Business news in brief

Bigger Sonic opens in May in Springdale

The Springdale Sonic on Thompson Street will soon be larger.

The Esch Group, local franchisees, is building a larger building next door at 1306 S. Thompson St. that will have a drive-thru window, digital menus and an upgraded wireless communication system for ordering.

The new site is set to open May 11 or 12 and includes 10 additional employees.

Rehab center expansion near completion

Leaders of HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner with Washington Regional, expect its expansion project in Fayetteville be completed in September.

The 9,250-square-foot inpatient expansion includes 20 private patient rooms, taking the total to 60 inpatient beds. The project also includes a patient day room and expansions of the dining room and parking lot.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital holds disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission for its stroke, hip fracture and Parkinson's disease rehabilitation.

Jack Mitchell is CEO of HealthSouth Fayetteville.

Springdale paint-and-sip venue to open

A new paint-and-sip venue is opening in Springdale. Pinot's Palette will offer its first class at 7 p.m. Thursday at 5320 W. Sunset Ave., Suite 171.

The franchise is owned by Shannah and James Wilcox and features a bar selling wine, beer, soda, water and coffee.

Customers attend a no-experience-required art class that includes all supplies and is taught by local artists. Each class features a different subject matter. The April 30 class is titled "Chevron Chic." Other scheduled classes are "Whimsical Fall," "Wild Wine Night," and "A Day at the Dunes."

The company has more than 100 locations in 32 states and Canada.

Class information and registration is online at pinotspalette.com/springdale.

NWA companies on bicycle-friendly list

The League of American Bicyclists' list of 161 awardees in its Bicycle Friendly Business program included several Northwest Arkansas companies. The group released its list, which includes governmental entities, on Earth Day.

Bicycle-friendly businesses encourage a more bicycle-friendly atmosphere for employees and customers and attract and retain energized, alert and productive employees while decreasing health care costs, according to a news release.

Wal-Mart's Bentonville headquarters received a Gold award for the first time. David Hoke, the retailer's senior director of associate health and well-being, said the company has a bike-share program and more than 8 miles of trails surrounding the home office campus.

Other companies earning Gold recognition were: Crown Barbershop Inc., Garver, and the Viridian Northwest Arkansas Regional office, all in Fayetteville.

The nonprofit group Bike City of Fayetteville earned Silver recognition. Silver honors also went to: Highroller Cyclery in Fayetteville and Rogers; the city of Fayetteville; Fayetteville Public Library; and Maurice Jenning + Walter Jenning Architects PLLC of Fayetteville.

Briefs are for businesses in Northwest Arkansas that are new, have moved or closed, opened a new branch, changed owners or have been honored by an independent organization. Email items to cswanson@nwaonline.com. Information will be published as space allows.

SundayMonday Business on 04/26/2015

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