What’s New In The Lou with Alexis Zotos

Everyone knows Beast Craft BBQ for its award-winning barbecue, but there's a lot more to the story than smoked meats. In Episode 50, I sit down with owner Dave Sandusky to talk about the exciting opening of Beast Craft's newest location at City Foundry STL , the menu item he says every first-time visitor needs to order (and it might not be what you'd expect), and what it really take...

What started as a passion for great sandwiches has grown into one of the Metro East’s most talked-about food destinations. In Episode 49, Alexis Zotos sits down with Ed Heath, owner of Ed's Delicatessen , to talk about bringing a neighborhood deli experience to Edwardsville. From the early days at Cleveland Heath to a return to Illinois to open a sandwich shop that's so much more, Ed sha...

For 50 years, Grandma's Cookies has been serving up fresh-baked cookies, sweet memories, and a little bit of nostalgia in the heart of St. Charles. In Episode 48, I sit down with owner Theresa Rubio to celebrate a major milestone: 50 years in business. We talk about how Grandma’s Cookies became a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, the family traditions that have kept customers...

Just a few blocks from CITYPARK , one of St. Louis’ newest breweries is quickly making a name for itself. In Episode 47, I sit down with Nicole and Jay Thompson, founders of Blue Jay Brewing Company , the award-winning craft brewery that opened in Midtown in 2023. Known for its European-inspired small-batch lagers and welcoming, family-friendly taproom, Blue Jay has quickly become a gathering spot...

Fashion is taking center stage in St. Louis once again. Local designer Lucas Roe and fashion connector AK Brown join the podcast to talk about the return of St. Louis Fashion Week and the momentum building around the city’s creative scene. From runway shows to community events, Fashion Week is shining a spotlight on the designers, stylists, artists, and entrepreneurs helping shape the future of fa...

For generations, Eckert's has been part of family traditions across the St. Louis region, from picking peaches and strawberries to fall festivals, cider donuts, and Christmas trees. In Episode 45, I sit down with Chris Eckert to talk about how a family farm grew into one of the region’s most beloved destinations. We discuss the history of Eckert’s, how the business has evolved over the years,...

The Mississippi River flows right through St. Louis, but how often do we actually get out and experience it? In Episode 44, we sit down with Matt Green, Executive Director of River City Outdoors and Big Muddy Adventures , to talk about getting outside and seeing the region from a whole new perspective. From paddling the Mississippi River to canoe and kayak rentals in Forest Park, their goal is hel...

There’s something magical about live theater under the stars, and every summer, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis transforms Forest Park into one of the city’s most beloved traditions. In Episode 43, I sit down with Tom Ridgely to talk about Shakespeare in the Park , the free outdoor theater experience that has become a summer staple in St. Louis. We discuss this season’s production, the work that go...

Who says car shopping can’t be fun — and family-friendly? In Episode 42, Alexis sits down with Kelly Stumpe, creator of The Car Mom , to talk about how she built a trusted platform helping moms navigate cars, motherhood, and everyday life. Through social media and the popular Carpool Podcast , Kelly has created a community where women feel informed, empowered, and confident when it comes to findin...

Few brands are as deeply tied to St. Louis as Budweiser,  and this year, the King of Beers is celebrating 150 years. In Episode 41, I sit down with Tracy Lauer, Director of Archives for Anheuser-Busch , to take a look back at the history behind one of the most iconic beer brands in the world. From its St. Louis roots to its global reach, Tracy shares stories from the archives, how Budweiser became...

For 25 years, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation has offered St. Louis a one-of-a-kind space where art, architecture, and ideas come together, and the best part? It’s always free to visit. In Episode 40, we sit down with Cara Starke, Executive Director of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, to celebrate this milestone anniversary and talk about the museum’s lasting impact on St. Louis’ cultural landscape. We...

A St. Louis classic is finding new life in a legendary space, and one year in, the momentum is only growing. In Episode 39, we sit down with Matthew Fuller, co-owner of STL Toasted , to talk about bringing their version of toasted ravioli to The Hill inside the former home of Mama Toscano’s. After launching at City Foundry in 2022, Matthew and his wife, Brittany Abernathy, have now spent the past...

What started as a passion for sharing great food has turned into one of St. Louis’ most exciting new culinary events. In Episode 38, Alexis sits down with Branden Tewolde, content creator and founder of Foodies Eat First Fest , to talk about building a platform that celebrates the city’s food scene in a big way. His festival is bringing together some of St. Louis’ top restaurants and chefs for a w...

