Sappington Barn Center Proposals Focus on Lunch Fare, Seasonal Menus

A was postponed as Crestwood’s Board of Aldermen seek the Park Board’s feedback on the submitted proposals.

Four restaurants have filtered through the Sappington Road space since 1999, the last of which was in 2011. While aldermen welcomed proposals for new eating establishments, they also wanted to consider other uses. Winery, bike store, and catering facility were among alternatives proposed, according to staff memos.

Eight proposals were handed in to the city by Aug. 1—and nearly all of them offer meals or snacks. Several of the proposals also aim to catch the attention of those who walk, bike, and run along Grant’s Trail.

Patch obtained copies of the proposals from the city. How would you most like to see the space utilized?

Sappington Park Grille
Submitted by Crestwood residents Justin and Shelby Shire of S Squared Enterprises, LLC

• Offering: Lunch, dinner (proposing alcohol permit)
• Other features: Have also proposed private events, cyclist and hiker-friendly weekend events, Halloween trick-or-treating, and co-hosting a Crestwood Days event
• This project includes 3 percent of gross sales paid to the City
• The couple has been managing Labeebee’s locations since 2008.

Masterpeace Studios
Submitted by Meg Krejci

• The non-profit, based in Crestwood, has been promoting health and wellness since 2005 through the “delivery of stress reduction, yoga, mindfulness, art activities, nutrition, and healing arts” for children and adults.
• Other features: open air and art studio and snacks available for cyclists on Grant’s Trail
• Krejci stated in her proposal she believes the non-profit has the ability to draw clientele from around the St. Louis area

The Sappington House Restaurant
Submitted by Mike Matthes

• Offering: Breakfast and lunch of seasonal items, pastries, afternoon tea, wine and cheese events
• Proposed special events include a pumpkin patch, Christmas tree lot, farmers’ market
• Bottled beverages and snacks for Grant’s Trail users
• Matthes has experience managing several food service operations, including the Sunset Hills

Unnamed specialty bakery and restaurant
Submitted by Doll Sass and Sherry Dauphin

• Offering breakfast and lunch, bakery items, in addition to catering of baked goods
• Proposing 2 percent of gross sales to City
• Dauphin has 20 years experience with Blue Owl Restaurant and Bakery

Fozzies Sandwich Emporium
Submitted by Mark Lucas

• The restaurant, which is currently open in Richmond Heights, wants to open a second gourmet sandwich spot at Sappington Barn Center for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery
•  “A significant portion of our current business is derived from our creative ice cream and milkshake offerings,” Lucas said. He is proposing the construction of a soda fountain in the barn’s main room.
• Proposed special events include a concert series, community fairs, and holiday activities
• Monthly payment of $850 or 3 percent of gross sales
• Lucas is a former partner of Booballoo and Roxanne’s, and owned El Scorcho in Maplewood. Lucas stated in his proposal that employee Ryan Seigfreid would oversee the Sappington Barn location if approved

Gardners Grove, café and wine garden
Submitted by Janet Quinn

• Plans to offer made-from-scratch soup, salad, sandwiches, desserts, specialty teas, and a wine tasting bar. Other offerings include dinner parties, take-out-service, as well as items for cyclists
• The space would display “nostalgic photos, historical artifacts, and memorabilia”
• Offering $850 monthly, or $750 monthly with a 3 percent gross to City
• Quinn is the former owner of The Lindsey Gardner House in St. Charles. Gardners Grove is named after Quinn’s great grandfather, according to the proposal.

Freewater @ Sappington

• Freewater would offer “light fare café with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, including a fine selection of locally roasted coffee,” according to a submission by Stephen and Elaine Gruener and Brett Tintera.
• They’re also proposing a farmers marketplace on the grounds, which would be held weekly in the summer and fall. “Many of our ingredients will be sourced from the marketplace… making each visit unique.”
• The space would also offer free Wi-fi, an acoustic music series, art show, plant swap, sponsored bike rides, yoga workshops, craft workshops, and other private events
• Offering $800 monthly payment to City

The Barn
Submitted by Karen Mott

• Offering breakfast and lunch “using fresh, seasonal ingredients from local and regional vendors, as available” to bring the “Farm to Table trend that is so far unavailable in Crestwood.” (Heritage Acres Pork and Black Bear Bakery were named in the proposal as possible vendors.)
• Special events, comedy nights, high teas, space for small gatherings such as book groups, and monthly cocktail parties
• Plans to take advantage of local culinary students to staff the restaurant, and even develop a scholarship fund
• Offering $800 monthly payment, 4 percent of gross sales exceeding $150,000