Table Talk: June 13–19

Sushi, Coming Right Up

Here’s an update on a highly-anticipated project for you: Ariake Sushi & Robata is opening next week at 1110 E. Battlefield Road in Springfield! They’re requiring reservations for the first few days, and you can already book yours on Open Table. Young Jun is the restauranteur behind the concept, and she’s also brought us other local gems like Haruno, Kai and Karai Ramen + Handroll. Jun tells us that Ariake Sushi & Robata will offer an upscale Japanese dining experience. Expect nigiri, sashimi, tapas and sake that pairs perfectly with it all. Oh, and we almost forgot one of the best parts: They have a patio! 🍣

It’s a Good Day for Nixa

We’ve been waiting for this moment for quite a while now! 14 Mill Market (203 E. Mt. Vernon St., Nixa) officially opens today. It’s looking like it’s going to be a food haven with something for everyone, whether you’re craving a snack, a hearty meal, a cold beverage or something sweet. The 12,000-square-foot food hall is home to 11 vendors:

• Abby’s Acai Company
• D'Vine Delicatessen and Wine
• Fresh Poke
• Liege Love Waffle Co.
• Lindsay’s Kitchen
• MO Slider Company
• Not'cho Ordinary Taco
• Pie Paradiso
• Sno Biz
• Queen City Soul Kitchen
• Wisner Bar

14 Mill Market is open Tue–Thurs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri–Sat 11-11 p.m., Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. However, some vendors offer extended hours. We’re heading there this week, so keep an eye on our Instagram for a first look!

Something New in Rountree

If you’ve been anywhere near the intersection of Pickwick and Cherry in recent days, chances are you’ve noticed some changes. The old home of the temporarily-shuttered Culture Counter now has a bold black exterior and is occupied by the retail store Culture Flock. However, there are also some changes brewing at a different building around the corner at 1424 E. Cherry, where at night, two artfully designed neon signs posted up in the windows will definitely catch your eye.

This will be the future headquarters of Good Spirits & Company, which has brought us popular locales like The Golden Girl Rum Club, Cherry Picker Package x Fare, Best of Luck Beer Hall, Sweet Boy’s Neighborhood Bar and the in-progress Loose Goose. Now for the part that impacts you: The first floor of the building features a beautiful back bar with fine touches of Missouri-sourced wood and Italian marble. Joshua Widner, business manager and owner of Good Spirits & Company, tells us they plan on hosting pop-up food and beverage events in this space about once a month, and you’ll be able to rent it out for your own special events. The new headquarters will serve as a hub where the team can work on future concepts they have up their sleeves for Springfield and Northwest Arkansas.

ICYMI: Itty Bitty News Bites

Cassell Vineyards, a new winery and wedding venue coming to Mansfield, is hosting a slew of Italian-themed festivities in celebration of its grand opening. You can purchase tickets for events like a wine pairing dinner or a Porchetta dinner by Italian Kitchen. They will also be serving an Italian-style lunch on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. with live music, which doesn’t require a ticket.

Exciting news for downtowners! Jamaican Patty Co. is opening a new location at 301 Park Central West, with a target opening of late next week. They will still be slinging their classic Jamaican patties at this location, but they also plan on serving other types of traditional Jamaican cuisine.

Trailer Perk Coffee has been hard at work getting ready to open a drive-through in the original Red’s Giant Hamburger location at 2848 W. Chestnut Expressway. We can’t wait to cruise through for a refreshing Italian soda or a creamy butter pecan latte come opening day.