​OUR STORY

With more than 30 years of local and international experience in the restaurant industry, veteran restaurateur and St. Louis native Chris LaRocca has always had his hand on the pulse when it comes to culinary innovation, restaurant development and dining trends. In recent years, Chris observed that despite the growth and permanence of fast-casual restaurants, diners were still questioning the nutrition, naturalness and authenticity of their food.

 

Joining forces with award-winning chef Jason Tilford, Panera Bread’s former national bakery director and founding management team member Mike Marino and local father and son entrepreneurs Ralph Kalish, Jr. and Powell Kalish, the five partners sought out to create the perfect fast-casual restaurant in St. Louis that offered quick service, moderate prices, and a menu that was fresh, wholesome and all natural. They believed customers should see the ingredients of their food as it was being prepared and taste the freshness in each bite. They knew that each and every dish had to be gratifying with distinct flavors, demonstrating that food can taste amazing while remaining healthy and all natural.