AUXVASSE - It only opened in December, but Auxvasse's newest bar and restaurant already has a few regulars.
When the lights switch on at 6 a.m., coffee drinkers file in to enjoy a cup and a conversation at Bull Shooters. Later, others will come in for lunch. In the afternoon, customers can grab a drink at the bar. Then there's dinner and, on Saturdays, karaoke or live music.
The new business, located at 1300 N. Main St., held a grand opening Dec. 19.
Longtime friends and Auxvasse residents Randy McMorris and Tonya Clayton are the owners.
"It all came together like it was meant to be," Clayton said.
On the menu are hamburgers and cheeseburgers, including one that's sandwiched by two grilled cheeses. Clayton recalls working on the business with McMorris and coming up with the name "Bull Shooters" at 3 a.m. one morning.
"It's something that I always wanted to do," Clayton said, though it was only recently the dream became a reality.
After McMorris came to Clayton with the idea for the business, it took a couple of months to put everything together and to renovate the building.
Clayton said the community has been supportive of the business, and many heard about it through word of mouth before it opened.
"We just appreciate everyone's support," Clayton said. "Everybody has been very excited about the opening."
Customers have already come out from around Callaway County and other Mid-Missouri communities, she said.
"We were excited to be able to offer a place where they can hang out and have a few beers and play darts and eat," Clayton said. "We want people in our community to be happy and to have a good place to go."
The business is open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m.-1:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday.