on the shelves | Gioia’s Deli now is a permanent fixture in the freezer aisle at Schnucks. In February, the restaurant, owned by husband and wife team Alex and Amanda Donley, introduced a new line of frozen pizzas. They were an immediate hit; more than 40,000 pizzas were sold in the first month alone. To celebrate, the deli also introduced a new sandwich, The Big Italian, which is inspired by the pizza of the same name.
joining forces
Two local faves are coming together in The Grove this spring. Taco Circus will bring its Tex-Mex fare to Tropical Liqueurs with Taco Circus @ Trops. The menu will feature the eatery’s signatures like homemade tortillas, street tacos, churros and a Mexican twist on St. Louis-style pizza. There also are plans for weekend brunch and special late-night offerings
brewing good
4 Hands Brewing Co. and WellBeing Brewing Co. are partnering to support mental health. The two breweries are collaborating on Liquid Rain, a non-alcoholic IPA. The beer will hit the market this month, and a portion of sales will be donated to mental health nonprofit Hope for the Day. … In more 4 Hands news, the brewery is donating a portion of every sale of its State Wide pale ale to the Veterans Community Project. Building off of work done in Kansas City, the nonprofit will construct tiny homes in St. Louis for veterans struggling with housing insecurity. The specialized community also will include on-site support services to help residents return to a stable, independent life.
barbecue with a mission
Operation Food Search is partnering with Sugarfire for a virtual cooking class, Operation Barbecue. Led by chef Matt Glickert on May 13, the class will take participants of all skill levels through the preparation of a full meal. It includes a meal kit that can be picked up at Sugarfire locations. Tickets cost $65 for two adults or $100 for a family pack that serves four. Proceeds will support Operation Backpack, an initiative that provides weekend meals to food-insecure students.
opens + closes
Open Concept has moved from Cherokee Street to the former Firecracker Pizza & Beer location at 4130 Manchester Ave. in The Grove. The bar is known for its all-you-can-drink concept. … Global Quesadilla Co. is expanding with a third location in the Central West End at 4497 Forest Park. … Ernesto’s Wine Bar in Benton Park has closed. … After 26 years, Wild Flower Restaurant & Catering has closed its doors in the Central West End. Some favorites from the menu will move to owner Tracy Casatta Czarnec’s other restaurant, The BBQ and Whiskey Saloon (4900 Laclede Ave.).