The 2015–16 school year was one for the books (er, newspapers?) for new shops and restaurants opening in Columbia. Grilled cheese out of a truck, crystals that heal and even more great pizza are just a few aspects of the many new businesses giving Columbians greater options for a trip through town. We’ve picked out a few that deserve to be in the limelight.
Without further ado, here are MOVE’s picks for this year’s best new businesses:
**Breakout CoMo**
This real-life escape gaming center is set to open on Eighth Street this month. Players will have the chance to solve various puzzles in one of four escape rooms. In the Y2K room, you have 60 minutes to stop a deadly computer virus from wiping out all of mankind. Do you have what it takes to save the world?
The maximum number of participants varies by room, though the minimum number is four. Participants may join other groups or reserve a room for things like birthday parties or corporate events. Each game costs $28 per person for a one-hour session.
**The Big Cheeze**
This deliciously cheesy food truck opened last fall, and its name sports a “z” in honor of Mizzou. The truck’s location changes daily and is usually open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The eatery also serves the late-night crowd at times.
The menu is enough to melt any cheeze-lover’s heart. A couple drool-worthy options are the Pig Mac (a grilled swiss and pepperjack sandwich topped with hickory smoked pork and caramelized onions) and The Smore (freshly baked bread grilled with Nutella, marshmallow fluff and graham cracker crumbs). The Big Cheeze also uses fresh bread from Uprise Bakery every morning.
**44 Canteen**
New to The District as of late last summer, 44 Canteen is the sassy little sister of 44 Stone, a fancy-pants (and delicious) British-inspired restaurant in south Columbia. This casual eatery has a style similar to that of a Spanish cantina, though the menu offers everything from Mediterranean to Asian to American cuisine.
The menu’s house favorite is the Cali Steak Torta: a carne asada-marinated sirloin with salsa fresca, chihuahua cheese, avocado and lime aioli sauce. The Sunday brunch, worldly burgers and signature drinks are enough to make this new restaurant a Ninth Street staple.
**Heart, Body, & Soul**
Sitting in the middle of West Worley Street, this metaphysical store offers more than the products on their shelves. At Heart, Body, & Soul, customers can partake in a wide variety of classes and events, ranging from Tarot readings to classes on Tai Chi, yoga and essential oils.
In the main part of the store, customers can find a large collection of crystals and other products centered on spiritual journeys. This spiritual store welcomes diversity and conversation, offering an outlet for those discovering their own beliefs and curious about others.
**West Main Pizza2**
The glory of CoMo lies in its pizza. West Main Pizza2, downtown’s newest pizza restaurant, opened in early March at 923 E. Broadway. Hailing from Jefferson City, West Main brings casual vibes and good, cheap food to its second location.
The kitchen centers on a craft-your-own menu, and all pizzas and salads are $9 (no matter how many toppings you order). The shop is known for their homemade crust, a family recipe made in-house.
**The takeaway**
So, there you have it. From snacks to stuff to more snacks, the streets of CoMo have gotten more rave-worthy by the day.
It’s been a pleasure doing business with you, Columbia.
