Three new businesses are coming soon to downtown, according to Downtown Poplar Bluff Executive Director Morgan McIntosh.
The new ventures were announced Thursday during the Dining for Downtown fundraiser
McIntosh confirmed the Haff Whiskey Saloon, created by Haffy’s founders Lisa and Larry Hafford, is opening soon at 309 S. Broadway, near the Poplar Bluff Skate Park. Additionally, Second Street will soon host twin businesses owned by Ben Clayton: a sandwich shop and a speakeasy.
McIntosh presented Clayton’s plans on his behalf and explained the location has two stories. The lower will host the Boxcar Lounge, a bar evoking the feel of “an old-fashioned speakeasy.” On top will be a sandwich shop called Disco Subs, offering dine-in and delivery.
McIntosh said she looked forward to both establishments, and noted, “I’m really excited for all the people downtown, everyone will have another place to grab lunch.”
This is fortunate, since two major organizations in Poplar Bluff are opening new downtown offices.
Dr. Scott Dill, superintendent of Poplar Bluff schools, spoke on the district administration office’s ongoing move into the former US Bank.
“I’d had this idea that the school district could put its anchoring in the restoration of the downtown area,” said Dill on the impetus for the move.
The idea was born early in 2021, he went on, and the R-I school board immediately supported it.
“They understand ... what downtown means to Poplar Bluff,” he said.
Dill praised the community, city council and Downtown Poplar Bluff boards, and the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce for their support and teamwork.
“This is a project of which we are immensely proud,” he said.
Work crews are through with the demolition phase, but renovation continues as they perform structural repairs while preserving the history of the building, Dill stated. He admitted the district had hoped to move in this year, and laughingly extended that deadline by another 12 months.
Despite the slow going, PB R-I is excited to join the neighborhood’s second life.
“We are on our way and we are very, very grateful to join downtown,” said Dill.
The completion of the Highway 67/Interstate 57 corridor will make Poplar Bluff a place people come to stay, he went on, and the district sees this move as part of a larger process of growth.
“We are forever changing the landscape of this community. Poplar Bluff is becoming and will remain a destination for Southeast Missouri,” he said.
Word of the district’s plan was a lightning bolt for business owners, recalled Poplar Bluff Realty agent Chance Whitehead.
“When the news came out about the school district, what they were doing, it shook up everything,” he said.
Shortly following the announcement, Poplar Bluff Realty began outgrowing its locations and looked to downtown for more space. Whitehead recommended a building at 400 Vine St., and renovations are currently underway.
He also commented on the need to bring in jobs and industry to support hospitality and retail businesses. Poplar Bluff Realty is happy to bring some of that downtown, he said.
“Hopefully we can continue to be a part of this community growth in downtown.” Whitehead said.