Why I Chose to Launch My Business in Joplin, MO
As Joplin, MO, continues to grow, new and current residents are leveraging local resources, support and the city’s affordability to launch thriving businesses. Local restaurateur Daniel Campbell knows first-hand the success one can find in Joplin. After years of running restaurants and food trucks in Maui, Hawaii, Campbell brought his culinary vision to Joplin, launching Hungry Monkey Island Style Eats, which serves Hawaiian fusion fare, and Queen’s Bee Coffee & Creperie, which has been a great addition to the city’s café options.
Campbell shares what drew him to Joplin, MO, how he went about building his businesses and what makes this city a prime destination for those with bold ideas and big dreams.
What led you to Joplin?
I’d been in Maui for over a decade running restaurants and food trucks, and I was ready to slow down. I visited family in Joplin growing up during the summers. After selling everything in Hawaii, I came to reconnect with my family and take a break. I didn’t plan on staying long at first, but once I was here, I saw the opportunity and charm of the area. That’s when I decided to open something new and start the next chapter.
Why did Joplin, MO, stand out as a place to build a new business?
It’s centrally located, so it’s easy to travel and explore the rest of the country. It’s also more affordable, and the pace of life is slower than the West Coast or Hawaii. What stood out most was the community. Joplin has that old-school, downtown charm, and people are genuinely supportive. You don’t find that everywhere. Once I saw that, I knew I could create something here, and the timing felt right.
How did you test the waters to determine what food concept would work here?
I didn’t assume anything; I went straight to the community. I posted a few different ideas on Facebook. One was a 1920s gangster-themed sandwich and burger joint, and another was healthy poke bowls. That second idea took off. I also noticed quite a few people here with connections to the islands, and Hawaiian food sparked much interest. I already had the recipes and menus in my head from my time in Maui, so I just went for it. That’s how Hungry Monkey Island Style Eats was born.
What put Hungry Monkey on the map?
About six months after opening, I got a call from a producer with Food Network. I had no idea how they found us, but they wanted to feature Hungry Monkey on Best Bite In Town, a spinoff of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. They filmed an episode that included us and five other Joplin restaurants. We got about 15 minutes of airtime, and it made a huge difference – more visibility, more customers and a real sense that we were doing something special.
How did your second Joplin, MO, business – Queen’s Bee Coffee & Creperie – come about?
The owner of a retail space reached out and asked if I wanted to do something in their store. I didn’t want to just open another coffee shop; I wanted to offer something different. I’ve always liked bold, flavorful coffee, and I realized Joplin didn’t have crepes at all. So, I decided to create a café that would bring something new to the table. It’s been gaining momentum ever since.
You’ve built two successful businesses in Joplin, MO, in a short time. What’s the secret to getting traction in a new city?
Get involved. Joplin isn’t a place to open your doors and hope people attend. You’ve got to be part of the community – join the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, go to local events, work with alliances trying to grow the city. In Maui, it was more “every man for himself.” Here, people help one another. That makes a huge difference. Social media also plays a significant role. Facebook is incredibly active. People share your posts, recommend you in local groups, and news spreads fast. Plus, local media is very supportive of small businesses. That exposure matters.
What should someone thinking about launching a business in Joplin know?
Joplin is full of potential. Compared to other cities this size, it’s still developing, which means there’s room for new ideas. If someone comes in with a fresh concept and sticks with it, the community will support it. But you must brand yourself. Figure out what makes your business unique, spotlight it and don’t waver. You’ll face setbacks. You might not make much at first, but if you stay true to your brand and keep showing up, you’ll build something that lasts.
When you’re not in the kitchen, what are you doing in Joplin?
I love being outdoors. Within 30 to 60 minutes of Joplin, you’ve got great hiking, lakes and places to explore. The city has the population to support business, but it doesn’t feel crowded; it’s more like a big country town. If you enjoy a slower pace and a little adventure, it’s a great place to be.
What’s next for your Joplin, MO, businesses?
Right now, I’m looking at expansion opportunities in Arkansas, but Joplin is the foundation. This is where it started, and I’m excited to keep growing with the community.
This article is sponsored by Choose Joplin, which is actively supported by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin.