14 Mill Market Coming to Nixa, Missouri

Bubbles & Bourbon: A New Year's Eve Celebration

wisnerbar@14millmarket.com (14 Mill Market) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:16:24 GMT

A Look Back on NYE 2025

As the clock struck midnight on December 31st, 14 Mill Market was alive with energy, laughter, and celebration at our "Bubbles and Bourbon NYE" event. It was a night to remember, filled with delicious food, incredible music, and unforgettable moments.

The atmosphere was set with a stunning backdrop and dance floor that welcomed partygoers ready to ring in the New Year in style. DJ Miguel brought the high-energy vibes, and by the second hour, the dance floor was packed. His electrifying beats kept everyone moving well into the night, creating a celebratory buzz that filled every corner of the market.

Our talented team of four restaurants outdid themselves, serving up a delectable array of dishes to please every palate. Classic’s Pizza surprised everyone with Mediterranean salads and breadsticks, a refreshing departure from their usual fare. Uptown Hog delighted guests with their BBQ mac and cheese, a comfort food favorite elevated to perfection. Liège Love Waffle Co. impressed with an amazing charcuterie board, showcasing their creativity and flair, while The Gochu offered sweet treats that added a delightful twist to the evening. It was exciting to see these restaurants create items not usually served on their menus, adding a special touch to the celebration.

At the heart of the celebration was Wisner Bar, showcasing an exquisite cocktail menu featuring drinks crafted with Old Forester bourbon and Korbel Champagne cocktails. Our bartenders delivered a drink experience that perfectly complemented the night’s glamorous theme.

And speaking of glamour, the 80s glam dress code brought out some incredible fashion moments! Sequins, bold colors, and fabulous accessories were the style highlights as our guests fully embraced the theme, adding sparkle and flair to the night’s ambiance.

Behind the scenes, our dedicated crew worked tirelessly to make the night magical. From setting up the stunning decorations to ensuring everything ran smoothly during the event and tackling the cleanup the next day, their hard work and commitment were integral to the night’s success.

Bubbles and Bourbon NYE at 14 Mill Market was the perfect way to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with open arms. We are immensely grateful to everyone who joined us and made the night so special. As we look ahead, we’re already excited to plan our next big event and continue creating unforgettable experiences for our community.

Here’s to a new year filled with more celebrations, delicious food, and great company. Happy New Year from all of us at 14 Mill Market!

Photo Credit : Karen Knuth @karenknuthphotography

Cheers to an Epic Bartender Showdown at 14 Mill Market!

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 02:31:05 GMT

Cheers to an Epic Bartender Showdown at 14 Mill Market!

On July 28th, 14 Mill Market transformed into the ultimate battleground for mixology with our 1st Annual Bartender Competition, hosted by Wisner Bar and proudly sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits. The event, which was as lively as it was competitive, featured six of the most talented bartenders from the area, each representing their own unique bar and showcasing their creativity with 90’s-inspired cocktails.

The day was scorching hot, but the heat was quickly alleviated by the refreshing boozy sno cones from Snow Boz Plus and throw back tunes from DJ Miguel. The theme, "Back to the 90’s," had everyone reminiscing about their favorite decade, and our bartenders didn't disappoint. The lineup included:

Miss Boston's with Camry Cowan
Char Steakhouse and Oyster Bar with Jason Moneymaker
417 Taphouse with Sayrah Ayuba
Classic Rocks Complex with Bethany Brown
Banter Brewing with Jianan Almusai
Wisner Bar with our very own Logan Hadley

The competition was divided into two thrilling rounds. The first round featured a secret ingredient challenge where Kool-Aid packets were the surprise element. Bartenders had just 15 minutes to whip up five unique cocktails, and the results were nothing short of impressive. Tanja Deleon, our Wisner Bar Manager, hosted this round, and Jason Moneymaker’s inventive tiki-inspired Kool-Aid cocktail earned him the top spot.

The second round was even more exhilarating, as each bartender took the stage to prepare their 90’s-inspired concoctions live. Loren Murrell from Suntory Global Spirits was the host for this round, guiding us through the creative processes behind each drink. The audience and judges alike were captivated by the talent on display. Jason Moneymaker stole the show again with his "Sunny Dreams" Margarita, a nod to Sunny Delight, winning him the grand prize of a Flat Top Cabela’s Gas Grill and a basket full of goodies.

Bethany Brown secured the runner-up position with her "Chandler Bing Thing" Espresso Martini, crafted with Yoo-hoo, while Sayrah Ayuba claimed third place with her delectable "Strawberry Crunch Bar" Cocktail. All of these fantastic drinks will be featured on the Wisner Bar menu until the end of the year, so be sure to come by and give them a try!

The event wasn’t just about cocktails—it was about community. We raised over $1100 for Care to Learn, Nixa Chapter, and had an incredible time connecting with local businesses and friends. It was a day filled with great drinks, fun competition, and plenty of camaraderie.

We’re looking forward to more opportunities like this in the future. Cheers to a fantastic event and a huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported us!

Try a variety of food options in Southwest Missouri's first food hall

Mon, 27 May 2024 21:36:13 GMT

Columbia, Missourian- Takes note of the Mill

After a road trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rich and Leah Callahan developed an idea for 14 Mill Market, the first food hall in Southwest Missouri, which opened last June.

With their love of travel, the couple wanted to create a space in Nixa that combined a variety of food choices and community hospitality.

“We were just at an empty-nester stage of our lives, and were feeling a little restless and interested in investing in some way in our community that all age groups could enjoy,” Leah Callahan said.

The couple traveled to at least 20 food halls across the country to conduct research for 14 Mill Market.

The food hall offers menu items from 10 vendors, along with a full service bar. Food options include tacos, pizza, sliders, poke, waffles and more, covering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Among the current vendors are: Liege Love Waffle Co., Not’cho Ordinary Taco, Lindsay’s Kitchen and Bistro, Mo Slider Company, The Gochu, London Calling, Sno Biz, Fresh Poke, Abby’s Acai Company and Classic Pizza Co.

Liege Love Waffle Co. makes its waffles from dough, not a batter, with pearl sugar that makes them sweeter, denser and chewier than a normal waffle, according to information on its website.

Customers can build their own waffles or select a predetermined combination. The “Hawaiian Strawberry,” for example, is made with strawberries, sweet supreme filling, toasted coconut, diced pineapple, roasted pecans and whipped cream.

The Gochu is another popular food hall operation, serving handcrafted Korean BBQ bowls. This restaurant was introduced by Chef Leo Kim, who was born in Korea before moving to Argentina and then to the United States.

The food hall is where a building called the Wisner Mill opened in 1955 as D&D Feed and Farm Supply Inc. It was torn down in 2022 because of its deteriorating condition.

The Callahans were able to salvage some of the mill’s building artifacts, including feed mixers, scales and sections of oak that they incorporated into the food hall.

“As much of the oak as we could salvage, my husband converted it all into the tables inside of the food hall, and it’s really beautiful,” Callahan said.

Visitors to 14 Mill Market can eat their food inside the building or in a backyard that covers more than 5,000 square feet of space. The backyard also offers live music, corn hole games, bocce ball and plenty of other opportunities for family fun.

“We have about 5,000 square feet of artificial football turf that we purchased from a high school in Chicago before we opened that has been such a cool outdoor gathering space,” Callahan said. “We also have probably one of the larger outdoor patios in the Springfield area.”

No reservations are needed to visit the food hall, which has a public wifi password for those wishing to use internet.

Meeting rooms and event spaces also can be reserved, and delivery and pickup orders are available from all vendors. The campus is a tobacco-free environment, and no pets are allowed besides service animals.

Valentine's Day at The Mill

Sat, 13 Jan 2024 16:39:17 GMT

Join Us for A Lovely Day!

Featuring live music , Wisner Bar drink specials, food specials and 10 handcrafted “pop up” booths located INSIDE 14 Mill, showcasing gift items for someone you love! A special v-day photo booth, hand-dipped chocolate strawberries, wine bouquets, valentines sweets and treats, permanent jewelry, natural customized perfumes and diffuser oils and more! Free event to all, gift items available for purchase just in time for V-Day!

Unveiling Culinary Delights

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 04:00:48 GMT

New Faces coming to The Mill

Introduction:

Step into the vibrant world of culinary innovation as 14 Mill Market Food Hall welcomes exciting new additions to its diverse lineup. Among the latest offerings are the mouthwatering Gochu Korean BBQ Bowls, the savory delights of London Calling Pasties, and the versatile menu of Classic Pizza Co. From bold flavors to classic favorites, these newcomers are set to elevate your dining experience.

Gochu Korean BBQ Bowls: A Symphony of Flavors

Embark on a culinary journey with Gochu Korean BBQ Bowls, where traditional Korean flavors blend seamlessly with modern twists. Indulge in a medley of marinated meats, fresh vegetables, and signature sauces. From spicy gochujang to savory bulgogi, every bowl is a celebration of bold and unique tastes. Whether you're a spice enthusiast or a fan of savory goodness, Gochu Korean BBQ Bowls promise a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

London Calling Pasties: A Taste of Britain

Experience the authentic taste of Britain with London Calling Pasties. These savory hand-held pies, filled with a variety of hearty ingredients, bring the charm of British street food to 14 Mill Market. From classic beef and potato fillings to inventive vegetarian options, these pasties are a delightful blend of flaky pastry and flavorful fillings. Indulge in a taste of Britain with every bite, and let London Calling Pasties transport you across the pond.

Classic Pizza Co. Subs, Pizza, Pasta, and More

For a classic yet diverse dining experience, look no further than Classic Pizza Co. This versatile eatery offers a menu that goes beyond the ordinary, featuring an array of subs, pizzas, pasta dishes, and more. Whether you're craving a hearty sub sandwich, a perfectly crafted pizza, or a comforting bowl of pasta, Classic Pizza Co. has you covered. With a commitment to quality ingredients and expert preparation, each dish is a testament to the timeless appeal of classic Italian-American cuisine.

