Courtesy Chick'nCone
As the restaurant industry slowly emerges from the pandemic, there are still plenty of folks who are game to take the plunge and open the doors to a new culinary endeavor.
The first area location of chicken chain Chick’n Cone will be coming soon to the long-vacant space at 15 N. Euclid in the Central West End. It’s a straightforward concept, with tender chicken that's fried, tossed in sauce, and served in a waffle cone for ultimate portability. Owner/operator Matt Halambeck says he’s essentially continuing the ice cream cone tradition that began in St. Louis at the 1904 World's Fair—just with a meaty twist. Halembeck, who has extensive restaurant experience with Taco John’s and Bennigan’s, says he’s in the permit phase right now, and though there are “still some hurdles to jump,” he’s aiming for a June 5 opening date. Chick’n Cone will have indoor and outdoor seating, along with delivery options.
Your Place Diner, located at 5510 Virginia (in the former home of Iron Barley, which moved to High Ridge in 2017) is expected to open by July 4, according to owner Dwayne Nelson. The diner will feature burgers, fries, and barbecue. As Nelson observes, “The neighborhood seems to miss the old Iron Barley, barbecue they used to have smoking in the back.” He hopes to create a welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of family Thanksgiving dinners.
Artwork by Kevin Belford
According to its Facebook page, Chatawa and Grand Pied are a bar and sister restaurant that aim to honor the cuisine and drinks of St. Louis, Memphis, and NOLA. The former (pronounced CHAT-uh-wah) takes its name from the creature that allegedly roamed the woods and swamps around Chatawa, Mississippi. The new dining and drinking establishment will be situated in the former Local Harvest Cafe/Seed Sprout Spoon space, at 3137 Morganford. The menu will include "housemade specialties with an emphasis on mid-South dishes" and Sunday brunch. The restaurant and bar are slated to open in mid-summer, with initial hours from 3–10 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday.