In this episode, we sit down with Steve Belden, Operating Partner at AMP Recreation LLC, and Gabby Kuehnel, Events Manager at the Sunshine Event Center, to talk about what’s being built right in the heart of Springfield. From food and beverage to entertainment and large-scale event experiences, this conversation dives into the vision behind the Plaza Towers area.
We cover Steve’s journey from New York’s restaurant scene to leading multi-state operations and now helping shape a growing hospitality hub in Southwest Missouri. We also break down what’s coming next — Scratch & Co., a new sports bar, a comedy club, and the bigger vision of creating a true entertainment district at Sunshine and Glenstone. Plus, Gabby shares how events come together behind the scenes and why the experience matters just as much as the venue.
This episode is part of the Ozarks Experience series — long-form conversations focused on the people behind the work shaping the Ozarks.