Conclusion :

As 14 Mill Market Food Hall continues to evolve as a culinary hub, the addition of Gochu Korean BBQ Bowls, London Calling Pasties, and Classic Pizza Co. brings a fresh wave of flavors and experiences to the table. Whether you're a food enthusiast seeking new adventures or someone who appreciates the comfort of classic favorites, these new faces at the Mill are poised to delight your senses. Indulge in the culinary diversity that 14 Mill Market Food Hall has to offer and savor the innovative and mouthwatering creations from these exciting newcomers.

Christmas at The Mill

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:22:06 GMT

We look back at Christmas at The Mill

The holiday season is a time for joy, festivities, and creating lasting memories with loved ones. This year, 14 Mill Market treated the community to an unforgettable Christmas extravaganza at The Mill. The air was filled with excitement as families and friends gathered to partake in the yuletide magic. Let's unwrap the highlights of this enchanting event and relive the moments that made it truly special.

Festive Decorations:

Upon entering The Mill, visitors were greeted by a winter wonderland of dazzling lights, vibrant ornaments, and whimsical decorations. The market transformed into a festive haven, setting the perfect backdrop for a magical celebration.

Local Artisans and Vendors:

14 Mill Market showcased the talents of local artisans and vendors, offering a diverse array of handcrafted gifts and holiday treats. From unique ornaments to homemade goodies, attendees had the opportunity to support local businesses while finding one-of-a-kind treasures.

Santa's Workshop:

Children's eyes sparkled with delight as they entered Santa's Workshop. The Mill became a haven for little ones to share their Christmas wishes with Santa Claus himself. The joyous laughter and gleeful smiles painted a heartwarming picture of holiday cheer.

Live Entertainment:

The event featured live entertainment that captivated audiences of all ages. From musicians spreading cheer with classic tunes to local performers showcasing their talents, the atmosphere buzzed with the sounds of the season.

Delicious Holiday Treats:

No Christmas celebration is complete without delectable treats. 14 Mill Market did not disappoint, offering a variety of mouthwatering holiday snacks and beverages. From gingerbread cookies to hot cocoa, there was something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Community Spirit:

Christmas at The Mill event fostered a sense of community spirit. Friends and neighbors came together to celebrate the season, creating connections and memories that will last a lifetime.

14 Mill Market Christmas at The Mill event was a resounding success, spreading joy and holiday magic throughout the community. As we reflect on the memories created during this festive celebration, it's clear that The Mill has become a cherished hub for holiday traditions. The laughter, warmth, and camaraderie shared at this event will surely linger in the hearts of attendees, making it a Christmas to remember for years to come.

End in Sight

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 03:45:50 GMT

14 Mill Market targets mid-May launch

Despite delays, owners of Nixa food hall stay on $3.7 million budget

After months of delays that pushed its opening into 2023, the debut of 14 Mill Market is expected towards the end of May, 2023.

A clock on the website of the Nixa food hall and entertainment venue is counting down the days, hours, and minutes until the targeted launch, which owners Rich and Leah Callahan say will serve as a soft opening. Leah Callahan said she and her husband hold monthly meetings with their on-site food vendors, which led to bumping back its yet-to-be-determined grand opening celebration.

“It’s manageable, but it’s stressful,” Callahan said of the scheduled soft opening. “What they’ve asked us is to consider May 13 as our soft opening and run a week of soft openings by invitation only, so that by the next weekend they’re ready to roll. That next weekend is Nixa Sucker Days, so we’re going to go nuts.”

The Callahans are a constant presence on the 3.6-acre project site at 203 E. Mount Vernon St ., as Rich serves as a general contractor through Callahan Construction LLC. Leah said Base Construction & Management LLC originally was selected to lead the project designed by Insight Design Architects LLC. However, she said the estimated project cost with Base would have exceeded the couple’s $3.7 million budget, which led to the contractor change in the early days of the food hall planning.

During an April 17 walkthrough of the 12,000-square-foot building, Leah Callahan points out its layout, which includes space for 10 food vendors to occupy 320 square feet each along the perimeter. The vendors surround a common area for customers that has a capacity for 220 seats indoors, in addition to outdoor seating. Callahan stops to lean up against the bar, noting the 33-foot-long structure was installed days before.

“I’m really excited about all of the outdoor dining and play space,” Callahan said, as she steps on recently installed turf her grandchildren recently got to run around on. “It’s just for a culture of relaxing with families of all ages. I cannot wait to be open to watch everybody.”

The turf, which Callahan said she found on Facebook Marketplace, is one setting for outdoor entertainment options at the venue. It also will include a stage inside a storage container for music concerts and space for games such as cornhole and boccie.

As for delays, she said initially there was a long wait on rebar, which was unable to be ordered early. Even once rebar was in hand, there was significant work ahead to address electricity and plumbing needs for the 10 restaurants and bar.

“The amount of time it took for the underground plumbing and electrical was much longer than we anticipated,” she said, adding construction of the food hall’s custom metal building, which was done on-site, also exceeded time expectations.

