- MF Creative Designs opened in mid-January in Richardson at 2051 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 102. The branding house is designed for events and corporations as a meeting and production space by appointment only. MF Creative Designs, which is owned and operated by principal designer Melanie Frazier, offers a variety of boutique and graphic design needs, according to its website. 214-412-1051. www.mfcreativedesigns.com
- Aloha Chicken and Shrimp opened in Richardson at the end of November at 581 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 127, next to the former space of I Love You A Latte coffee shop. Aloha serves a variety of Hawaiian-style rice dishes, including a surf-and-turf plate, a coconut shrimp plate and Spam musubi, which is a slice of marinated Spam in the eatery's seasoned rice that is wrapped into a sushi-like hand roll. The Richardson location—the second for the company outside of its Watauga restaurant—has an open-kitchen concept where guests can see their food being cooked. 972-504-5676. www.alohachickenandshrimp.com
- Modern Image Institute opened Jan. 17 in Richardson at 1300 E. Belt Line Road. Owner Albert Arias, a licensed barber who also operates two Modern Image Stylist locations in Garland and Mesquite, said students at the barber school will be taught theory and techniques in the classroom. From there, students will continue their training on the main salon floor's cutting stations. Graduates are given the ability to obtain their license and operate at the barbershop. 469-432-0286. www.modernimageco.com
- Kute Chill Corner opened Nov. 27 in Richardson at 1610 E. Belt Line Road. The Vietnamese restaurant offers a variety of Asian-fusion cuisine, including seafood and oysters. Kute Chill Corner also functions as a full-service bar and karaoke hangout with the ability to host private parties. 469-250-7100. www.facebook.com/people/Kute/100087708096137
- Twisted Grip Fitness opened a location in Richardson on Jan. 23. The pole dance fitness studio is located at 430 N. Coit Road, Ste. 300, Richardson. The fitness studio hosts pole dancing classes and private events designed as a high-aerobic workout. According to the company website, pole dancing fitness is designed to “tone and define abs, chest and back.” 214-600-8364. www.twistedgripfitness.com