Soulard Gyro’s first carryout location is coming to St. Peters. The local eatery originally opened in the eponymous Soulard neighborhood in 2009, with subsequent Missouri franchises in O’Fallon, Maryland Heights and Wentzville, plus another in Plano, Texas. The newest location at 318E Mid Rivers Mall Drive will feature $5 specials for its grand opening on Jan. 5.
The menu at Soulard Gyro reflects founder Vedad Becirovic’s particular love of food. Becirovic is Bosnian and grew up in Germany while surrounded by Turkish influences, including a family friend’s kebab shop. These cultures found their way into the slow-roasted meats that fill the gyros and dӧner kebabs that Soulard Gyro has made its own. Becirovic’s personal favorite is the classic dӧner kebab, a baked bun stuffed with chicken or beef and lamb, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions and red cabbage, plus house-made tzatziki sauce and a red pepper blend. Mixed with the classics are unique additions like the Cali Gyro, featuring avocado and applewood-smoked bacon, and a fan-favorite Meat Lovers Gyro. They also have falafel, salads and bowls, as well as fries and wraps.
The new location in St. Peters will be Soulard Gyro’s first carryout location, which will also offer third-party delivery and catering. “A lot of restaurants are feeling [inflation],” Becirovic said. “A lot of customers are feeling it.” The new model allowed the franchise to rent a smaller location, enabling the business to continue its focus on quality and hospitality while limiting rising costs for customers. “People come in, we treat them like a guest, like they came to our house,” Becirovic said of his Bosnian heritage, and he strives to emulate that attitude in his business. “People can spend that money at a lot of other restaurants, but they choose you.”
To celebrate opening day, Soulard Gyro will be offering $5 classic and chicken gyros at St. Peters. Check out their full menu on their website.