Vendor anticipation
The vendor lineup for 14 Mill Market was first announced a year ago, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting. All signed one-year leases for an undisclosed rate. The current lineup is Abby’s Acai Co., D’Vine Deli & Wine LLC, Fresh Poke LLC, Liege Love Waffle Co., Lindsay’s Kitchen LLC, Mo Slider Co., Nat’cho Ordinary Taco, Queen City Soul Kitchen LLC and Sno Biz Plus LLC.

Callahan said a 10th vendor, Travelers House Coffee LLC, announced this month it was withdrawing from 14 Mill Market.

“They were very regretful about having to do it, but they are having some serious staffing issues at their three locations,” she said, noting one of the couple’s requirements for its vendors is to be open during the food hall’s operating hours.

“We have good interest, and we have a waiting list,” she said of finding a prospective replacement.

Lindsay Kirtlan, the owner of the home-based bakery Lindsay’s Kitchen LLC, said she’s excited about the pending opening.

“There’s light at the end of the tunnel,” she said, noting she wrapped up weekly sales this month in Farmers Park at Farmers Market of the Ozarks to turn to focus on her 14 Mill Market launch.

She’s in hiring mode now with plans to have a staff of at least 10. Aside from fresh cinnamon rolls, scones, and cookies, the bakery also offers mixes for brownies, muffins, and pancakes. However, the new venue is leading to a menu expansion, Kirtlan said.

“We’re going to have a full-fledged barista service,” she said, adding plans are to sell coffee with beans sourced from Ozark-based Full Octave Coffee Roasters LLC.

Lindsay’s Kitchen also will sell what she calls Ozark-style bagels, to be offered as sandwiches or on their own with specialty cream cheeses.

“It’s kind of like a mix between a regular bagel, as you might know, it, and almost a dinner roll,” she said. “They’re a little bit softer and on the sweeter side.”

Kirtlan, who said she and her husband, Chad, along with their four children, are moving to Nixa from Springfield, estimated startup costs will land around $50,000.

Another incoming food vendor, Queen City Soul Kitchen, should spend less than $10,000 to open, said co-owner Lyle Foster.

‘Cool concept’
Nixa will be the second location for Queen City Soul Kitchen, which began in 2020 as a pop-up restaurant at Big Momma’s Coffee and Espresso Bar LLC, also owned by Foster. The soul food eatery also will retain its name as it expands beyond Springfield, he said.

“We thought this was a chance to maybe go south. I’ve seen the food hall concept in a lot of different cities, so it’s something I’m fairly familiar with. It’s a cool concept,” Foster said. “Sometimes, you just have to say, ‘Well, we’ll see how it goes.’”

The Callahans also was a draw to become part of 14 Mill Market, Foster said.

“I felt like they were clear about what they wanted to do. They are hardworking and sincere, and it felt like they had skin in the game,” he said.

Foster said Queen City initially will rotate three employees from its Springfield restaurant to work in Nixa, as he gauges interest from customers.

“It won’t be the full menu, but it will be what I’d say are our most popular dishes,” he said, noting macaroni and cheese, peach cobbler, chicken wings, meatloaf, collard greens, and cornbread will be among items served.

At the food hall, Callahan said gutters currently are being added, while plumbing, electrical and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning work is ongoing. The food vendors should be able to start moving in before month’s end, she said, noting despite delays the project has remained on budget.

“We’re now at the finishing point,” she said, adding paint for exterior awnings and inside the building, as well as installation of a couple of garage doors at the bar, are still on the checklist. “I hope this is a place where people can feel rested after busyness.”

BY: MIKE CULLINAN, REPORTER mcullinan@sbj.net

Southwest Missouri's first food hall will serve Nixa community, celebrate the town's history

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 03:30:02 GMT

Celebrating the Nixa Community and Beyond

If you take Highway 14 east past Nixa’s historic Main Street, you’ll pass by a property on the north side of the road that has served the community since the 1950’s.

On this plot of land in the late 1800s, the Stiffler family built a log cabin, one of the first homes in Nixa. The property belonged to the Stifflers’ heirs until 1958, when a prominent Nixa investor, Barney Wisner, purchased it and built a feed mill. Wisner’s mill fostered agricultural growth in the area during subsequent years. The mill’s ownership shifted multiple times; it was eventually acquired by the Deffenderfer family.

Today, the property belongs to Rich and Leah Callahan. When the couple purchased it in 2021, the mill was inoperable, but an elderly man married to a descendent of the Deffenderfers was still working there and selling feed. The Callahans had a vision for the property to serve the community in a wholly different way, however.

“It will be a full-scale bar, 10 restaurants inside, and then community seating in the middle,” said Leah Callahan. “We have over 5,000 square feet of outdoor space that will be filled with artificial turf and cornhole boards, a bocce ball court, and a little stage for live music.”

Americans are very familiar with food courts—bustling spaces, often inside shopping centers, that serve anything foodlike which can conceivably be sent through a deep-fryer and served in a paper trough. Three years ago, the Callahans discovered the food court’s more sophisticated cousin: the food hall, a communal space hosting multiple local food vendors under one roof.

