When finding a location for his wine bar Olio and restaurant Elaia, it was imperative for Ben Poremba, also co-owner of Salume Beddu, to stay in the city. Now, a run-down historic home and former gas station have been transformed into what is becoming one of the cornerstones of urban renewal for the once-blighted McRee Town neighborhood. How does Poremba handle a move, a baby boy and two newly opened projects? It’s all in a day’s work.
Click through this slideshow for a snapshot of a day in the life of Ben Poremba.
Elaia & Olio 1634 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, 314.932.1088, elaiastl.com
— photo by Greg Rannells
This article appears in December 2012.