A
new upscale sports bar and lounge is preparing to make its debut in
the St. Louis food scene, and its founder is betting big on bold
flavors, intentional vibes and a championship-caliber team.
MD
Love, owner of Fourriere Hospitality, is putting the finishing
touches on Fourriere
Sport | Restro | Lounge,
his flagship concept slated to open in early May in the former home
of Weber Grill at the St. Louis Galleria. After a years-long search
that spanned Texas, Atlanta and other cities, Love landed on a spot
right in his own backyard.
“It’s
been a labor of love,” MD said. “We have been working on the
lease since November 1, 2024, and have been methodical and steady.
Now we’re at the finish line.”
Fourriere is gearing up for soft openings in the coming
weeks, with a full launch targeted around the second weekend of May –
just in time for major sporting events like the WNBA, NBA and NFL
drafts. The 9,300-square-foot restaurant will seat about 300,
including 30 bar seats, and feature a 9- by 12-foot video wall and
more than 40 TVs throughout the space.
MD
credits much of the restaurant’s momentum to his all-star team,
including Executive GM Kristina Brandy and Executive Chef Richard
Lane.
“These
people are more important than me,” he said. “Kristina and
Richard are St. Louisans who bring excellence and professionalism to
everything they do. They’re the reason this place is going to
thrive.”
Lane
is crafting a menu that delivers what Love calls an upscale Southern
twist on bar food, with standout dishes like New Zealand lamb chops,
catfish nuggets with jalapeño tartar sauce, and stuffed salmon. The
menu, still in its final tweak stages, is designed to balance
creativity and accessibility.
“We’re
offering an upscale brunch that nobody else is doing – something
that hits home to every palate and brings value to the pocketbook,”
Love said, though he didn’t want to share specifics just yet.
“There’s something for everyone. Our meat comes from Missouri
farms, Ruth Farms to be specific. Even my mother, the toughest critic
I know, loved the steak.”
The
restaurant will be open at 11 a.m. Monday through Friday, with brunch
starting at 10 a.m. on weekends. The kitchen will close at 11 or
11:30 p.m., with the bar closing at midnight.
Beyond
food, Fourriere Sport | Restro | Lounge aims to cultivate a refined
atmosphere catering to an older crowd. After 9 p.m., guests must be
30 or older. Music will lean toward old-school R&B, jazz and pop
rather than modern hip-hop – a deliberate decision that reflects
Love’s focus on safety and vibe.
“We’re
very intentional about the crowd we attract,” he said. “There’s
a sector that wants great food, great drinks and a safe, cozy
environment to enjoy with business associates, friends or family.”
MD
also emphasized Fourriere’s commitment to customer service and
community. Guests will be greeted warmly at the door, and over time,
he hopes they’ll be welcomed by name. The restaurant plans to pay
homage to St. Louis athletes, teams and coaches, with a spotlight on
streaming HBCU athletics. Plans for karaoke and live music are also
being finalized.
Though
Fourriere Sport | Restro | Lounge is launching in St. Louis, MD has
national ambitions. He expects to open new locations with 75% of them
operated corporately and the rest franchised.
“This
is just the beginning,” he said. “We’re building something
that’s upscale, intentional and scalable. It’s different – the
name is French-inspired swank with a menu focusing on Southern soul.
We’re proud to be doing it in St. Louis.”
This article appears in April 2025.