Leah Callahan described a visit that she and her husband made to Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2020. “The second we walked in we immediately fell in love with the vibe and the concept and knew that this was what we wanted to bring to southwest Missouri,” said Leah. The couple, who describe themselves as “empty-nesters” with many years of business experience, “talked business” for the entirety of their drive home. They got in contact with the strategic ops director of Mother Road Market, who became a mentor to the couple as they began planning for 14 Mill. In their research, they visited food halls in 20 different US cities.

“[The food hall] is a totally unique idea for this part of Missouri,” said Leah. “We had to spend a lot of time showing research and data to our local bank and the SBA [Small Business Administration].” However, the Callahans saw immediate interest from local vendors when they began pitching the idea. Leah said that they already have a line-up of 20 businesses who are interested in serving their food at 14 Mill after their current vendors’ leases expire.

Leah said that she and her husband initially hoped to restore the original feed mill; however, their architectural team quickly found this wasn’t feasible. Instead, they have chosen to build a new facility and preserve as much of the property’s history as they can. “We were able to keep some of the big grain mixers, and we are incorporating those into our architecture,” said Leah. “We were able to build all of the tables for the food hall out of reclaimed oak [from the mill].”

The Callahans have also preserved grain scoops, scales and other artifacts, and hired a photographer to take photos of the mill before it was demolished, which they plan to display inside 14 Mill Market. They were even able to save a piece from the interior of one of the mill’s walls where Barney Wisner’s wife appears to have painted her initials.

14Mill Market will open its doors to the community next month. The Nixa community has thus far received 14 Mill with curiosity and excitement, as it will be the first business of its kind to operate in southwest Missouri. “We intend [14 Mill Market] to be our ministry,” said Leah. “Whatever way God will use us, whether we are ministering to our vendors, to our bar staff or to the community, that is what excites us the most.”

ZOE MCINTYRE

Journalism student at Evangel University. Nixa native.

A big-city idea is coming to Nixa: ‘Food hall’ at 14 Mill Market to have 10 restaurants

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:59:34 GMT

Leah and Rich Callahan are establishing the first food hall in Southwest Missouri and stocking it with local businesses

Rich and Leah Callahan will open 14 Mill Market in May. The Nixa food hall is the first of its kind in Southwest Missouri. (Photo: Juliana Goodwin)

Something big is coming to Nixa — a modern concept replacing a historic feed mill.

14 Mill Market is a $3.7 million food hall and entertainment venue, slated to open in May.

Owners Leah and Rich Callahan are establishing the first food hall in southwest Missouri and it’s sizeable, with 12,000 square feet inside and an additional 2,000-square-foot covered patio.

“This will be a family-friendly place where people can hang out, eat, drink, and play,” Leah said.

There’s a 5,000-square-foot outdoor area with artificial turf on the north side of the property. They will have cornhole and bocce ball, sell drinks out of a vintage camper and a shipping container will transform into a live music venue.

What is a Food Hall?

Food halls are popular in Europe and larger U.S. cities. The Callahans discovered the idea on a spontaneous trip to Tulsa, where they popped into Mother Road Market.“We immediately fell in love with the concept. We love that it offered so many opportunities for people to eat,” Leah said.

A food hall is a large space that incorporates many small restaurants and is a community gathering place. There is seating throughout the venue, so customers can walk up and order something at one restaurant, order at another spot, and collectively meet back at a table for their meal. If people have different tastes or dietary restrictions, they are not limited to one place.

Food halls differ from a food courts in that the restaurants are local, and chef-focused and the hall is its own attraction.

10 unique food concepts under one roof

14 Mill Market will showcase 10 different local restaurants and a bar, owned by the Callahans. Each restaurant will be a different concept, so they don’t compete. After they started thinking about opening the business, the Callahans started researching food halls and visited 17, from Nashville to Albuquerque. “They are in big metro cities,” Leah said. “For this to work, we have to pull from southwest Missouri, not just Nixa. We need to be regional. We know we have to add our own southwest Missouri flair.”

That flair includes a 2,000-square-foot covered patio for outdoor-loving Ozarkers. The venue is being built with big garage doors that can open to let in the fresh air. The patio will include the walk-up Wisner Bar, named for Barney Wisner who established the original feed mill that used to occupy this land. The bar will have 16 taps, a mix of local and domestic beer.

14 Mill Market property dates back to 1839

The property was first purchased in 1839 when Samuel and Nancy Railsback bought it from the U.S. government. It was sold to different families over the years and then, in 1958, Wisner acquired it and built Wisner Feed Mill, which fueled agricultural growth in the community.

In 1976, it was sold and became a feed and farm supply store and operated as such for many years. Then, in March 2021, Rich and Leah bought the mill and 3.6 acres to develop 14 Mill Market. The Callahans have tried to fold in pieces of history into the new development. In true southwest Missouri fashion, Rich hand-built the tables out of salvaged oak from the historic mill.

They hired a photographer to take photos of the property before it was torn down and plan to display some of those photos inside.

They were able to salvage three mixers, a dust collector, and a grain scoop, all of which will be incorporated into the project.

