Latest news with #ErnieBiggs
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'We want to keep Ernie Biggs alive': Owner talks future plans
SPRINGFIELD — The former downtown Springfield attraction has eyes on the future as the owner is getting creative to keep the 'Ernie Biggs' brand alive. After closing its longtime location in downtown Springfield in January, Ernie Biggs is teaming up with The Riff at 1900 W. Sunset for a one-night show this Saturday, May 10. It is a one-night show, and not scheduled as a permanent partnership for now. However, it's a way for Ernie Biggs and co-owner Ryan Neas to try keeping the brand relevant in Springfield. 'Obviously, with the closure of downtown with Ernie Biggs, we wanted to keep Ernie Biggs alive and be able to bring it to a venue that I've loved for a long time,' say Neas, who took over ownership in late 2023. He says some of his favorite memories are in the building that still sits unoccupied at 312 South Avenue. It was the home of Ernie Biggs for 22 years, and Neas says it is bringing back the familiar show people remember to the stage at The Riff. 'We want to continue the dueling pianos side of it that you had at the original location. You'll still be able to request your songs, and keep it rolling,' says Neas. Since the closure of the downtown location, Ernie Biggs has taken its show on the road playing special events. 'We've got about 60 piano players that I have gotten to work with on our road shows, and when we had Ernie Biggs downtown as a whole,' says Neas. 'They really make it happen, and if you haven't been to a dueling pianos show, the talent. They aren't just playing the piano, they're working with whatever you give them. They're improvising, and they're making it fun for you.' Being graduation weekend for Missouri State University and Drury University, Neas says both he and the owners of The Riff are expecting a big crowd. Neas says he reached out to owners Cameron and Caleb Schwien earlier this year, interested in the location and venue being a good fit. Cameron, 37, and Caleb, 32, are brothers who are about a year into ownership at Classic's Complex. The business brings The Riff, Classic Rock Coffee, and Classic's Yard all under one roof. 'We were more than grateful to partner up with him because it's a very recognizable name here in town,' says Cameron. Younger brother Caleb says it's a fun new light for them to help another local business make a comeback. 'Being born in Springfield, and (going to) Ernie Biggs, it's cool to now partner with them and bring it back to life.' It's an opportunity Neas says he is grateful for while Ernie Biggs figures some things out. When Ernie Biggs made the announcement that they were closing, owners cited financial issues. He says things have not been easy since the COVID-19 pandemic. 'It's been a challenge since COVID. There's a lot of the downtown area – bars and businesses have been struggling to just really get back on their feet. And I know that's five years ago, but those have lasting effects. So just a shout out to downtown if you can support it,' Neas explains. We asked what it is about downtown that has made it more difficult to do business. 'Yeah, you know, there's there's some downtown challenges. You know, a lot of it is the location of it. Sometimes people, you know, they see a lack of parking, sometimes the 'riff raff' that people talk about,' says Neas, referring to crime. 'I think that is a little bit overexaggerated just in the media, to be honest, because, you know, I have been down there almost every other day for the last several years, and I feel fairly safe.' With several buildings in prime locations for sale along South Street and other parts of downtown, Neas says he hopes people will support whatever businesses are still there and any future ones. The Ernie Biggs building at 312 South Avenue is among those for sale/lease. 'I would love to keep the building, perhaps, but I'm not going to get too much into that. Who knows? You know, Ernie Biggs makes a comeback downtown,' Neas says. 'I will confidently say Ernie Biggs isn't done around here. That's for sure.' The event this Saturday starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets for sale here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOLR -
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Springfield drivers react to new downtown speed bumps
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Springfield drivers are seeing some changes to downtown as two speed bumps are installed. Springfield police installed the speed bumps this past week after residents and businesses in the area expressed concerns about the traffic. One Springfield driver hopes the speed bumps will slow drivers down. 'There's always people that get excited about driving downtown, and they don't need to be as excited about driving downtown,' says Deneé Hughes, who has lived in Springfield her whole life. 4th annual Earth Day Springfield Festival featured Grammy-nominated singer The speed bumps can be found on South Street in front of the former Ernie Biggs location and Walnut Street in front of Flame Steakhouse. Cris Swaters with SPD says that the department has received good feedback in the days since the speed bumps were installed. 'In the short time they've been used, they've been really effective to slow traffic and reduce noise, which was a primary complaint of both residents and business owners there in the downtown area,' says Swaters. Swaters also says people should expect to see the speed bumps in those locations through the summer, but they can be moved if necessary. Hughes says it might take a while for drivers to get used to driving over the speed bumps. 'Sharks' Helicopter Battalion reunion held in Branson 'I personally think that it's not a big deal to just slow down. But if you forget to slow down while you're downtown, for some reason, it's going to help,' says Hughes. The downtown area can get very busy with foot traffic as well. Hughes says pedestrians should use crosswalks, but believes the speed bumps can be another layer of protection. 'I would hope that pedestrians wouldn't jump out in the middle of the road. That's what crosswalks are for. But if they do jump out in the middle of the road, they will help,' says Hughes. According to SPD, more speed bumps could be installed if the results of slowing traffic and reducing noise are successful long-term. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Springfield Ernie Biggs drops more hints on future, reveals date
SPRINGFIELD — Weeks after teasing that big news would be coming soon, the well-known piano bar is setting the stage for fans who miss the longtime Springfield staple. Last month, Ernie Biggs posted on its Facebook page that an announcement would be coming soon, and alluded to a development concerning Springfield, but did not say where. On Thursday, the company dropped another hint on social media, this time with a date. 'A familiar sound. A louder stage. May 10, to be continued…' the post states. Ozarks First has been in touch with ownership, who says a few announcements will be made soon. This will be welcome news to those who have missed the presence the bar once held in downtown Springfield for over 20 years. Whether or not the new location will return to its South street location, or moves its show to a new home remains to be seen. Ozarks First reported on the closure of Ernie Biggs downtown location in January, citing financial challenges. 'This decision has not been easy, as Ernie Biggs has been more than just a business—it's been a home for unforgettable nights, shared laughter, and countless memories made together. We are deeply grateful for the love and support you've shown us over the years,' Ernie Biggs said in a Facebook post at the time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
