Dave Bailey Announces New Barbecue Restaurant in Downtown for Winter 2014

By Nancy Stiles

Apr 9, 2014 at 10:30 am

Dave Bailey at the Bridge. | Jennifer Silverberg

His restaurant Small Batch (3001 Locust Street; 314-380-2040) is just a baby in culinary years, but this week restaurateur Dave Bailey announced he is already on to the next one. The as-of-yet nameless place will serve barbecue at 1011 Olive Street in the historic building that was previously Bussone's Wine and Liquor.

In a statement, Bailey says his team will be rehabbing the historic building, which was built over 100 years ago. The first two levels will seat 200 diners with a street-level bar and an open kitchen, while a private event space can house up to 150 people. The rooftop will be a separate, seasonal bar that will seat only 45 and be accessible by a private elevator.

Bailey says the barbecue will be "non-traditional": locally sourced, whole hog and butchered in-house. Of course, there will also be a focus on cocktails, specifically bourbon, mezcals and "summer-styled cocktails."

Bailey did not respond immediately to e-mails and voicemails. We'll update with more details when we speak with him. This whole thing came to light because of a curious Twitter exchange between Bailey and Franco's Tom Schmidt.

Hey Tom, a little bird told me that you are opening a BBQ restaurant. #Tom&Dave @FrancoSTL
— Baileys' Restaurants (@BaileysInStL) April 8, 2014

@BaileysInStL Hey Dave, I am. Why? #Tom&Dave
— Tom Schmidt (@Francostl) April 8, 2014

Because that means you stole my idea. I'm opening a BBQ restaurant this Winter! #Tom&Dave @FrancoSTL
— Baileys' Restaurants (@BaileysInStL) April 8, 2014

Good news then I'm opening mine in May! #Tom&Dave @BaileysInStL
— Tom Schmidt (@Francostl) April 8, 2014

That's great news, then I can watch what you do and copy all of it. #TomAndDave @FrancoSTL
— Baileys' Restaurants (@BaileysInStL) April 8, 2014

Copy that. #TomAndDave @BaileysInStL
— Tom Schmidt (@Francostl) April 8, 2014

Gut Check is always hungry for tips and feedback. E-mail the author at nancy.stiles@riverfronttimes.com or follow her on Twitter.

Follow @gutcheckstl

Tags:

Food & Drink News Restaurant Roll Call

About The Author

Nancy Stiles

Email Nancy Stiles

Editor’s note

RFT writers review each profile independently. The editorial team does not handle advertising or affiliate revenue. Our writers neither know how stories are monetized, nor do they receive any commission. Instead, we pay them for their work. We do not engage in pay-for-play and accounts we review do not have input into our final story.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some articles on riverfronttimes.com contain special links to products or services. When you click these links and make a purchase, we may earn a commission from the company at no additional cost to you. The Riverfront Times maintains editorial independence from our affiliate partners. Our writers and editors select products based on their merit, relevance to our readers, and journalistic value. We do not allow companies to pay for favorable reviews.