The Clayton dining scene gains a new neighbor in October when Herbie’s Vintage ’72 pulls up stakes in the Central West End and replants them in Clayton. As reported by St. Louis Magazine, the 8-year old French-American restaurant will serve its last crepe in the CWE on Oct. 2, move to 8100 Maryland Ave., and reopen at the beginning of November. Herbie’s Vintage 72 will take over Cardwell’s in Clayton, which will close on Oct. 1 as owners Rich and Debbie Gorczyca retire.
“I know the Rich and Debbie and originally looked at Cardwell’s when I first wanted to open Herbie’s,” said chef-owner Aaron Teitelbaum. “The location is right, the patio and the building matches up to who Herbie’s is.”
Rich Gorczyca agreed. “We’ve had a good, long run and Herbie’s is going to be a great fit,” he said. “The arrangement is good for all of us and what really swayed me is that (Teitelbaum) is going to offer every one of my current employees a position.”
In addition to familiar faces, Herbie’s current historic feel with French decor will remain the same at the new location, but customers will be able to enjoy new features, including three additional private rooms, a 100-seat patio and lunch service.
“We’re excited to be in Clayton where there’s such a great lunch clientele,” Teitelbaum said. “Clayton has a lot going on, and Herbie’s clients know our team to be professional and accommodating.”
Teitelbaum said he looks forward to bringing that accommodating environment and eclectic menu, including seafood, steaks and burgers, to the Clayton dining scene.
“For us, we’re driven by a team mentality,” he said. “We have a chef that will cook without ego. He has a menu and specials, but it’s more important that we are accommodating to if a guest wants something, we say, ‘Yes.’ If we don’t have it, we’ll run out and get it.”
Don’t look for the Gorczycas to ride off into the sunset. The couple plans to travel and Rich hopes to pursue volunteer opportunities with St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society. “We want to thank all of our friends and patrons and business associations who have supported us for almost 30 years,” Gorczyca said.
This article appears in May 2016.