Last September, when owner Amer Hawatmeh told SLM that Copia was taking over for the shuttered Morton’s location at 7822 Bonhomme in Clayton, he hinted that a third location should “materialize soon.”
It just did.
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The third outpost will occupy the 7,560-square-foot former Elephant Bar at 1085 West County Center in Des Peres, which closed in early August. While it’s too early to discuss specific changes, Hawatmeh says he plans to add two landscaped areas at the front of the building. The opening is currently slated for early summer, just in time for patio season.
In Clayton, Hawatmeh says demolition is now complete and a March opening is expected. The rehab there includes moving the bar to the back wall, which will allow for more bar seating. The 8,250-square-foot space will seat 165, including a banquet room with space for up to 70.
Hawatmeh says his long-range plans are to “build a Midwest chain of Copias” and that the Clayton and Des Peres units are the first steps in building the brand. Eyad “ET” Tammas, an entrepreneur and co-founder of Copia, has been tapped to assist with the expansion. (Hawatmeh and Tammas are also partners in several local gas stations and convenience stores.)
Hawatmeh says the new locations will mimic the flagship’s vibe, menu, and “massive but inexpensive” wine list.
“The concept is simple, and it’s proven,” he says. “That’s reason enough to take it to the next level.”