St. Louis is getting more connected, one trail at a time. In Episode 37, we sit down with Emma Klues of Great Rivers Greenway to talk about the exciting grand opening of the Brickline Greenway and what it means for the future of our region. With more than 140 miles of greenways (and counting) across St. Louis and St. Charles counties, these trails are transforming how we explore, commute, and conn...

Style is more than what you wear, it’s how you show up. In Episode 36, we sit down with Darryl Tyler, owner and certified clothier of Tailored Gents , to talk about the power of dressing with intention and building a brand rooted in confidence and authenticity. With more than two decades in banking and finance, Darryl learned early on how personal style can shape perception, and ultimately, opport...

For three decades, Jazz St. Louis has been at the heart of the city’s music scene, bringing world-class talent, unforgettable performances, and a deep love of jazz to St. Louis. In Episode 35, we sit down with Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Co-Interim Executive Director, to celebrate this milestone 30th anniversary season. We talk about the evolution of Jazz St. Louis, the impact it’s had on the local art...

A beloved St. Louis institution is getting a new chapter. Brothers Berto and Ivan Garcia are the team bringing new life to Uncle Bill’s Pancake House , one of the city’s most iconic late-night and breakfast spots. The restaurant has long been a staple along South Kingshighway Boulevard , and the Garcia brothers are determined to honor its legacy while helping lead a new era for the neighborhood. I...

No passport? No problem. Spring Break in St. Louis is such an underrated family-friendly destination! This week two moms share all the fun! We're joined by Rebekah Coste, founder of St. Louis Mom , to help families plan the ultimate Spring Break staycation. From free museums and outdoor adventures to special events and hidden gems, Rebekah shares her go-to ideas for keeping kids engaged (and...

For more than a century, Crown Candy Kitchen has been serving up malts, BLTs stacked sky-high, and a whole lot of nostalgia. But behind the counter of this iconic Old North St. Louis soda fountain is a family story rooted in tradition, resilience, and community. We sit down with Andy Karandzieff to talk about what it means to carry on one of St. Louis’ most beloved restaurants. It's a busy se...

What does it take to grow a restaurant group in a constantly shifting industry, and land a spot inside one of the city’s biggest stages? In Episode 31, Alexis Zotos sits down with Ben Hillman, President of Gastronauts Food Group , to talk about the evolution of his hospitality career and the momentum behind some of St. Louis’ most recognizable concepts. Their hospitality group is behind popular br...

Yemeni coffee has a rich history that dates back centuries and thanks to Ali Othman and his family, that tradition is alive and thriving right here in our region. We sat down with Ali, co-founder of Mocha Point , the St. Charles-based coffee shop that has quickly built a loyal following and is now expanding to Kansas City and Midtown near the City Foundry. What started as a vision to share authent...

Rung , a St. Louis–based nonprofit, is dedicated to helping women build economic stability, confidence, and long-term opportunity. Located in the Fox Park neighborhood, Rung works with women navigating systemic economic, social, and health barriers, offering education, coaching, and community to support real, lasting change. This week CEO Leslie Gill shares how they are changing lives and the futu...

For five decades, Laumeier Sculpture Park has invited St. Louisans to slow down, wander, and experience art in the open air and this year, the beloved free sculpture park is celebrating a major milestone. In this episode, I’m joined by Executive Director Lauren Ross and curator Dana Turkovic , to talk about Laumeier’s 50th anniversary and the special exhibition Begin Again: 50 Years and Counting ....

St. Louis knows how to throw a party and Mardi Gras is the proof. In this episode, we sit down with Mack Bradley , President of the Mardi Gras Foundation , to take you behind the scenes of one of the city’s biggest and most iconic celebrations. We talk about how St. Louis Mardi Gras began, the wildest moments Mack has witnessed over the years, and yes, how they actually measure the massive crowds...

One of St. Louis’ most beloved culinary legacies is making a comeback. Nearly four years after the closing of Café Natasha , matriarch Hamishe Bahrami, lovingly known as “Mom,” is back in the kitchen alongside her daughter Natasha Bahrami , bringing Persian food back to South Grand. In this episode, we talk about what inspired the return, the emotions behind reopening a chapter so many St. Louisan...