When Tony’s (105 Carondelet Plaza) closed in Clayton mid-February, speculation quickly mounted about the future of the landmark space. The ownership group that emerged as the frontrunner was led by Dave Spence, local businessman, restaurant owner, and former Republican candidate for Missouri governor.
Spence, who has been in negotiations since the spring, says, “It was a monthslong negotiation process, and we gave it our best shot. But ultimately, the stars were not aligned.”
SLM has reached out to officials at Centene for comment.
The Proposed Concept
Spence is no stranger to the restaurant business. For the last 15 years, he’s been the co-owner of Riverhorse on Main, an award-winning restaurant in Park City, Utah.
He stressed that the goal in Clayton was not to re-create Tony’s or Riverhorse. “Riverhorse was too Western and mountain-oriented, and St. Louis is neither,” he says. “We admire many restaurants here and around the country, and we were trying to create a blend that made sense for that building and give St. Louis something it doesn’t currently have.”
Spence envisioned a space that appealed to a wide range of guests, from former Tony’s regulars to the area’s built-in professional base. “No one can argue that the location is one of the best in the region, he says. “The demographics are there.”
Spence explains that both sides explored multiple scenarios, including incorporating the 30-foot, two-story Carondelet Avenue lobby and/or expanding and enclosing the existing patio. Each option would have added seating and created valuable private dining areas, “which was crucial,” Spence notes.
“This was not a lesser-than situation,” he says of Tony’s legacy. “We were proposing a dramatic new concept that required significant redesign.”
His planned operational partner was John Barrett, formerly with L.A.-based H. Wood Group, owners of the Delilah brand and son of late entrepreneur Ray Barrett of Landshire Sandwiches and BioMedical Systems.
“John and I wish any future restaurant—and Centene—nothing but the best,” Spence adds. “Both Centene and the real estate brokers were gracious, but in the end, it either works or it doesn’t.”
Future Plans
Spence says he hopes that restaurant discussions will continue regarding that space. “I can’t see Centene walking away from a multimillion-dollar, world-class kitchen,” says Spence. “I would hope they will rekindle some of the earlier conversations with other restaurant groups. Maybe a restaurant with an established brand name would have an easier time because they start out at second base. We started out in the batter’s box, which put a lot more pressure on us to perform and in a premium space.
“In the end, it just wasn’t right for us,” he adds. “But selfishly, I’d love to see something in that space—I live nearby.”
As for pursuing another St. Louis project, Spence says Tony’s was a unique opportunity because of its location. “We’re not actively looking for something else,” he says.
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