[May 19, 2013] Biz Beat: Mike's ready for more grilling in Modesto Tweet MODESTO, May 19, 2013 (The Modesto Bee - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- One thing that's happened since I started writing this column is I get a number of calls and emails each week with questions, comments or tips. I very much appreciate that, by the way -- keep 'em coming. Far and away, the question I have had most has to do with Mike Nelson and when he will open his new restaurant. Nelson operated Mike's Roadhouse for 15 years on Dale Road before selling it late last year to brothers John and Bobby Ismail, who run Uno Chicago Grill and Papa John's Pizza franchises. Nelson closed the Roadhouse earlier this year, with plans to open a new restaurant in north Modesto. I haven't been able to reach Nelson in person, but a check of Facebook and the city of Modesto building permits shows that plans for Mike's Grillhouse are well under way. "Look north," Nelson advises on the Mike's Roadhouse Facebook page. "Mike's Grillhouse. ... opening July 2013 in front of Lowe's on Pelandale." Meanwhile, at the old Mike's site on Dale, a source (thanks, Mark Vasche!) tells me that work is under way on a new Papa John's there, as well as another one on Oakdale Road near Floyd Avenue. Elsewhere around the Business Beat: If you need security for a wedding or special event or for a troublesome employee you have to fire, Joe Luke wants to help. Luke, who has a background in law enforcement and the military, opened up a guardNOW franchise in Century Center. "I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and enjoy giving back to the community," Luke said in a news release. "guardNOW's model and business standards coupled with my expertise in safety and crime prevention make it the perfect fit." Contact Luke at 2401 E. Orangeburg Ave., No. 675, Modesto or call (877) 482-7366. And finally, a small plug for a business particularly close to my heart -- the one that produces this newspaper. Next week is our annual Kids' Day event, a fund-raiser for The Salvation Army. Come Tuesday, I and many of my colleagues, as well as Salvation Army representatives and volunteers, will be on the streets, selling special editions of The Bee for $1. Proceeds go to the Red Shield Center, which provides activities and services for low-income children. Starting at the crack of dawn, I'll be down at Five Points in Modesto; feel free to drop by with a news tip, or just to say hello. And please bring your dollar. Have an item for Business Beat Contact Patty Guerra at The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; (209) 578-2343; or [email protected]. ___ (c)2013 The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.) Visit The Modesto Bee (Modesto, Calif.) at www.modbee.com Distributed by MCT Information Services [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]