Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1340134
By randy rice McDonald County Directory Launching a small business can be hard enough without doing it weeks before the start of a pandemic. But Amanda and Scott Roberts did just that when they opened Mustang Bistro coffeehouse in Anderson in February of 2020. e good news is, they have not only survived, they've thrived. Beyond their delicious coffee drinks and great service, Amanda is quick to credit the community for their success as well. "Six weeks into us opening, the shutdown order came down and we could only have our drive-thru service open," Amanda explained. "But I actually think we were busier during lockdown then before. And we know the reason was that the people in the community didn't want to see us go under, so they came out and supported us. ere are just a lot of really good people here. Good friends who are willing to be there for you when you need them." Mustang Bistro offers a full line of lattes, mochas, frappes, and specialty drinks. ey have an expresso machine and can make all of the drinks associated with that. ey also offer a simple breakfast and lunch menu, which includes sandwiches and baked goods. But they like having the coffees being the front and center focus. Amanda and Scott chose to open a coffeehouse in Anderson for the most basic of reasons "We didn't have a coffeehouse here and we had to drive either to Neosho or Bella Vista for any sort of coffee beyond what you can get at a gas station," Amanda said. "ere was not anything here like Mustang Bistro and Scott was looking for a change of pace in his job." Amanda is a hometown Anderson native and her husband Scott grew up in Arkansas. Amanda works for Jack Henry, a banking soware company and Scott was a salesman for a John Deere dealership. "We chose to call the coffeehouse Mustang Bistro because we know the community really rallies around the high school team," Amanda said. "We also have two daughters in the high school right now, Melanie, a junior and Natalie a freshman. We just thought it was a great way to be involved with the community and show our support. And we opened this business to serve the community so it just made sense to express that in the name." It's been a successful year for Amanda and Scott and a year of growth. "It's been a real learning experience, for sure," Amanda continued. "We've changed a lot of things since we opened. But it's all good, just some things are a little different than what we expected. For one, we have a lot more regulars who come every day than we thought we would. Instead of random people passing through. We know what people like and what they are going to order. We see someone in line and say. 'oh, they want a skinny vanilla latte'. at kind of took us by surprise just how many regulars we have. And we really like that a lot." Amanda looks forward to things getting more normal aer Covid. But their idea to bring a coffeehouse to Anderson proved to be a good one. And this family owned and run business is off to a great start. Be sure to stop by and check out the delectable assortment of coffee beverages at the Mustang Bistro in Anderson. Mustang Bistro celebrates a successful first year in business Anderson Mustang Bistro 216 MO-59, Anderson, MO Hours: Monday thru Thursday 6:30 a�m� to 2:00 p�m�, Friday 6:30 a�m� to 4:00 p�m�, Saturday 7:30 a�m� to 1:00 p�m�, closed Sunday� 417-845-3858 14 | McDonald county Directory Country YOUR FRIENDLY HOMETOWN SUPERMARKET MARKET GAS GROCERIES FRESH DELI 417-223-4689 STORE HOURS: 6:00am - 9:00pm Every Day Hwy 71 South • Pineville, Missouri We're your Shield. We're your Shelter. AUTO • HOME • LIFE ® Danita Keaton 707 N Hwy 71B PO Box 478 Anderson, MO 64831 417-845-6211 DKeaton@ShelterInsurance.com