It's an exciting time for many restaurant managers. They are ready to open a new chapter in both their company's, and Joplin's history.
The grills and soda fountain are ready to satisfy at Backyard Burgers, and manager Justin Eaton is looking to hire.
"We've really pushed and pushed and pushed, and finally we're not to the point where we're a couple weeks away from opening," Eaton says.
According to the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce there were 530 places of employment including apartment complexes destroyed by the tornado. As of now, more than 85% are back up and running.
There were 5,000 workers, including those at Mercy Health, who lost their job after May 22. More than 90% of them are employed once again.
"We see the rebuilding on Range Line, but also on Main Street and points in between," says Rob O'Brian of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. "As we see businesses coming back, we do see the opportunity for these employment opportunities to come back with them."
"There's a lot of memories," says Pizza Hut manager JJ Rodriguez. "We lost a couple of people, but we want to do is give back to the community."
And many store managers know their Help Wanted signs will bring a focused attention to the area, and help restore growth city wide.
"Competition is good," says Eaton. "The more vibrant the community we can build here in Joplin, the better."
"The dynamics when you're one of several businesses in an area where traffic comes and is generated by everyone being there, versus you're kind of still there by yourself, is a hindrance to some of these businesses," says O'Brian.
The Chamber says smaller businesses not part of a chain may have a much harder time rebuilding. The Chamber encourages these business owners to visit the Chamber of Commerce's building as soon as possible.
As for reopening dates, Pizza Hut is scheduled to reopen its locations in March. Backyard Burgers is also scheduled to open the beginning of March.
