The largescale redevelopment of the two-block stretch of Locust from Jefferson to Leffingwell will get a bit livelier in the coming months as five new restaurant and entertainment businesses have now signed on to the project.
In a press release provided to CityScene STL by Jassen Johnson of Tower Real estate Group, the developer of JCMidtown, the following businesses have been added to the tenant lineup and are expected to open between July and September of this year...
Videria Wine Shop & Bar (2700 Locust Rear)
Kain Tayo: Philippine Restaurant (2700 Locust Middle)
Anita Cafe and Bar (2700 Locust)
Nexus Cultural Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails (2704 Locust)
Rick's & Rick's Rooftop (2639 Locust)
Videria Wine Shop & Bar is a concept by Mykel McIntosh that embodies the energy of St. Louis with a laid-back atmosphere. They sell local cheese, meats, and wines sourced by local vendors. Here, guests will be able to browse, taste, and shop within the business and take home some cheeses and wines. This business will open on the alley and Beaumont Street side of the 2700 Locust Street building.
Kain Tayo will be a Philippine restaurant and will be one of only a few in the St. Louis area when it opens. It'll be located next door to the Videria Wine Shop in the 2700 Locust building. It'll take up the middle space fronting Beaumont Street. It is owned by Randy and Rosalie “Sally” Arcega who both grew up in the Philippines and first opened Kain Tayo in the tiny town of Trenton, Illionois April 2019. They opened to rave reviews from fellow Filipinos who had been craving a taste of home with nowhere to go, and also from locals who had no experience with the cuisine, and they are excited to now finally be bringing their food
to St. Louis.
Anita Cafe and Bar will be a unique café experience that incorporates modern, traditional and original morning style beverages and small plates. Our vision is to upgrade the daily experience of our customers through carefully curated Mediterranean style beverages and food. According to the press release, the vision is to provide a refreshing and enthusiastic space for our customers. The beverage menu is set to include a mix of culturally inspired coffees like Middle Eastern coffee, rose coffee along with traditional lattes, drips and so on. The cafe has been imagined by Anita Abdul-Karim. This will occupy the corner space of 2700 Locust at the corner of Beaumont and Locust Street.
Billed as, "an elevated twist on Global Cuisine", Nexus is set to be the fresh breath of culinary air St. Louis never knew it needed. Planned to host an outstanding beverage program, gorgeous presentations and deeply comforting portions, Nexus will be the local emissary for a whole new world of flavors. Between savory sips and bites of culinary delight, guests are encouraged to socialize and build quality connections, bonding enthusiastically through the enjoyment of Nexus. Imagine large pane windows allowing in natural light, high ceilings offering an open, airy feel and a lush patio with an abundant herb garden. Nexus is planned and imagined by Chef Ceaira Jackson & Misha Sampson. Nexus will open in a portion of the former Ed Rohr space at 2704 Locust Street.
Rick’s will be a new entertainment and music concept that's set to open later this year. The 5500sf venue will be located at 2639 Locust Street. Rick’s is billed as a space unlike any other in St. Louis. The venue is set to feature four duckpin bowling alleys, pinball machines, Skee-Ball, foosball, bocce ball, a full-service bar, a spacious covered patio, plus a local food truck will be parked inside the venue so you can enjoy some of the area’s iconic food while enjoying all the excitement Rick’s will offer. Additionally, Rick’s roof will be a live music venue at night. It's planned to host national touring acts as well as fostering an environment that is friendly and supportive of the local music and entertainment scene.
Also mentioned in the press release, but the name of the business not yet revealed, is another tenant that'll take space at 2710 Locust. Planned there is either a microbrewery or soccer-themed bar. More details on that business will be released at a later date after a tenant is signed. The 6 new businesses that will be coming to JCMidtown will deliver on a vision of making this stretch of Locust home to a diverse variety of businesses, increased activity and nightlife that'll draw and help keep people in the neighborhood for longer period of time.
JCMidtown's largest completed component is the Beaumont Telephone Exchange building (now known as, Malone"). That building's long-awaited redevelopment was completed last year and added 72 new apartments to the area along with a tattoo parlor known as "Howdy Tattoo". Future phases of the development will include a "Boxyard" of retail and office space, additional apartments, and a parking garage.