Callahans have invested in the Nixa community

The Callahans are neither developers nor restaurateurs. Leah works at the Insurance Group of the Ozarks as a Medicare Advisor. Rich has worked in heating and air conditioning and is now director of training at Apex Midwest, an investment company that owns numerous Midwest-area heating and air businesses. He’s the general contractor on the food hall project.

Leah is originally from Houston, Texas, and Rich is from Las Vegas. They met working in the Sheriff’s department in Batesville, Arkansas.

He was a single dad of three and a deputy. She worked in warrants and they hit it off. They wanted to live in a bigger city and relocated to Nixa in 2006 because of the school district. All three of their children graduated from Nixa High School and the Callahans even have three grandchildren. She’s on the Nixa Care to Learn Advisory Board; Rich serves on the Nixa Chamber of Commerce Board. They are invested in the community and have made a home in Nixa. Because the city has been growing so fast, they’ve wanted to start a business together but hadn’t found the right concept until that fateful trip to Tulsa. Restaurants will decorate their own spaces. Each restaurant will have 320 square feet of space and will be responsible for decorating their own spot. “We bring the wood, the steel, the industrial elements and they will bring all the color,” Leah said. They will be on one-year leases, so the Callahans have the option of rotating vendors. “We love that it allows for the opening of the eye for different cuisines,” Leah said. It’s been nice because some of the restaurants are working together, buying ingredients from each other. That happened organically, Rich said.

Fresh Poke, serving up poke bowls, is one of the 10 initial restaurants at 14 Mill Market. (Photo: Fresh Poke)

The interest from restaurants has been incredible — there are 19 on the waiting list. Cody Davis is excited to be one of the initial 10 restaurants when he unveils Fresh Poke.“We are going to be offering a Hawaiian staple: poke bowls. It’s pretty much sushi served in a bowl,” Davis said.

They will have five or six options to choose from, a build-your-own-bowl option and Davis will showcase new features. He believes 14 Mill Market will become a destination. “It’s going to allow local entrepreneurs to showcase their talents and to function as a big family,” Davis said. “I consider myself blessed to be playing a role in this great adventure.” Doug Gruenberg and his partner were looking to create a second location of D’Vine Delicatessen & Wine and thought this was a great opportunity. Gruenberg likes the concept of food halls because they can draw many people for different reasons and are a progressive dining experience, he said.

Lindsay’s Kitchen is a bakery and bistro concept that will feature quiches, soups, slices of bread and more when the 14 Mill Market food hall opens.

(Photo: Lindsay’s Kitchen)And Lindsay Kirtlan, owner of Lindsay’s Kitchen, was thrilled when her application was accepted. She’s been selling baked goods at Farmers Market of the Ozarks, but will expand into a bakery and bistro concept with quiches, soups, breads and more.

“I am all about creating moments,” the mother of four said. “I love bringing families together at the dinner table and 14 Mill Market broadens the opportunity for us to gather around really good food.” Construction took longer and was more expensive than expected

The Callahans originally expected to open last year, but construction was delayed because they couldn’t get rebar. Each restaurant needs its own plumbing system and it has been a bigger job than they anticipated.

“This is not a small undertaking,” Rich said.

The lion’s share of this project is being financed by the Callahans, so they have a lot on the line.

“When it started getting so expensive, we talked about it and were like ‘Are we willing to lose it all?’” Leah said.

The answer was yes.

“We work well together. We love to be together, and we’d still be happy if we ended up in a camper,” Rich said.

Restaurants coming to 14 Mill Market

Queen City Soul Kitchen
Traveller’s House Coffee & Tea
Abby’s Acai Co.
SnoBiz
Not’cho Ordinary Taco
Lindsay’s Kitchen
D’Vine Delicatessen & Wine
Liege Love Waffle Co.
Fresh Poke
Mo Slider Co.

Juliana Goodwin

Juliana Goodwin is a freelance journalist with experience covering business, travel and tourism, health, food and history. She is a former Food and Travel Columnist for the Springfield News-Leader, a former business reporter for The Joplin Globe, and has written for USA Today and Arkansas Living Magazine, among others. More by Juliana Goodwin

Nixa couple plans $3.7M food hall, entertainment venue

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 02:02:49 GMT

14 Mill Market is slated for fall 2022 launch

Springfield, MO (SBJ) Work has commenced on a Nixa couple’s project to transform nearly 4 acres of land in the Christian County city into a $3.7 million food hall and entertainment venue.

Rich and Leah Callahan intend to open their venture, dubbed 14 Mill Market, by fall 2022. Leah Callahan, an insurance adviser with Nixa-based Insurance Group of the Ozarks, said she and her husband Rich, who is general manager of Air Services Heating and Cooling/All Service Professional Plumbing, are funding much of the venture themselves.

“We are reaching out to some investors for a small portion, but for the most part, this is just the two of us,” she said, noting the project near the intersection of South Water Street and Highway 14, also known as Mount Vernon Street, is their first foray into the food industry.

The Callahans say the concept calls for a 12,000-square-foot building on the 3.6-acre property to house the food hall, which will feature food vendors, community seating and a 40-seat bar. Outdoor entertainment options also will be offered, including a stage for music concerts and space for games such as cornhole and bocce.

