The previous iteration of Rise offered a variety of baked goods sourced from other local shops, but the additional space in this new building allowed them to build a full kitchen downstairs and a pastry kitchen upstairs. Now they’re serving their own baked goods and a full breakfast menu daily until 2 p.m.
The menu includes buttermilk pancakes, biscuits and gravy, a potato and Brussels sprout hash, and farro porridge. A small lunch menu, daily special and kids’ menu are on the agenda for the future.
At the helm in the kitchen is Scott Davis, previously of Elaia, Three Flags Tavern and Brasserie. Heading the pastry kitchen is Jackie Price, a recent graduate of Saint Louis University.
Rise’s new home dates back to 1909, when it was a grocery store; the owners of the store lived upstairs. Evidence of the building’s history remains, from exposed brick to classic woodwork, but parts of it have definitely been modernized. Rise’s owner Aaron Johnson worked with designer Sarah Doriani on the decor. Most notable is a full-wall mural by Chelsea Ritter-Soronen. For the furniture, they worked with Anew Nature, a startup that employs men with past felony convictions who are in need of employment opportunities and marketable skills.
The first floor has been designed as a cafe, while the second floor includes the pastry kitchen, a quiet area for those with coffee and laptops, and a child-friendly area with a “tree house” included.
While the move was stressful, general manager Mike McKinlay says, "It would not have been possible without the community coming together." Volunteers and frequent customers even stepped up to help paint the new space.
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response thus far, the Rise team is already looking to rearrange the furniture on the first floor to squeeze a few more seats in the place, and eventually plans to add some outdoor seating behind the building. Rise is open 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays.
Scroll below for more photos of the new space.
Photo by Lauren Milford
The upstairs quiet area - previous customers will be glad to see that Jon Stewart made the trek to the new spot.
