Downtown establishments remain open for business

Construction in Downtown Branson (Photo by George Kurland)

The merchants in downtown Branson remain open during the streetscape renovation that is occurring on Main Street.

The current phase of the streetscape project involves Main Street, from Business 65/Veterans Boulevard to Commercial Street. The project includes an overhaul of the roads and sidewalks, upgrades to the water main and storm sewers, better accessibility, new lighting and landscaping. Work is scheduled to continue on this block of Main Street through early June. Following completion on that block, work will begin on the stretch of Main Street that runs from Commercial Street to Sycamore.

According to a post on the City of Branson's website, the project is moving "full speed ahead."  

Many of the businesses in the area of downtown currently affected are struggling. There is confusion among locals and visitors alike on whether the shops and restaurants are open.

At this point, all of the businesses are open and would appreciate your support. While parking on parts of Main Street is unavailable, there is free parking along Commercial Street, which runs perpendicular to Main Street. There are parking spots on Main Street, east of Commercial. There is also a large lot for free parking located at the corner of Commercial Street and Atlantic Street.

All of the businesses we spoke to are struggling to keep afloat during the early part of the 2025 tourist season. Between battling noise, dust and other inconveniences caused by the renovations and the lack of customers in the downtown area, they are finding it hard to keep the doors open, but are remaining open for their loyal customers.

Two popular eateries — Farmhouse Restaurant and the Branson Cafe are affected by the street work. Located at 119 West Main Street, Farmhouse Restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. They are giving each guest a Come Back card, a loyalty card that offers a discount to returning guests. Prospective diners can also find a 10% discount for Farmhouse on most Branson maps.

The Branson Cafe remains open for breakfast and lunch, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Located at 120 West Main Street, Branson Cafe encourages customers to find parking on Commercial Street, or other nearby free parking areas, such as Pacific Street and the Liberty Plaza, just a short walk away. To encourage more business, Branson Cafe is beginning a unique promotion — a chance to win free cinnamon rolls for a year!  

"Each purchase between now and June 30 is an entry. No limit," said Branson Cafe's Brandi Beebe. "The winner will receive a voucher for 52 cinnamon rolls, with a maximum of 12 per month."

Naomi Minks operates Main Street Merchants and Boo Boo's Boba, at 113 West Main Street. According to Minks, business has been very slow due to the renovations. Like neighboring downtown establishments, Minks, a long-time Branson business owner, is doing her best to keep her shops open. Normal hours for Minks' shops are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but she is staying open longer during the renovation, until approximately 8 p.m., working diligently to serve her customers and hoping for an increase in business.   

"We're not some big corporation that can afford to shut down for this," said Minks. "Right now we're grateful for the days that we make $200 to $300 a day."

Downtown Casual Wear is also noticing a big decrease in business. "People drive close to the downtown area, and it looks like we're closed," explained the owner. "I walked around, and all of the stores are open. I wish the renovation would have been earlier this year. We're losing a lot of business." Located at 121 West Main, the shop is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. until at least 6 p.m.

Dick's 5 and 10, located at 103 West Main Street, has put together a unique promotion to encourage visitors to come to their shop and the downtown area.  

"During the downtown Streetscape renovation, we want to invite you to Dick's 5 and 10," said owner Steve Hartley. "Parking is available behind the store, and our front door is open. Each week we are giving away five $100 shopping sprees. Dick's 5 and 10 is here for you Monday through Saturday until 9 p.m.  But, remember, shipping is always available. Please join us and see if you are one of our shopping spree winners."

If you are a local resident, take time to go downtown to your favorite restaurants and visit the unique shops. If you work in any area of the Branson tourist industry, be sure to encourage visitors to our area to shop and dine downtown. The downtown businesses will appreciate your support.