Continuing our look at the new Washington Avenue Loft District restaurants trumpeted by the Downtown St. Louis Partnership earlier this year:
The building at 1511 Washington Avenue, was supposed to house Franco Latino, the first St. Louis outpost for Idaho chef John Mortimer. The restaurant was due to open this summer. However, today I spoke with an official at the Downtown St. Louis Partnership, who confirmed that neither Franco Latino nor any other John Mortimer-helmed restaurant will be opening in the space.
The official referred me to Clayton Hargrave, who is developing the property at 1511 Washington. Hargrave told me that he is in negotations with another restaurant to occupy the space, but he declined to provide a name, saying it wouldn't be fair to the parties involved. He promised to let me know once a lease has been signed.
(The overall project at this address is called Jewel Lofts.)
Meanwhile, the Downtown St. Louis Partnership official told me that Bridge &Tunnel Pizza, due to open at 1235 Washington Avenue will open downtown -- just not at that address. Turns out the property isn't going to be ready soon enough for the restaurant. I'll let you know where the restaurant (which -- by its name, at least -- promises not to serve St. Louis-style pizza) will be located as soon as I know.
