary while owners Gary and Jacquie Kukuk build a new 3,000-square-foot showroom/design center in front of its 1881 S. 4th Ave. property. WOW won't be a fully functioning design center until it's settled into the new building.
Restaurant supply business opening
CJ’s Restaurant Equipment and Home Supplies plans to open in early November in Yuma at 4710 E. 32nd St. (next to RV Peddler), to serve the growing number of foodservice businesses here, said owner Adrienne Goetter. The phone number is 726-3332.
The business carries a wide range of new and used restaurant, bakery, pizza, deli, catering, concession and bar appliances and equipment.
For more information about CJ's, visit www.cjsonline.net.
Hometown Computers sets up shop
Hometown Computers has opened a store in Yuma at 2544 S. 4th Ave. (next to Cold Stone Creamery) and is now offering a variety of computer services. Besides offering retails sales - even custom-building a computer - the business provides diagnostics, repairs, maintenance, data backup or recovery, networking and other services onsite. Or a technician will go to your home or business.
For more information, call 344-2058 or visit hometowncomputers.com.
Latest Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree Stores Inc. has opened its doors at a new location in Yuma in Plaza Del Rio, 2740 W. 16th St. It is open seven days a week.
Andrade port project
A $1.6 million construction project is scheduled for the Andrade port of entry that will include demolishing the old port building and constructing a new one on the same spot. It also will receive new computer and software technology.
The new port facility is expected to be completed by May 2008. During construction, a temporary building will process pedestrian crossers and some wait times can be expected for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. For a free booklet with tips to help speed up the reentry process, visit www.cbp.gov or call 1-800-FIRSTGOV.
As part of the renovation, a $2 million site infrastructure improvement project at the port was recently completed.
The old port, eight miles west of Yuma, was built in 1936. It serves as the gateway to Los Algodones, a small Mexican town that is popular among tourists and winter visitors.
Computer SOS to the rescue
Computer SOS will come to the rescue for residents and small businesses who need a little help with their computer systems. Doug Hackwell, owner of the business, provides such services as installation, networking, virus and spyware removal, trouble shooting, minor repairs and some training. He will even make house calls.
For an appointment, call 580-7429; he also has a Web site at www.computersos.org.
YCAT adds Purple Route
The Yuma Area County Area Transit (YCAT) is expanding its public transit services by adding the Purple Route to include the North Cocopah Indian Reservation through the western part of the city of Yuma, continuing to Somerton and the Cocopah Indian Tribe West Reservation. For more information, call 783-8911.
Key stops around the community will include the Cocopah RV Resort, Cibola High School, the Avenue B Wal-Mart Supercenter, the east side of Yuma Regional Medical Center (maternal and child care), Kofa High School and the Cocopah Casino, said Edd McDaniel, YCAT contract administrator.
The Purple Route is sponsored by the Cocopah Indian Tribe.
Warehouse to store party rental inventory
Reddy Rents owner Shirley Weber is having a warehouse built on an empty lot to the east of Reddy Rents, 2155 S. Arizona Ave., to house her growing inventory of party supplies she has for rent. Earlier this year, Weber purchased Premier Party Rents, consolidating that business with her own party supply rental service.
Bozrah Builders is the general contractor for the project, and target completion is by May.
Quizno's coming to Foothills
A Quizno's is coming to the Foothills at the Chevron station on Fortuna Road, reported John Bornt, manager of Shay Oil. He said the goal is open the food service by January or February.
Meanwhile, an "image refreshing" project is being undertaken to brighten up area Chevron convenience stores and give them new signage.
New dance studio
Tami White, who teaches dance at Yuma High School, has opened the dance studio, A Leap of Faith, at 845 S. 3rd Ave.
White said she wanted to offer an "all-around dance program" with ballet as the core but also include jazz, hip-hop and other dance styles. Other plans include a children's acting theater and teen and adult dance classes. In addition, Myriah Farrar has located her Jazz Acrobat Modern School of Dance at White's studio.
For more information, call the studio at 733-3303 or White at 580-3385, or visit aleapoffaithperformingarts.com.
Beauty salon with California flair
Beth Kershaw, who moved to Yuma five years ago from the Los Angeles area, has opened a beauty salon where she strives for the "small-town feel of Yuma with a trendy, stylish California flair."
Staff at Doll Bella Salon and Spa, 380 E. 24th St., includes four hair stylists and an aesthetician. The salon is open for business Tuesdays through Saturdays; for more information, call 782-5711.
Silpada representatives
Laura Spatig and Sandy Orta-Armenta have become independent representative for Silpada Designs, sterling silver jewelry complemented with semi-precious gemstones and other materials. Either of them can be contacted to place an order, host a party or become a representative.
