Return of college students impacting Springfield businesses

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The return of college students to Springfield typically means big business for local restaurants and bars.

Co-owner of Billiards, Richard Vance, says business is gradually picking back up as students arrive in town.

"We get a fresh new group that comes in here that want to come hang out in a social atmosphere," Vance said. "Whether they want to come in and go to our patio, go shoot pool, or just go see friends. We've got the atmosphere that they can just be here."

He adds it's simply all about offering a place for everyone to wind down from the stresses of everyday life, especially since you do not have to be 21+ to enjoy his establishment.

Stella Eremita just moved to Springfield and will be starting at Missouri State University as a sophomore this year. She decided to pick up a serving job at Billiards, and says having businesses close to campus brings a sense of community.

"The whole community can come together and you can meet people," Eremita said. "I think it's fun to find new friends around and I mean, I just met new people today."

Vance says Billiards will be offering specials during MSU football game days.