Famed NFL coach Don Shula will soon be opening Shula’s 347 Grill in the Roberts Tower, the new 25-story luxe condo development that sits adjacent to the Roberts Mayfair Hotel downtown. Shula owns a portfolio of 31 dining establishments that include five different brands and 10 Shula’s 347 Grill locations around the county, so Sauce was curious to hear whether the restaurant at 411 N. Eighth Street might be different from Shula’s other restaurants.
Kenny Storie, the food and beverage director at the Mayfair who will be charged with overseeing operations at the restaurant, tells Sauce that the St. Louis establishment will be distinct from the chains’ other locations. For one thing, he said, the restaurant will not be as heavily driven with sports paraphernalia. “It’s got a sleek, contemporary design. It’s not so sports-intensive,” said Storie. The menu, which will feature salads, fish, burgers, sandwiches and steaks, will see the addition of a few extra “Shula Cut” steaks to cater to the St. Louis market. The beer list will also have a regional focus, carrying locally brewed Schlafly beers.
The restaurant, which serves lunch and dinner, will quietly open its doors on Dec. 9, with a grand opening to follow in late December or early January.
UPDATE 1.6.11: Management confirmed that the restaurant is now set to open by the end of March. The setback, he said, is due to delays in construction.
This article appears in Sep 1-30, 2010.