“They have 10 small concept kitchens that are chef inspired,” Rich said of the food hall vendors. “But it’s also a hangout where you can come and listen to live music or watch a sporting event.”

Leah said each of the vendor spaces will be roughly 320 square feet. The vendors likely will be on lease deals, ranging one to three years, which she said provides an opportunity to change the lineup on an annual basis. The intent is to offer a variety of cuisines with little overlap, the couple say.

“It’s always keeping new blood, so to speak, into that food hall,” she said, noting discussions are ongoing with undisclosed vendors. “I don’t think it’s going to be an issue filling those 10 spots. They are 10 small restaurants is the way we look at it. The chef is entirely going to be in charge of their small restaurant within our facility.”

The food hall vendors will surround a common area for customers to walk through or sit down, Rich said, estimating the indoor seating capacity is approximately 220 with additional seats outside.

He said Base Construction & Management LLC is general contractor for the project designed by Insight Design Architects LLC. Additionally, Toth and Associates Inc. is on board as engineers.

New concept
While common gathering spaces for food vendors, such as Route 66 Food Truck Park, exist in Springfield, a food hall concept is new to the Ozarks, the Callahans say. Kansas City and St. Louis both have food halls, including Parlor KC and City Foundry STL, according to Springfield Business Journal research.

An entrepreneurial plan in 2018 to open a food and beverage hall in downtown Springfield was scrapped by Good Spirits Concepts LLC due to architectural and engineering issues, according to Springfield Business Journal archives. Good Spirits co-owners Josh Widner and Jim Wilson instead decided to launch Best of Luck Beer Hall, a European athletic club-themed bar, in early 2019.

The idea to bring a food hall to Nixa was hatched in April when the Callahans visited Tulsa, Oklahoma, and dropped by Mother Road Market on a whim. The food hall opened in 2018.

“As we explored the food hall and the vibe and witnessed how people were enjoying it – not just the food but the activities and the community – the entire way back from Tulsa we talked about how that concept could work in our region,” Leah said. “We really did a research gathering mission at that point.”

The couple estimate they visited 14 food halls in seven states over the past few months, chatting with management at the venues, such as Jeff Thompson, director of food and retail strategy at Mother Road Market, to get mentorship on industry ins and outs.

Chris Russell, Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce CEO, wasn’t familiar with a food hall concept prior to Rich telling him about his 14 Mill Market plans a couple months ago. Callahan serves on the Nixa chamber’s board of directors.

“I had never been to something like that,” Russell said. “I had to do my own research on it and thought, ‘Man, this is a really cool concept.’”

Russell said Nixa has an active food service industry, but not much with an entertainment component that can draw locals and out-of-town visitors.

“I know people are going to love it. There’s going to be a lot of activities and events playing there,” he said of the food hall.

Parking for larger events at the venue will be a challenge, Russell said, adding the 14 Mill Market property is expected to have room for around 140 vehicles. But he noted people frequently use the nearby Nixa First Assembly of God parking lot when attending downtown events.

“When we have Sucker Days and we get 20,000 to 30,000 people down there, people figure it out,” he said of the annual festival hosted by the chamber. “They find a place to park.”

Getting prepared
Land preparation work is in progress at the property the Callahans bought in May. A 1955-built structure known as the Wisner Mill and used for over three decades by D&D Feed and Farm Supply Inc. was torn down earlier this month. Rich said they considered incorporating it into the project, the way Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris did with the Ozark Mill for the Finley Farms development in Ozark. The idea was quickly nixed.

“It was really in very, very bad condition. Nothing like the Ozark Mill,” Leah said, adding most of the building was blocked off for decades, as some of its floors had rotted due to water damage.

D&D used the front portion of the building to sell bags of animal feed up until October, she said. The couple allowed previous owner David Atkinson to continue sales out of the mill for the past six months rent free.

During that time, the Callahans have salvaged some of the building artifacts, such as feed mixers, scales and oak that will be used in the food hall. The couple say the property is one of the original homesteads in Nixa dating back to the late 1800s.

“It was just really important since we couldn’t keep the building to at least try and retain some of those key pieces to put in our architecture,” she said.

Aside from utilizing some wood from the mill, the couple say the building will be designed with an industrial vibe, complete with exposed ductwork and large glass garage doors that can be opened or closed based on the weather. Plans for the open-air bar, which will have seating inside and outside, include mixed drinks and 36 taps. Beers from local breweries will comprise most of the taps, Rich said.

“We’re taking beverage sales and all alcohol sales,” he said. “That’s what we’re banking on as a revenue stream for us.”

The concept’s uniqueness was a key reason the Callahans chose to take the plunge into a new industry. They say the food hall’s appeal needs to extend beyond Nixa to be successful.

“Our marketing strategy is definitely not just going to be Nixa centered,” Leah said. “We hope 14 Mill Market is a food and entertainment destination of the Ozarks.”

