Jim Callahan, owner of local recording studio Jupiter Studios, is turning his love for music and entertainment into a whole new act. His latest venture, The Jumpin’ Jupiter, will be a “neo-cabaret venue” located at 7376 Manchester Road in the space formerly occupied by Jive and Wail in Maplewood.
The Jumpin’ Jupiter slogan gives an idea of what’s in store for guests: “Live entertainment, food, drinks and chaos.” Specifically, there will be shows inspired by 1920s and 1930s-era acts that run the gamut of vaudeville zaniness – fire eaters, singers and dancers – as well as local artists and jazz and blues musicians. The entertainment is just half of the show, however, since a ticket for these three-hour performances will also net guests a five-course meal, customized to compliment each act.
Helming the kitchen at The Jumpin’ Jupiter will be Israel “Izzy” Rodriguez, who worked as chef de cuisine at Hubert Keller’s Sleek before the restaurant closed in late January. Rodriguez is also developing a small plates menu that will be available after the main show is over when The Jumpin’ Jupiter will open to the public. Rodriguez told The Scoop that the food will be high end and that he’s sourcing ingredients from local growers, many of whom he worked with at Sleek. Rodriguez added that the presentation will be kitschy, with each course served on one of 1,000 mis-matched plates amassed from various flea markets. In addition to the core evening shows, the venue will also feature a gospel brunch on Sundays mornings and family-oriented events on Sunday afternoons.
Callahan expects to open The Jumpin’ Jupiter in May or June after completing a build-out to the existing kitchen and stage in the 5,500-square-foot space with dining capacity for 200 guests.
This article appears in March 2011.