Oaked will close in Soulard after 9 months

Soulard eatery Oaked will close doors for good after less than a year in business. Co-owner John Cochran made the announcement today, Oct. 17, on Facebook. The last day of service will be Saturday, Oct. 19.

Cochran said the original ownership group consisted of four couples but, over time, others left the restaurant, leaving just him and his wife, Anne Cochran, to operate the restaurant.

“We’ve been working pretty much 70 hours a week,” John Cochran said. “I had sold another business and wanted to actually slow down a bit, and it was 70 hours week for both of us. We just got emotionally and physically really tired.”

Cochran said the restaurant didn’t generate enough revenue to cover opening costs. “We got off to a slow start after making a pretty sizable investment into fixing up the facility,” he said.

He said the last night of service will be a departure from the regular menu. For $20, guests can eat from a buffet of heavy appetizers, cheeses and other dishes made with high-end ingredients.

The restaurant, which billed itself as a spot for updated American classics, opened Feb. 15 at 1031 Lynch St. It also boasted large whiskey and wine lists. 

Catherine Klene is managing editor, digital at Sauce Magazine.