Nixa JTSD Students Inspired by 14 Mill Market

springfieldmarketingco@gmail.com (Springfield Marketing Services) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 03:13:34 GMT

Fifth graders at JTSD, in Nixa, Mo learned about the new 14 Mill Market coming to Nixa. They were challenged to make their own town using coordinate grids, area, permitter, and order pairs. Some students created a 3D model of their building as well! We love this—and that it could be sparking some entrepreneurial spirits so young!

Nixa breaks ground on 14 Mill Market, large food hall and concert venue planned

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 03:13:34 GMT

NIXA, Mo. (KY3) - Crews broke ground on a new major business development Friday afternoon in Nixa.

The 14 Mill Market will be a food hall with 10 restaurants, an outdoor concert hall and other venues. The 12,000-square-foot facility hopes to open for business this fall.

The owners tell us, the property is one of the first homesteads in Nixa from the late 1800s. It became a feed mill in the 1950s.

https://www.ky3.com/2022/04/08/nixa-breaks-ground-14-mill-market-large-food-hall-concert-venue-planned/

14 Mill Market, a new food hall, is coming to Nixa

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:13:34 GMT

FEAST MAGAZINE: Taking the place of an old mill built on an 80-acre farm, a new food hall is coming to Nixa, Missouri.

14 Mill Market will feature 10 stalls – 320-square-feet each – which will offer a diverse selection of food and drinks. The space will also allow visitors to connect with the outdoors through glass garage doors, an indoor-outdoor bar with 36 taps dedicated to local breweries, outdoor concerts and areas for cornhole, bocce and more.

The food hall is the brainchild of Leah and Rich Callahan, who have lived in Nixa for more than 15 years and who have been considering investment opportunities in town for a few years now. “Nixa is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri,” Leah says. “Housing numbers are exploding, and the average income per family is higher here than in Springfield, so we thought it was a good time to make an investment.”

They weren’t sold on any specific ideas, though, until they visited Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was a short weekend trip in early April, but the Callahans tend to get their best business ideas while traveling.

“We take what we see while traveling and ask, ‘Could this work at home?’” Leah says. “After we ate at Mother Road Market, we spent the whole drive home debating how that concept could work in the Springfield area.”

14 Mill Market will be a buzzy food and entertainment hub, but it will also fill a longstanding need in Nixa. “According to surveys over the last three years, the number one need of Nixa residents is food and entertainment in Nixa,” Rich says. “Many people who live in Nixa work in Springfield, and they also have to go to Springfield to do anything. 14 Mill Market won’t only benefit Nixa; it will also bring in people from Springfield, Branson and the Ozarks region.”

Neither Leah nor Rich has experience in the restaurant industry, but the couple has done its research. Not only have they visited 14 different food halls and talked to several of the general managers, but they’ve also met with city planners and the Nixa Area Chamber of Commerce to discuss the idea. They’ve relied on restaurateurs and chefs, as well, to help them design the kitchens of the food hall.

Local chefs and business owners have already shown interest in opening concepts at 14 Mill Market, but Rich says they’re trying to be selective. “We really want to make sure that each chef that we bring in has both unique and quality products,” he says. “That’s the difference between a food hall and a food court – the chef-inspired food.”

“In addition to quality menus, we’re also looking for people who can provide really quality service in a timely manner to meet the demand of a fast lunch hour,” Leah adds.

The opening date of the food hall is up in the air, but the Callahans are hoping for fall 2022. Keep an eye on the 14 Mill Market website for updates on vendors and more.

14 Mill Market (coming soon), 203 E. Mount Vernon St., Nixa, Missouri, 14millmarket.com

14 Mill Market Coming to Nixa, Missouri

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Rich and Leah Callahan will open 14 Mill Market in May. The Nixa food hall is the first of its kind in Southwest Missouri. (Photo: Juliana Goodwin)

Something big is coming to Nixa — a modern concept replacing a historic feed mill.

14 Mill Market is a $3.7 million food hall and entertainment venue, slated to open in May.

Owners Leah and Rich Callahan are establishing the first food hall in southwest Missouri and it’s sizeable, with 12,000 square feet inside and an additional 2,000-square-foot covered patio.

“This will be a family-friendly place where people can hang out, eat, drink, and play,” Leah said.

There’s a 5,000-square-foot outdoor area with artificial turf on the north side of the property. They will have cornhole and bocce ball, sell drinks out of a vintage camper and a shipping container will transform into a live music venue.

What is a Food Hall?

Food halls are popular in Europe and larger U.S. cities. The Callahans discovered the idea on a spontaneous trip to Tulsa, where they popped into Mother Road Market.“We immediately fell in love with the concept. We love that it offered so many opportunities for people to eat,” Leah said.

Food halls differ from a food courts in that the restaurants are local, and chef-focused and the hall is its own attraction.

10 unique food concepts under one roof

14 Mill Market property dates back to 1839

Callahans have invested in the Nixa community

Nixa couple plans $3.7M food hall, entertainment venue

14 Mill Market is slated for fall 2022 launch ﻿

Nixa JTSD Students Inspired by 14 Mill Market

Nixa breaks ground on 14 Mill Market, large food hall and concert venue planned

14 Mill Market, a new food hall, is coming to Nixa

14 Mill Market is slated for fall 2022 launch