A Closer Look at January 2013
Over the past two decades, Mark Badgley and James Mischka have taken the world of high fashion by storm. Their designs continue to grace the covers of countless magazines including Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily. The company just launched its e-commerce site, operating on Big Bear Boulevard in Columbia.
Proprietor: Mitchell Simone LLC
Contact: 573-256-1931
From its humble roots operating out of a trailer next to a Lowe’s in Jefferson City, Lutz’s BBQ has expanded into its second location here in Columbia. The cozy barbecue joint opened its doors at Providence and Nifong on Sept. 9 to favorable reviews. Owner Earl Lutz says his restaurant is all about the barbecue, but customers have also taken a particular liking to his famous Cuban sandwich.
Proprietor: Earl Lutz
Contact: 573-353-1150
Columbia Party Bus
The point-to-point charter bus service operates inside Columbia city limits. This is the first time the city of Columbia has issued a business license of this type. The company operates similar to a limo service, but it uses converted buses rather than the typical stretch limo. Owner Ben Bradley and his seven employees cater to groups of all types: student pub-crawls, weddings and Christmas light tours.
Proprietor: Ben Bradley
Contact: 573-397-8804
Cat’s Kitchen
This classic American diner opened its doors on Paris Road in early November to a crowd hungry for old-fashioned, made-from-scratch cooking. Owner Catherine Rehma moved Cat’s Kitchen from its previous location in Hallsville, Mo., to break into Columbia’s larger market. The move hasn’t stopped loyal Hallsville customers from making the drive down for Rehma’s $6.50 lunch specials, warm cinnamon rolls and famous deep-fried pies.
Proprietor: Catherine Rehma
Contact: 573-355-0442
The St. Louis-based engineering and environmental consulting firm opened its Columbia branch at 813 Greenwood Court in late September. Adam Kaiser led the Columbia expansion after serving with the company in St. Louis. Lafser & Associates specializes in historic preservation and helps businesses and property owners gain tax credit.
Proprietor: Fred Lafser
Contact: 314-304-4619
Tiger Detailing
Columbia’s new full service auto detailing service, Tiger Detailing, offers a wide range of packages for both interior and exterior cleanings. The company prides itself on superior polish performance, removing or minimizing paint imperfections with high-end products rather than the typical silicone fillers that only temporarily mask vehicles’ problem areas.
Proprietor: Benjamin Bradley
Contact: 573-876-8900