BlackFinn American Grille has signed a lease in the St Louis Galleria for the space formerly occupied by Mark Shale.
BlackFinn Saloon opened in New York City in 1994; when the St. Louis unit opens, the tally will be 10 units in 8 states and Washington, DC, 3 of which are/will be BlackFinn Grilles. Billed as "upscale casual American fare with a contemporary interpretation of beloved classic cuisine," there's nothing new there. What is appealing, though, is the location: the northernmost space in the Galleria is close to and easily visible from Clayton Rd and affords a prime opportunity for a tricked-out patio. Would that they style it up as BRIO did several miles to the west.
Construction has not yet commenced (Shale's display shelves are still in place) but a Fall 2011 opening date has been announced.
Representatives for both the Galleria and BlackFinn were unavailable for comment. More as we know it.
UPDATE Sammy Eanes, the PR for director for Full House Productions, who represents BlackFinn, informs Relish that St Louis will be the third BlackFinn Grille (after Jacksonville and Houston), and it's the concept on which BlackFinn will now focus. Where the "Saloon" focused more on drinks, the "Grille" has "several experiences under one roof," according to Eanes, "The Dining Room, The Grille Room, The Saloon, and The Patio."
Galleria shoppers will remember that Shale's space is massive and on two levels (with estimates ranging high as 20,000 SF). A press release from Full House is forthcoming, which should explain how much of it BlackFinn will actually occupy.
