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Photo courtesy of Humphrey's Restaurant and Tavern
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Photo courtesy of Humphrey's Restaurant and Tavern
Humphrey's Restaurant & Tavern, a mainstay for St. Louis University students since 1976, announced on its Facebook page this past weekend that it will close January 1 after its New Year's Eve bash.
"So many traditions and friendships have been created here at Humphreys, and they will live on forever," the post says. "Great staff, great friends and great drinks, have contributed to the nostalgia. As these last few weeks go by, we will post the events we have planned. Please join us in celebrating a Saint Louis tradition on one of these last events and capture some lasting memories of your own."
Frequenters of Humphrey's shouldn't be too worried, though. Humphrey's will reopen in about a year in the same location. The new space will feature two floors (both around 4,000 square feet), a rooftop bar and terrace, a banquet hall, and space available for retailers.
Bernie Squitieri, who purchased the land housing Humphrey's on Laclede Avenue, will co-own the restaurant and bar with its previous owner, Janis Mangelsdorf.
"Humphrey's has a huge following—over decades long," Squitieri says. "It already has a customer base. It just needs a face lift. The building is over 80 years old. We decided to rebuild it."
Demolition and construction will begin in the spring, and the new Humphrey's aims to open in the fall of 2017. Before doors close January 1, St. Louisans can celebrate the original establishment one last time at its New Year's Eve party. It will also host a SLU alumni event December 30.
"On our Facebook page, we got a huge outpouring of people sharing memories [at Humphrey's]," Squitieri says. "If you read it, it's very eye-opening and emotional. It gives you even more of an incentive to keep the tradition going."
Here are some memories shared in the comments section of this Facebook post:
Brian McAuliffe: "Every year after the St. Patrick's Day Parade my family and I would celebrate my Grandpa's birthday out on the back patio. Every year Jan would hang his 60th Birthday Banner, most recently his 80th, in the front window. Had some great times and memories there, we are sure going to miss it."
Sue Wheeler: "I did a summer waiting tables for Bob and Jan. It was great fun and they have the best Monte Christo sandwich ever made. I will be in for one soon, even though it is not on my diet!"
Terri Prow: "Love you Jan, Such a legacy!! Many, many memories..."
Abtin Akbari: "I learned more at Humphrey's than across the street. Cheers and all the best."
