Courtesy of Koibito Poke
Todd Stottlemyre, oo-owner of Koibito Poke and former Cardinal pitcher
Just in time for the first pitch of the 2023 baseball season, a restaurant with a Cardinal pedigree will debut at Ballpark Village in downtown St. Louis.
Koibito Poké, a poké-themed restaurant co-owned by former Redbird pitcher Todd Stottlemyre, will open its second metro area location in Ballpark Village in spring 2023. The 1,500-square-foot restaurant will be located adjacent to Bally Sports Live!, on the north side of Ballpark Village.
A third area location is also slated to open at 9959 Manchester in Warson Woods next year.
The Menu
Courtesy of Koibito Poke
The dishes are influenced by traditional Japanese and Hawaiian flavors and ingredients, with an emphasis on health and nutrition.
The base menu is anchored by four signature bowls: the First Timer Bowl, Chicken & Shrimp Bowl, Tuna Trio Bowl, and Koibito Bowl. Bowls can also be customized with a variety of ingredients, including fresh tuna, chicken, tofu, and fresh veggies.
The Background
Founded in 2018, Koibito Poké (koibito means 'love' in Japanese) currently has four locations in Arizona. The flagship St. Louis location opened at 13275 Manchester in Des Peres in September. At the time, Stottlemyre told SLM that poké seems to be underserved in the Midwest, and if he was going to serve it anywhere, it was going to be somewhere familiar, such as St. Louis.
“We are always looking to add unique concepts for the residents, tenants, and visitors at Ballpark Village and to be able to do this with a Cardinals alum makes this a natural fit,” Ballpark Village chief operating officer Mike LaMartina said in a press release.
Stottlemyre toured the dining and entertainment district before the 2022 season and spoke with several of its restaurant vendors, who sold him on the complex. When he walked through Ballpark Village on a game day, he “knew we needed to open a location here," he said in a press release. “The atmosphere is electric, and I can’t wait to be a part of the neighborhood. Pitching in St. Louis and wearing the Cardinals jersey was one of the highlights of my career. I’m excited to be back in downtown St. Louis to serve up our healthy and delicious food to the best fans in baseball.”
