A new ethnic grocery store is slated to open soon in Champaign's Campustown.

Mirch Masala ("mirch" means chili, and "masala" is a mix of spices), at 49-A E. Green St., C, will feature fresh and frozen foods from the Indian subcontinent.

It's located in a shopping plaza a block or so west of First Street.

"We're trying to cater not only to the local Indian population but to the broader community as well," said Manoj Shenoy, who is director of cardiovascular services at Carle Foundation Hospital.

He and his wife Rana Shenoy, along with Renita Pinto, a local real estate agent, are partners in the business. Pinto and Grant Cole will manage the store.

The store will feature food from countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The owners will bring in fresh Indian vegetables such as karela, okra and leafy greens twice a week from Chicago. And they will have frozen foods and a variety of snacks.

Indian spices, rice and a combination of fresh and frozen breads will also be for sale.

They chose the location in the shopping plaza, Shenoy said, because it was close to university students, faculty and staff, plus free parking is available in the center.

They plan to hire four to five employees for the store. They've also hired a university graphic design student to create a logo.

Last week they started moving equipment into the store. They're aiming for a clean, clutter-free space, Shenoy said.

The owners are hoping to open Memorial Day weekend, and they are planning to hold a 10-percent-off sale during their opening weekend.

Mirch Masala will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

The store's phone number has not been activated yet, but if customers have questions, they can call Pinto at 819-8321.

For the dogs

Is your pooch in need of some "me" time?

A new dog salon in Paxton now offers basic grooming services as well as perks for Fidos that have been especially good.

How about a blueberry facial or an aromatherapy session complete with lavender-scented shampoo and candles?

Husband and wife Justin and Courtney Bouse opened Designer Dog Salon at 205 E. Pells St., Paxton, last week.

They offer breed-specific cuts, summer shave-downs as well as bathing services, said Justin Bouse. They also cater to small as well as large dogs.

The Bouses currently offer grooming services; the spa services, such as the aromatherapy, will be available in a few weeks.

As for the blueberry facial, Bouse described it as "a creme rinse that hydrates the skin and can get rid of tear stains and stains around the mouth."

Prior to opening the salon, Courtney Bouse worked as a dog groomer for three years. Justin Bouse is a police officer in Rantoul. They own two mini schnauzers.

The salon is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, plus 8 a.m. to noon on two Saturdays per month. They can be reached at 379-3183.

New cab company

Next time you find yourself in Danville and without a ride, you have one more option: A-1 Cab Co.

The company, located at 540 E. Main St., opened May 1, said manager Mary Beth Tomlinson.

The business is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drivers can cover local or long-distance trips, such as Indianapolis. The company also offers package delivery.

The fleet includes minivans.

The company has eight drivers and five dispatchers, plus Tomlinson. It is owned by Kevin Gombert.

The company is not affiliated with A-1 Towing in Danville.

Eyeglasses, anyone?

Eyemart Express, the Appleton, Wis.-based chain of eyeglasses shops and optical labs, opened a new store in the Champaign-Urbana area.

It's located at 2515 N. Prospect Ave., C, in front of Meijer.

The store can be reached at 355-0354 or at www.eyemartexpress.com.

Are you opening a new business or changing an existing business? Christine des Garennes can be reached by phone at 351-5388 or 800-252-3346; by e-mail at cgarenne<@>news-gazette.com; or by regular mail at The News-Gazette, c/o It's Your Business column, P.O. Box 677, Champaign, IL 61824-0677.