The former LemonGrass space on South Grand will soon be home to audeō (3161 S. Grand), a community-focused café from two local entrepreneurs. Slated to open in late 2026, the forthcoming café takes its name from the same Latin root as “audacious,” conveying the idea of being daring, bold, courageous, and confident. That’s the spirit that owners Melissa “Mel” Weber and Matt Price plan to cultivate at the café by encouraging guests to branch out beyond their comfort zones, whether conversing with a stranger or exploring a new hobby.
Here’s what to know before you go.
The Team
The concept originated with Weber around 2018, with the initial name ‘First Drafts.’ As a beer lover, she envisioned a community-oriented tap house with the slogan “Where ideas become things.”
Weber was busy making that happen in her own life, putting her MBA from Webster University to use in a corporate setting and then within her own marketing company, which she founded in March 2020. The tap house concept went on the back burner, but she continued to work in the restaurant industry and as a barista.
Through a South City run club, Weber met Price, a fellow entrepreneur and St. Louis native. He had studied meteorology as an undergrad at Mizzou, but after launching a successful ticket-selling business during college, he switched tracks and earned an MBA.
Price went on to entrepreneurial opportunities in self storage and real estate. “They were always exciting and fun,” he says, “but they were based on making money.” His evolving definition of success had started to include helping people instead of simply earning a profit.
“When Mel came to me with her idea, it was very interesting to me to have the opportunity to be known for doing something for the community,” he says.
The Space
Price’s real estate knowledge—and his persistence—were crucial in their quest to purchase a building in the South Grand neighborhood. “It’s hard to make a deal in commercial real estate,” he acknowledges. “Just like with everything else in business, you have to make things happen on your own.”
The duo purchased the space last fall. Built in 1909 as a four-family flat, the property was later modified to include a first-floor commercial space. Weber, who loves old buildings and history, is excited about the architectural details that they are uncovering.
The pair is working with interior designer Kelly Kirtland at Nehring Design to create a counter-service dining room with plenty of greenery and light. “The original design was based on the top floor of a London hotel, an open, comfortable space where you could sit for a while,” Weber says. “We want it to have an inspiring feel.”
Around 17 years ago, a previous owner added a full kitchen to the back of the building, which gives Price and Weber additional flexibility in designing the dining space, because they don’t have to work around culinary operations.
The Concept
Weber’s original concept for First Drafts came from Anne Lamott’s book Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, in which Lamott argues that producing something unpolished, without the pressure of perfection, is essential for creativity to flourish. The name also tied in well to the craft beers that Weber intended to focus on. But consumer tastes have shifted in the intervening years, and Weber says her goal now is to redefine what it means to go out, have a drink, gather, and hang out—with or without alcohol.
The café’s beverage menu will include coffee, draft beers, traditional cocktails, and a large menu of N/A options. On the food side, Weber and Price plan to offer light, shareable dishes that lean healthy. As runners, they burn lots of calories, so they are partial to carb-rich dishes, such as pizza and protein-packed salads.
They welcome ideas from the public about how to ensure that the venue is a supportive place where curiosity is normalized and community members can gather and mingle. Weber says the best way to get in touch is via Instagram until the website launches later this year.
Along with the café’s buildout, Weber and Price are planning a fall wedding. Both endeavors symbolize the spirit of daring, boldness, courage, and confidence that the couple hopes to inspire in others.
“Meeting new people and trying new things is scary,” Weber says. “We want to offer events and activities to help people get over that first attempt.”
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