After much anticipation, Blue Violet is slated to open in Edwardsville this March. The new concept from restaurateur Michael Del Pietro will be located in a 3,000-square-foot-space at Trace on the Parkway, a mixed-use development with apartments, restaurants, and shops located next to Illinois Route 157 and Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville.
Blue Violet will mark the fifth active concept for Del Pietro and team, alongside Sugo’s Spaghetteria, Babbo’s, Il Palato, and Del Pietro’s—though it will take a departure in terms of the cuisine.
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Originally announced nearly two years ago, the concept has shifted from its initial plan as a brunch spot to focus on lunch and dinner. The menu is still in development, but the focus will be on American small plates and entrées, rather than Italian. “You will get influences from every culture,” says Ryan French, operating partner with the Michael Del Pietro Restaurant Group. “American, Southern American, you’re going to get a little twist of Latin, maybe even some Asian influences. We didn’t want to pigeonhole ourselves to one cuisine.” The bar will also house wines from around the world and feature an extensive cocktail list.
The restaurant’s name comes from the state flower of Illinois. Likewise, the aesthetic will be eye-catching, with an interior echoing that of Il Palato in Clayton. “A lot of white marble, very chic, some gold fixtures that have that beautiful sputnik look, very crisp and clean—more or less minimalist,” says French.
The idea is to present a casual, upscale experience without the stuffiness of fine dining. “I want you to be able to come in any day of the week and any time,” says French. “I don’t want it to become an ‘occasion’ restaurant, so you’re going to see marble tabletops mimicking the bar and the marble floor.”
For Blue Violet, French and Del Pietro have decided to bring on additional operating partners, “people who have worked for us for years in different capacities in the restaurants,” says French. “The idea is to give them a true sense of ownership.” Partnering with Del Pietro and French is current Il Palato chef Jordan Knight, the driving force behind the menu, along with Pat Baltes. The other partner is Micah Hopkin, who’s served as general manager at Sugo’s in Edwardsville for the past nine years. “These are people who are invested in the community,” says French, “who live there and are hard-working people.”
While the restaurant has been in development for several years, during the pandemic, one reason for the delay was the desire to perfect the concept. “I’ve opened 13 restaurants over the years, and I’ve been in situations where I’m finishing painting ledges in the back while customers are coming in the front,” says French. “Not anymore. This will be perfect. We don’t want to rush it. I want it to be tip-top.”
French adds that the Sugo’s flagship has been completely remodeled, including new kitchen equipment, a project that took over a year. Gone is the rustic, barn wood and blackboard look of the 13-year-old Frontenac favorite. “We lightened and brightened the former Via Vino space next door, opened up the wall, and liked the look so much we extended it into the Sugo’s space,” he says.
French reports that the improvements have been well received. “The restaurant, along with the former Via Vino bar, have never been busier,” he says.
