Fun Run Is Back Under New Ownership

The Lawrence family, Stacey (Davis) Lawrence and Taylor Lawrence, of Saint Joseph, Missouri have purchased Fun Run St. Joe. Fun Run had been in the Saint Joseph community for several years and was the go-to spot for kids under 12. In March 2021, Fun Run announced that they would be leaving their location due to Ideal St. Joe expanding their business. The news devastated kids in the area. The previous owners live and have business in the Kansas City area and decided to focus on expanding their Kansas City presence.

The Lawrence’s have always planned on having a business of some sort, and over the last 18 months had been looking into plans to start a business from scratch, but then this opportunity presented itself! In May 2021, the previous owners decided to post a Facebook post looking for someone to purchase, partner or manage Fun Run. Stacey and Taylor responded to their post in hopes that they could be the new owners. The previous owners, Jessica Stanley and Darin Miles, have been amazing to work with throughout this entire process. They have gone above and beyond to help secure a lease, vendors, employees, etc and have made themselves available for any guidance and support. We couldn’t have dreamt of better people to work with throughout this process! We are forever grateful for the opportunity and are excited to keep Fun Run in St. Joe for years to come!

Taylor is not the only Lawrence in his family to own/operate a business in the community. Taylor’s late grandfather owned/operated the Lawrence Amoco Service Station until his passing, where Taylor’s father, Dan Lawrence, took ownership and continued operating the beloved station until his own passing. Taylor’s brother Tim Lawrence currently co-owns and operates The Muny Inn, a local bar, in Saint Joseph, and has for over 15 years. Taylor’s oldest brother Toby Lawrence has been part of a few different businesses in the community as well. The Lawrence’s are dedicated to the community and love the opportunity to invest in the city.

The Lawrence Family is excited to bring Fun Run back to the community, and it will be better than ever! Fun Run’s new location will be 3702 Frederick Ave, in the former Charming Charlie’s location at The East Hills Shopping Mall. East Hills Mall Management team has been wonderful, and the Lawrence’s are ready to get started!

Stacey’s desire to open a business started in high school, when she was involved in DECA and took a business class at Lafayette High School, taught by Lisa Miller, who along with her daughter Mandy, started an amazing and successful Gymnastics and Cheer Academy (MEGA) in town, where Stacey and Taylor’s daughter, Harper, is on their competitive gymnastics team. Another St. Joe native, Lacey (Wible) Schimming who was on Stacey’s DECA team, successfully owns and operates a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory in Huntington Beach, California. Another inspiration has been Erica (Garrison) Walker who owns and operates The Comfort Center. Seeing people, we grew up with successfully owning/operating businesses has inspired us to try for ourselves!

Stacey never thought she would meet and work with the person whose name (Steven Craig, Owner of East Hills Mall) is on her college diploma; class of 2010 Missouri Western Craig School of business. It is crazy how all this works out and is awesome to see the dedication Steve has on investing and improving the community.

We are forever grateful for the opportunity and the love and support of the community thus far! We are excited to keep Fun Run in St. Joe for years to come!