Springfield coffee shop to close; food truck searches for new chef
This week in Springfield food news: A downtown coffee shop announces its final day, two chances to eat tacos for a good cause and a food truck closes while it looks for a new chef. Also, have you heard that J.O.B. is back?
Classic Rock Coffee Downtown closing April 26
Classic Rock Coffee in downtown Springfield, 535 W. Walnut St., announced on Facebook that its final day will be April 26. The Sunset Street and Republic locations will remain open.
“Life changes and we have to adjust and it’s with heavy hearts that we have decided to close our little shop,” owners Brent and Ashley McGuire posted.
Classic Rock Coffee originated in Springfield in 2011. The cafe has franchises in North Dakota, Texas, India and Egypt.
Events offer tacos and support the community
With Cinco de Mayo less than a month away, fundraisers are incorporating tacos and other Mexican fare, including two Ozarks organizations that assist people with disabilities.
This year’s Tacos de SOMO will benefit Developmental Center of the Ozarks, which advocates for the inclusion and support of individuals with disabilities. The event will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 2 at Farmers Park, 2144 E. Republic Road. In addition to tacos from local restaurants and home cooks, there will be a cash bar with margaritas and beer. Event-goers will be able to vote on the best taco and watch a chihuahua pageant. Tickets are $30 per person and available online and at the event.
EnGAGE Mobility, a non-profit that supports transportation needs, is hosting MexiVAN 2024 at 4 by 4 Brewing, 9003 Sawgrass Ave. in Nixa. The event will be from noon to 2 p.m. on May 5. MexiVAN 2024 will celebrate the families helped by enGAGE Mobility with a taco lunch and familyfriendly games and entertainment. Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults, and available online at engagemobility.org/events or at the door.
Local food truck closed temporarily after chef’s departure
The Gypsy food truck, 2782 W. Republic Road, is closed for the time being, according to a Facebook post. Veteran Ozarks chef Stephanie Wigger opened the food truck in January with a menu of her “best hits,” offering everything from curry to cheesesteak to scratch-made cake.
According to the post, the closure is “due to the unexpected departure of our chef.” Wigger confirmed the split on her personal page, saying that the endeavor “no longer aligned with my personal best interest and visions,” and that she has “no further involvement with the truck or any of the food that comes out of it.”
Susan Szuch reports on health and food for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @szuchsm. Story idea? Email her at sszuch@gannett.com.