pitas to proliferate!
Garbanzo, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain, is coming to town with plans for 10 StL spots. Majority owned by local real estate investor Michael Staenberg, Garbanzo will open its first restaurant in Clayton this summer. Look for falafel, salads, shawarma, gyros, wraps and more.
high-energy company
Karuna plant-based superfood drink company has added three new flavors. Cafe Turmerific and Cafe Vino are coffee-infused and fall under the brand’s new Boost line. Divine Pinkalicious is a protein and complex carb blend added to the Fuel line. Karuna launched in 2017 and can be found on shelves at Whole Foods, Dierbergs, Straub’s and elsewhere.
born & brewed in the lou
Happy 25th anniversary to The Republic of Tea, which is owned and operated by a St. Louis family. Ron and Pam Rubin and their son Todd Rubin produce the all-natural teas in Nashville, Illinois, just about an hour’s drive away. The line’s original signature tea is the Ginger Peach Black Tea, so it’s only fitting that the new ‘anniversary tea’ is following suit: Ginger Peach Chocolate Truffle Tea.
big kudos
By now everyone has heard that St. Louis’ very own Kevin Nashan (Sidney Street Cafe and Peacemaker) was named Best Chef Midwest at the James Beard Awards. And that The Hill deli, Gioia’s at Daggett and Macklind, was honored with an ‘American Classic’ Award, also from the Beard folks. Great news for them, and for St. Louis!
To Balaban’s on naming a new events and catering manager, Bridget Nations. And to LuxcoBrands for winning awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Among the biggest honors, its David Nicholson Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey garnered Best Straight Bourbon.
