Chris Sommers and Frank Uible are no longer just in the pizza business. The owners of Pi Pizzeria are planning to open a taco-centric restaurant called Gringo, as first reported by Evan Benn of the Post-Dispatch. Gringo will be located at 398 N. Euclid Ave., in the space currently occupied by Rothschild’s Antiques and across the street from Pi’s Central West End location.
While tacos will be the focus at Gringo, Sommers explained via email that, “[W]e’ll offer Platos del Gringo for a larger meal, as well as a kid’s menu. I’m personally really excited about the tableside-made guacamole and a killer posole [Pi corporate chef] Steven [Caravelli] is working on. We also hope families will stop in just for a paleta [Mexican popsicle] while strolling through the CWE.” As for beverages, customers can expect beer, cocktails and a large selection of tequilas. When doors to Gringo open in early April, the space will also feature a Ping-Pong lounge on the lower level, which Sommers noted may also be used for additional seating.
Considering that Sommers and Uible have found great success in the pizza business in both St. Louis and Washington, D.C., why would they want to tackle a whole new concept? “We believe that what we’ve learned in our existing businesses will translate well to this concept, both from a guest perspective and operationally,” Sommers responded. “We have an incredible roster of talent in our organization, and this will allow many of them to shine. We’re more than likely done opening pizzerias in St. Louis but want to continue growing our company here and creating opportunities for those who work very hard to make Pi successful,” Sommers continued. “And selfishly, my office is upstairs from the Gringo space and the prospect of getting great Mexican on this corner thrills me.”
This article appears in October 2012.