Integrated Media Group expands in Old Town

WICHITA — Thanks to tax credits and a new venture for the company, Integrated Media Group in Old Town is growing.

“We’re developing a new industry in Wichita,” says CEO Jason Opat.

His media development company, which used to focus on doing graphics for films, is now concentrating on autonomous sales kiosks, which feature gesture technology.

The Wichita Eagle profiled the technology, which consists of controlling images and data with hand gestures rather than keyboards, in a Jan. 31 story.

“Nobody’s figured out a way to commercialize it,” Opat says. “I want Kansas to be first with it.”

New investors are helping make that possible.

Opat had several individuals interested in investing, and some end-of-the-year state tax credits that allow about a 45 percent tax credit on investments got them on board.

“That triggered a whole series of events for us,” Opat says.

IMG recently expanded its space at 143 N. Rock Island and may soon need a new building.

“We’re contemplating the next growth,” Opat says.

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You don’t say

“Another snow day for the kids… reason enough to head to work early!”

— A Monday morning Facebook entry by Jane Deterding of Citizens Bank of Kansas

Lee’s Bike Shop to open at Auburn Pointe

WICHITA — Lee Engler has been a bike fanatic for a long time, and now he’s making his hobby his business.

Engler, a former landscape architect for WDM Architects, is opening Lee’s Bike Shop at 135th West and Maple.

That’s at Auburn Pointe, an Occidental Management property.

“It’s a really good location because of the neighborhood that’s there,” Engler says.

It’s also close to a lot of bike paths, he says.

Plus, Engler says, there’s not another specialty bike shop west of Interstate 235.

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Sabor Latin Bar & Grille closes at the Waterfront

– Despite numerous protestations that it wouldn’t happen, the east-side Sabor Latin Bar & Grille has closed.

When first contacted late last year about whether the restaurant was closing, owner Melad Stephan had a good laugh over how rumors get started.

Then last month, Sabor district executive chef Jason-Paul Febres said those rumors would disappear for good with some changes that were coming to the restaurant.

But Saturday was its last day in business.

“I just got fed up with it, not having the sales,” Stephan says. “It’s cheaper right now for me to shut it.”

He has five years left on his lease.

“I need to visit with my partners about it to see what we might want to do.”

Selling is an option.

“I’m willing to entertain an offer,” Stephan says. “I’m willing to walk away.”

He’s also considering bringing a franchise to the space.

The fondue restaurant the Melting Pot is his most likely choice.

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Playa Azul to open in the former El Torero space in Derby

WICHITA — When last we checked with Victor Camarena, the manager of the Old Town Playa Azul explained that the chain would open its second Wichita restaurant in the former Ajuua space at 360 N. Rock Road.

Now, he says, Playa Azul is opening in Derby in the former El Torero space at 311 N. Baltimore.

“People from Derby, they were asking for a place like Playa Azul,” Camarena says.

A lot of his Wichita diners come from Derby and requested that he bring Playa Azul to the city.

“So we decided to try,” Camarena says.

The chain also has restaurants in Augusta, El Dorado, Hutchinson, Great Bend and Pratt. There also are two Playa Azuls in Oklahoma.

More likely will follow.

“I want to be done with Derby for now, and then let’s see.”

Tweet of the week

“I think the staff wants me to go home!”

— A tweet on Twitter from attorney Mel Gregory (@jhawkguy) about how he was loudly rocking to Billy Idol in his office this week

Marie’s Bakery for Calorie Counters to open at Twin Lakes

WICHITA — The idea of a bakery serving almost exclusively healthy food might seem like a contradiction, but Lola Hunt says it’s possible.

She’s opening Marie’s Bakery for Calorie Counters next month in Twin Lakes at 21st and Amidon.

“What I’m trying to focus on is healthy eating,” Hunt says.

She says she’ll still have tasty pies, cakes and cookies, but she’ll find substitutions for eggs and sugar or else use smaller amounts when baking.

A dietitian is consulting on her menu.

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Smashburger still working on west-side site

WICHITA — The new Five Guys Hamburgers and Fries — along with every other west-side burger place — should have some competition from Smashburger by the end of the year.

President Scott Crane hopes to open a west-side Smashburger this year, though he doesn’t have a site yet.

“I’ve been dickering with a couple of landlords . . . but the price is just not where I need it to be.”

Crane says the company is in a rapid expansion mode.

It opened a second Phoenix Smashburger this week along with a seventh one in Houston.

And Feb. 17th, Nos. 49 and 50 open in Minneapolis (the seventh there) and Dayton, Ohio (the second there).

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You don’t say

“I promise I’m more creative than my name.”

Sharon Durmaskin who recently started Durmaskin Communications

Doug Malone and Leisa Lowry of J.P. Weigand & Sons to handle leasing for Brittany, Normandie centers

dougleisaWICHITA — RP Realty Partners has hired commercial brokers Doug Malone and Leisa Lowry to handle leasing at Brittany Center at 21st and Woodlawn and Normandie Center at Central and Woodlawn.

The brokers, who are with J.P. Weigand & Sons, will work closely with Debbie McNeal, who manages the centers.

With Malone and Lowry focusing on leasing, they say McNeal will be able to concentrate on property management.

“‘Those two properties have really stood the test of time over the years,” Malone says.

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