Lesters on Course With New Family Entertainment Option
by July 12, 2010 12:00 am 180 views
Golf Mountain
Owners: David and Cindy Lester
Address: 1115 S. Dixieland Road, Lowell
Phone: NA
E-mail: [email protected]
Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily
Web site: www.golf-mountain.net
Startup date: August
David and Cindy Lester didn’t have to look far when they decided to take the plunge and become business owners.
Inspired by the longtime success David Lester’s uncle, Jimmy, has enjoyed owning and operating Fayetteville’s Gator Golf, the Lesters decided to open a similar operation in Benton County. Thus, Golf Mountain was born.
“It just made sense,” David Lester said. “He’s done it for years, I’ve watched him for years, and I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I thought this would be a fun way to do that.”
Golf Mountain is expected to open by Aug. 1. Hours of operation and prices remain tentative, but the Lesters said the current plan is to be open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Prices are $6.50 and $7.50 per 18 holes, depending on age. Both 18-hole courses can be played for $12.50.
The course, which also will feature two practice greens, concession stand, restrooms and a pavilion for birthday parties and other group events, is part of 3 acres next door to Fast Lane Entertainment in Lowell.
“I think we’re going to be good neighbors,” David Lester said.
The handicap-accessible courses were constructed by Harris Miniature Golf Courses Inc. of Wildwood, N.J., a company Lester said builds about 30 such courses per year worldwide. There are water features on about half of the holes, tons of natural stone in place, and plans for lush landscaping.
“Our dream would be to think of it as miniature golf meets a botanical garden,” Cindy Lester said.
Golf Mountain’s Web site remains a work in progress, but Lester said interested parties can check the company’s Facebook page for updates, special offers, etc.
Small Business Index Shows Another Increase
Small business employment grew by 0.09 percent in June, equating to a 1.10 percent annual growth rate, according to the latest Intuit Inc. Small Business Employment Index.
The index is based on aggregate and anonymous online employment data. The data comes from about 57,000 small business employers, each with less than 20 employees.
June’s numbers translate to about 18,000 new jobs and a revised estimate of 330,000 total new jobs since October 2009. Still, the news was somewhat tempered.
“Employment rose, but the rise was at a slower rate for June than for previous months,” said Susan Woodward, an economist who helped create the index. “At this point in a recovery, the labor market is still sufficiently slack so small businesses should still be hiring vigorously. They are hiring, but not as fast as in the first quarter.”
Submit tips about new businesses in Northwest Arkansas to Rob Keys at [email protected] or 479-725-0394, ext. 323.