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  Carrie Rengers  

Genghis Grill at Douglas, Rock site

There's been a lot of speculation about what may go in the former Bennigan's space at 116 S. Rock Road, and there have been a lot of guesses as to where the new Genghis Grill might go.

Looks like the news is one and the same.

Sources say Terry Newman and Frank Carney have at least a verbal agreement with Max Cole to lease space at the former Bennigan's for their new Mongolian grill.

Other restaurants, like Red Lobster and McDonald's, were interested in the space, too. And there were some other kinds of businesses as well.

It sounds like the Genghis owners will significantly remodel the Bennigan's space and make additions such as floor-to-ceiling windows.

No one is talking about the deal yet, but look for it to close soon.

Expansion mode

Hall's Culligan Water is expanding -- again.

This time, C.R. Hall has purchased the Culligan franchise in Branson, Mo.

The 10-employee business was owned by a family for 40 years. It serves three counties and is the largest water treatment company in that area.

Hall now owns 18 Culligan franchises in 12 markets.

"We're working on buying more every day," he says. "We're planning to continue to grow."

He has new plans for his coffee business, too.

Last year, Hall bought Prestige Coffee/Coffee Time, the state's largest coffee service provider. The company had several coffee brands, including Prestige, Coffee Time and Riffel's Coffee.

Hall is rebranding that company with a new name and logo that he's unveiling Saturday at the company's annual meeting.

"It's a big deal," he says. "It's going to be pretty slick."

Look for news on the new name in this space next Sunday.

Spa treatment

Another medical spa is opening in Wichita, this time near the center of the city.

Midwest Medical Aesthetics Center is going to become part of Douglas Avenue Day Spa & Salon at 2812 E. Douglas.

Julye Timmons bought the day spa in July and now is partners with Kathleen Stegman, who has Midwest Medical Aesthetics Center in the Kansas City area.

In additional to traditional salon services, including manicures, pedicures and massages, the spa will now offer things like Botox injections and laser treatments.

Timmons and Stegman are aiming for an October open house.

You don't say

"It's funny watching people. They look like they got caught robbing a bank."

--Heroes Sports Bar & Grill general manager Darrin Hackney on the guilty looks people have now when they light up at the bar, which went smoke-free Tuesday

Got a hot tip or quirky story? Call Carrie Rengers at 316-268-6340 or e-mail crengers@wichitaeagle.com.