Drive past 8007 Maryland Ave., in Clayton and you’ll notice construction at Crushed Red Urban Bake and Chop Shop, the casual restaurant that specializes in chopped salads and build-your-own pizzas. Co-owner Chris LaRocca told The Scoop that brisk business prompted construction of a patio, but increasing the seating capacity at the Clayton restaurant isn’t the only thing on his mind right now.
Crushed Red owners are actively pursuing other locations in the St. Louis area. One space they have in mind is in the Central West End at 313 N. Euclid Ave., commonly remembered as the former home to a Pasta House Co. location. LaRocca noted that if discussions regarding the lease at this space fall apart, it would likely be due to liquor license issues. Crushed Red offers beer and wine at its Clayton location and would seek to do the same at subsequent spots. LaRocca added that the restaurant doesn’t stay open late; rather, doors are closed at 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on weekends. He hopes that these hours encourage nearby residents to support the restaurant when it petitions for a liquor license.
Crushed Red owners are also eyeing a location in St. Louis county. However, La Rocca declined to state the specific address.
This article appears in September 2012.