Biz Buzz: Conn’s opens, Dee Dee’s replacement sought and ax throwing plans move

Conn’s HomePlus showroom is now open in Ocala.

The Texas-based specialty retailer of furniture, mattresses, home appliances and consumer electronics is located at Boyd Market Center at 2800 SW 24th Ave. 

The latest store is the seventh in Florida. The company has more than 150 stores in 15 states. The 34,000 square foot location in Ocala was previously a Stein Mart.

Conn’s offers flexible payment plans regardless of credit. The company offers in-house credit options, third-party financing programs and third-party lease-to-own payment plans, according to a press release.

For information visit http://www.conns.com.

City seeks new restaurant tenant

After 10 years at the historic Union Station, 531 NE 1st Ave., Dee Dee’s Diner closed in December. The City of Ocala recently issued a notice seeking a new tenant for the 1,900-square-foot location next to the Art Park and Tuscawilla Park.

The location is set up for a restaurant and comes with restaurant equipment, including a six-burner stove, fryer, refrigerator and tables and chairs. The lease includes 21 parking spaces at the facility, which also houses the Magnolia Art Exchange in a separate building and serves as the transfer station for SunTran, the city’s public transit system. The station was built in 1917 and has not hosted passenger service for years.

According to the request for bids, however, the restaurant developed a following with some CSX train crews.

“Occasionally, a northbound crew will call in an order when they’re 15-20 minutes south of town. The food is cooked, boxed and bagged by the time the train hits town. When the

crossing bells start ringing, staff grabs the food and heads outside. As the train crawls through the railroad crossing at walking speed, the staff hands the trainman the food and takes the money,” according to a description in the request.

The tenant would pay a flat rental fee, plus all other utilities and services.

For information about the bidding process, call (352) 629-8384 or (352) 629-8205.

Ax throwing spot plans move 

Ocala’s The Firehouse Urban Axe Throwing venue plans to move to a new location in the Paddock Mall.

Currently located at 1043 NE 14th St., the business applied for a building permit with the City of Ocala to renovate a storefront in the mall. The plan is to open the new location before the end of the year. 

Participants throw axes at wooden targets and score points for accuracy. The company hosts recreational players and sanctioned competitions as well as corporate and private parties.