Contact Spatig at 503-9849 or e-mail spatig@pmu4ever beautiful.net. Visit her Web site at www.mysilpada.com/laura.spatig to see an online catalog.
Orta-Armenta can be reached at 446-2524 or visit her Web site at www.mysilpada.com/sandy.armenta.
No Pollo Campero
Pollo Campero isn't coming to Yuma after all, at least not at this time. The company, which originated in Guatemala, has gained a following in this country for its chicken and side dishes.
It was planning on opening a restaurant here. However, that agreement was terminated, according to a spokesman.
Kneaders Bakery opens
Kneaders Bakery and Cafe is now open for business at the corner of 28th Street and Avenue B in Tuscany Plaza.
Created in the tradition of the old family-owned European bakery, Kneaders features fresh-out-of-the oven pastries and coffee for the morning crowd, and sandwiches from made-on-site bread, soups, gourmet salads, kids combo, smoothies and baked goods throughout the day.
The cafe is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Phone number is 726-9700 or fax 726-9702 to order ahead. Catering is offered.
The local Kneaders is the project of Dr. Todd Runyan, his wife, Blanca, and parents, Donald and Linda Runyan.
For more information about Kneaders, visit www.kneadersbakery.com.
Veterinary clinic moves
Arizona West Veterinary Clinic has moved into its new location at 2679 E. County 14th St. and can be reached by calling 344-5919.
Anthony's for sale
Although Anthony's Uptown Foods, 2100 S. 4th Ave., is for sale, the business remains open, said Nan Bain, who owns the deli with her husband, Anthony. The Bains also own River City Grill and Ciao Bella Ristorante Italiano, and Nan said the couple is looking to cut back to those two restaurants.
The sale includes the improved 6,450-square-foot building and property. If interested, call Realtor Kathy Kehl at 210-4640.
New Jack in the Box opens
Jack in the Box has unveiled its latest restaurant design at its newly opened location at 8007 E. 32nd St., next to the Foothills-area Wal-Mart Supercenter. Managed by Magdalena Balbastro, the restaurant employs approximately 30 local residents.
Meanwhile, construction is progressing rapidly on Del Taco at that location and plans are in review for a Wells Fargo branch bank. A multi-tenant building also is planned for that site.
Couple starts credit service
Jason and Kayla Holiman have started a new business, Legacy Credit Services, to help those with less-than-perfect credit improve their credit scores.
The Holimans have partnered with one of the top credit remediation law firms in the country and received extensive education and training.
Legacy Credit Services is at 220 E. 16th St., Suite D. It can be reached by calling 328-1539 or online at legacycreditservices.com. Free consultations are offered.
Scrapbook Maniac has new name, more classes
Owner Lisa Nickle has renamed The Scrapbook Maniac to Mementos, to reflect the store's widening range of products, instructors and classes.
When Stamps Etc. closed last year, instructors Kaye Templeman and Cheri Allen joined Lisa's instructor team, with Kaye specializing in stamps and colored pencils while Cheri specializes in quilling, floral punch art and stickers. They join scrapbooking instructors Michelle Norris and Chardee Watowich.
Mementos, 3280 S. 4th Ave., Suite C (in the Mervyn's Plaza), is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. For more information about classes, call 782-5775 or check out www.mementosyuma.com.
MGM Design starts eBay consignment service
MGM Design announces a new service, MGM Consign, to provide eBay consignments to the public and businesses. To get products listed on e-Bay, just bring your items to MGM Design at 29 W. 3rd St., "and we do the rest," said Matt Molenar, president.
Almost anything will sell on eBay, including art, antiques, books, collectibles, jewelry, real estate, retail goods, industrial equipment and automobiles, Molenar said. For more information, call 782-5915.
Neurofeedback business opens
Julie Demyan has started a new business, Yuma Neurofeedback and Educational Services.
Neurofeedback uses non-invasive computer technology to help people retrain their brains to become more functional and stable. It is not psychotherapy, Demyan said, and is not a guarantee or cure for any condition. However, it has been helpful in treating attention difficulties, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities and more, she said.
Yuma Neurofeedback and Educational Services does not diagnose or treat any specific conditions, Demyan said. "We work only with a person's symptoms to assist them in reaching their full potential."
Demyan has a bachelor's degree in education and is working toward a master of educational counseling degree in human relations from Northern Arizona University.
She attended a class required by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America for certification. It was taught by one of the pioneers of neurofeedback.
Demyan can be reached at 317-2522 or visit yesneurofeedback.com.
