Exterior signage at the Clayton location.
October will be bittersweet for fans of two venerable local sports bars.
Doug Albrecht, owner of J. Buck’s in Clayton and Joe Buck’s downtown since 2008, announced today that both restaurants will close effective Friday, October 30.
At one time there were seven J. Buck's locations—Clayton, downtown St. Louis, West County Center, Fairview Heights, Bloomington, Il, and O’Fallon, Mo. The seventh store in Lake Ozark was planned but never came to fruition, eventually opening as Baxter’s Lakeside Grille.
According to today’s announcement, the reason for the closure of the final two stores was “rising operational costs.” SLM learned that leases for both locations were up for renewal next month.
In a press release, Albrecht said “The Buck family and I agree that we want to go out on a positive note.” Truer words have never been spoken.
Since the restaurants are not closing for three weeks, those holding gift cards will have ample opportunity to redeem them “and watch the Cardinals in postseason.” After the restaurants close, any gift cards purchased after Nov. 1, 2008, can be mailed to J. Buck’s/Joe Buck’s Restaurants, P.O. Box 12465, St. Louis, MO 63132-9998, for a full refund of the remaining balance.
In addition, since both the Albrecht and Buck families have long-standing relationships with St. Louis Children’s Hospital, the restaurants will donate 10% of their sales to the hospital from now through Oct. 30.
How’s that for going out in style? Jack Buck, the legendary patriarch, wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
J. Buck's
101 S. Hanley
Clayton
314-725-4700
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Joe Buck's
1000 Clark
Downtown
314-436-0394
The Big Freeze (formerly "The Big Freese," named after ex-Cardinal David Freese), as served at Joe Buck's downtown: slices of vanilla and chocolate ice cream cake layered with chocolate cookies, topped with caramel and chocolate sauces, Oreo crumbles, and whipped cream. $10.99 per slice/$49.99 per pie
Follow George on Twitter @stlmag_dining or send him an email at gmahe@stlmag.com. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
