By Matthew Halverson
Photograph by Katherine Bish
Pujols 5 Westport Grill was the second sports figure–inspired restaurant to open in St. Louis this year—actually the third, if you count the reincarnated Mike Shannon’s—but, according to our rough estimates, it’s about the 67th of the last 50 years. (We’re anxiously awaiting our invite to the ribbon-cutting at Conrad Dobler’s Brew Pub, “where the kidney punches are on the house!”)
Some have done well; others … not so much, and we think we’ve discovered a connection between the jerseys–and–jerk chicken establishments that last and their namesakes’ careers, and it has nothing to do with MVP trophies, winning percentage or a trip to the hall. It’s all about where you play your final game.
Albie, buddy, we love ya, so we really hope your restaurant sticks around—the flautas were great, by the way—because if it doesn’t, history says all the on-field success in the world can’t keep us from losing you.
