Vegetarians, vegans and raw foodists can delight that a U. City deli will soon be serving up eats to suit their lifestyles. Frida’s Deli will open in early 2012 at 622 North & South Road in the same building that houses Greek restaurant Momo’s. According to the Frida’s Facebook page, the deli will be St. Louis’ only combined vegetarian, vegan and raw deli, offering sandwiches, soups, smoothies, and juices (including gluten-free and low-glycemic-index selections). Frida’s currently has a placeholder website at FridasDeli.com.

Minutes ago, Tom Schmidt signed the lease on the building at 6525 Delmar Blvd., that was formerly occupied by Brandt’s Café, which closed earlier this year. Schmidt, who also owns Franco in Soulard, told The Scoop that he considers the restaurant, to be called Nico, “Franco’s Little Brother.” “It will be a little more approachable, affordable and casual” than the French-inspired Franco, he explained, and will feature a small, farm-to-table menu. Chris Williams, currently the executive chef at Franco, will also be manning the kitchen at Nico.

As a native of U. City, Schmidt said he was excited when the Brandt’s space became available. Building owner Joe Edwards – who owns fellow U. City eateries Eclipse and Blueberry Hill as well – also expressed his pleasure at the addition of Nico to the local restaurant scene. “It adds as a whole new dimension to The Loop,” he noted.

Architectural plans are currently being finalized for Nico, which is being designed by Space Architecture + Design, the firm that also designed Franco. “It was the first restaurant that Space designed,” Schmidt said. He is hoping for a December 1 opening date.