When Connie Newton got tired of renting space or jumping from salon to salon to find work, she decided it was time to open her own business.

Newton opened Tresorly Salon and Spa on Nov. 1 in the Pavilion West Shopping Center at West and Bullard avenues in northwest Fresno.

The 2,266-square-foot salon has 12 hair dressers, four manicurists, an aesthetician and a massage therapist.

Newton, who has 35 years of experience cutting hair, didn't expect to be embarking on a new business venture in today's economy. But there are people out there with experience who need jobs, Newton said.

"I wanted to give hairdressers a chance to make a living," Newton said. "I know it was the right thing to do because I totally filled up my salon."

The salon is typically open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, but hours vary among each stylist, Newton said.

Kids eat free

Taking the kids out to dinner just got a little less expensive, thanks to entrepreneur Chris Jones.

Jones is the creator of KiddiePass, a yearly membership card that gives families with children under 12 a free kid's meal at participating restaurants, as long as Mom or Dad buy a regularly priced entree. The KiddiePass card also is valid for a free admission to places such as Blackbeard's or to a Fresno Monsters hockey game.

KiddiePass membership costs $39 for one child, $59 for two children and $79 for three children. And card holders can use the card as many times as they like.

Jones, who just launched the KiddiePass card last week, has nearly 20 vendors, including Cool Hand Luke's, Logan's Roadhouse and Qdoba Mexican Grill. And the list is growing.

"The restaurants really like it because it helps build customer loyalty," Jones said. "And parents can save money when they use the card."

Jones said studies show that 58% of families eat out three or more times a month and 70% dine out at least once a month.

Using the KiddiePass, Jones estimates that families can save up to $246 a year for just one child. For more information about KiddiePass, go to kiddiepass.com.

Kelley's Pets grows

A longtime family-owned pet store in Fresno has expanded to Clovis.

Kelley's Pets opened a 2,600-square-foot store Dec. 2 in the old B. Dalton bookstore in the Village Square shopping center on Shaw Avenue.

Pet lovers can buy food for their dogs, cats, small animals or birds. The store also provides over-the-counter pet vaccines and pet accessories.

"People have been talking to us about the need for a locally owned, family-run business on this side of town," said Cameron Kelley, whose father Kevin Kelley Sr. started the business 34 years ago. "We just kind of feel like it's underserved as far as the independent family market goes for pets."

The expansion wasn't planned, but when a good deal on the new location came up, Cameron Kelley said, they decided to pull the trigger. There's always a risk to making a big change in this weak economy, but business has been pretty decent and the opportunity presented itself, he said.

The Clovis store and the original store, at 1382 N. Cedar Ave., are open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.