"We want to keep Ernie Biggs alive": Owner talks future plans

SPRINGFIELD -- The former downtown Springfield attraction has eyes on the future as the owner is getting creative to keep the "Ernie Biggs" brand alive.

After closing its longtime location in downtown Springfield in January, Ernie Biggs is teaming up with The Riff at 1900 W. Sunset for a one-night show this Saturday, May 10. It is a one-night show, and not scheduled as a permanent partnership for now. However, it's a way for Ernie Biggs and co-owner Ryan Neas to try keeping the brand relevant in Springfield.

"Obviously, with the closure of downtown with Ernie Biggs, we wanted to keep Ernie Biggs alive and be able to bring it to a venue that I've loved for a long time," say Neas, who took over ownership in late 2023. He says some of his favorite memories are in the building that still sits unoccupied at 312 South Avenue. It was the home of Ernie Biggs for 22 years, and Neas says it is bringing back the familiar show people remember to the stage at The Riff.

"We want to continue the dueling pianos side of it that you had at the original location. You'll still be able to request your songs, and keep it rolling," says Neas. Since the closure of the downtown location, Ernie Biggs has taken its show on the road playing special events.

"We've got about 60 piano players that I have gotten to work with on our road shows, and when we had Ernie Biggs downtown as a whole," says Neas. "They really make it happen, and if you haven't been to a dueling pianos show, the talent. They aren't just playing the piano, they're working with whatever you give them. They're improvising, and they're making it fun for you."

Being graduation weekend for Missouri State University and Drury University, Neas says both he and the owners of The Riff are expecting a big crowd. Neas says he reached out to owners Cameron and Caleb Schwien earlier this year, interested in the location and venue being a good fit.

Cameron, 37, and Caleb, 32, are brothers who are about a year into ownership at Classic's Complex. The business brings The Riff, Classic Rock Coffee, and Classic's Yard all under one roof.

"We were more than grateful to partner up with him because it's a very recognizable name here in town," says Cameron. Younger brother Caleb says it's a fun new light for them to help another local business make a comeback. "Being born in Springfield, and (going to) Ernie Biggs, it's cool to now partner with them and bring it back to life."

It's an opportunity Neas says he is grateful for while Ernie Biggs figures some things out. When Ernie Biggs made the announcement that they were closing, owners cited financial issues. He says things have not been easy since the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's been a challenge since COVID. There's a lot of the downtown area - bars and businesses have been struggling to just really get back on their feet. And I know that's five years ago, but those have lasting effects. So just a shout out to downtown if you can support it," Neas explains.

We asked what it is about downtown that has made it more difficult to do business.

"Yeah, you know, there's there's some downtown challenges. You know, a lot of it is the location of it. Sometimes people, you know, they see a lack of parking, sometimes the 'riff raff' that people talk about," says Neas, referring to crime. "I think that is a little bit overexaggerated just in the media, to be honest, because, you know, I have been down there almost every other day for the last several years, and I feel fairly safe."

With several buildings in prime locations for sale along South Street and other parts of downtown, Neas says he hopes people will support whatever businesses are still there and any future ones. The Ernie Biggs building at 312 South Avenue is among those for sale/lease.

"I would love to keep the building, perhaps, but I'm not going to get too much into that. Who knows? You know, Ernie Biggs makes a comeback downtown," Neas says.

"I will confidently say Ernie Biggs isn't done around here. That's for sure."

The event this Saturday starts at 7:30 p.m. with tickets for sale here.