Bar/nightclub opens at former Yuma Greyhound Park
Geard Entertainment, a sports bar and nightclub, is now open on the second floor of the building at the former Yuma Greyhound Park, 4000 S. 4th Ave., said Gary Gama, who with his brother and father has opened the business.
Hours are 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sundays. The phone number is 314-3071.
Other plans include converting the former dog racing track to a dirt bike track and to begin offering racing by January or February. Gama said they're having the track professionally built in hopes of eventually offering professional racing.
A third project in the works is to begin offering paintball fields in the spring.
Meanwhile, it is business as usual for the Yuma Park ’N Swap, said Bill Gresser Jr., owner of the property.
National Bank moves into new Foothills branch
National Bank of Arizona is now open for business at its new Foothills location at 11031 E. 40th St. The 4,600-square-foot branch replaces the branch at 11242 Foothills Blvd.
The new branch not only is larger, it offers expanded services to meet the needs of the area, said Tom Thompson, National Bank of Arizona regional president.
National Bank of Arizona has six locations in the Yuma area, including branches in Wellton and San Luis, Ariz. For more information, visit www.nbarizona.com.
Kodiak Seafood now serving
Kodiak Seafood Co. is now open for business in the Pioneer Shopping Center at 11274 S. Fortuna Road. It's serving up lunch and dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. The restaurant is the project of siblings Carmie and Ray Madrid. The phone number is 345-0433.
Tire business on the move
Ed Whitehead's Tire Country has moved out of its location at 3rd Avenue and 12th Street (formerly the home of Brown's Tires) and for now is serving customers at its remaining Yuma shop at 965 S. 4th Ave. (call 782-1868) and the Wellton shop at 29889 Los Angeles Ave. (call 785-8473).
Meanwhile, the company has purchased property at 3414 E. 32nd St. with plans to reopen its third shop there, hopefully sometime in November, said Gonzo Munoz, manager of the 4th Avenue shop. The new location will enable the company to better serve its trucking, industrial and agriculture customers who have large equipment as well as people with recreational vehicles.
Massage, nail business
Heel N Hands Massage and Nails, 1970 S. 4th Ave. (in front of Cameo Beauty) is a new business started by Amber Nelson and Bridget Orta-Martinez. They offer massage therapy, acrylic nails, spa pedicures and spa manicures. Call 782-4335 (HEEL) for an appointment.
Acupuncturist opens shop
Acupuncture of Yuma has opened at 710 W. 16th St. to provide acupuncture, massage and wellness services. The business is open Mondays through Fridays. For an appointment, call 328-1975 or e-mail elyse@acupunctureyuma.com. For more information, visit www.acupunctureyuma.com.
Owner Elyse Tera is an Arizona board-licensed acupuncturist who has been in practice in Canada for seven years and teaches for the Arizona Western College wellness program. She said acupuncture is a safe, effective treatment for accidents, sports injuries, back and joint pain, stress, chemotherapy side effects, allergies, smoking and facial rejuvenation.
The business also has three massage therapists.
Kirstin's delays closure
Ron Codling, owner of Kirstin's Southwest Decor, 261 S. Main. St., has decided to postpone closing the doors to his downtown business for a year, attributing the change in his plans to improved health and "a lot of great customers." The store is open Mondays through Saturdays.
He's also set up shop at Yuma Marketplace, 32nd Street and Avenue 4E, where he's offering some different pieces than he has at the store. Look for his booth in spaces 10 through 13 in the "H" row Thursdays through Sundays.
Meanwhile, anyone interested in buying Kirstin's can call Commercial Brokers at 344-8300.
Thrift store to benefit humane society
Second Paws, a thrift store to benefit the Humane Society of Yuma, is now open at Arizona Marketplace, Avenue 4E and 32nd Street in Row "H". Shop hours will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays for the winter.
Volunteers and donations are welcome. To volunteer, call Sherrell at 580-1000, and to donate items, call Clarice at 783-7899.
Couple open air purification, infant day care businesses
Carl and Susanne Wooldridge have recently opened new businesses under the name C and S Enterprises, in the Foothills area.
Carl, an electronics engineer with experience in managing air purification problems, has become a dealer for Living Air products to sell and install residential and commercial air purification systems.
These systems use the same technology used in the NASA space program to clean the space shuttle's air, he said, and have been demonstrated to kill most viruses, bacteria, mold and mildew on surfaces. This product helps those with allergies or asthma, he said.
Susanne, a trained infant care specialist with several years of experience of teaching and infant care, is providing infant care in a clean air quality environment.
For purification systems, call 345-9021, and for infant care, call 345-6750.
