South County residents and movie buffs can grab a pint before catching a flick next year when Three Kings Public House opens its third location at 30 and 40 Ronnie’s Plaza in the complex by Wehrenberg Ronnie’s 20 Cine. Doors are expected to open in spring 2016.
“There are a lot of corporate restaurants in that area, but not a lot of independents,” said co-owner Derek Deavers. “We’ll be able to offer things that the corporate restaurants can’t.”
Among those offerings will be a private space and an upgraded menu. Renovations will turn a former Kennelwood Pet Resort and an office space into 4,000 square feet of dining and drinking. A planned 900-square-foot party room will open on a patio that will be created by reclaiming parking spots. That patio will feature a bar and 140 seats.
Three Kings opened its second location in Des Peres a year ago. Deavers said its success inspired them to “strike while the iron is hot,” adding that if that iron stays hot, they hope to open another five to six locations in the next few years.
The menu at the original University City and Des Peres locations are being revised this fall, and when the South County pub opens its doors in March, its menu and bar program will be consistent with its sister locations. Look for around 30 beers on tap, plus seasonal cocktails and a late-night happy hour.
This article appears in November 2015.