There’s the old saying that all good things must come to an end. For Mandarin Lounge, that time is next Friday. The Central West End hot spot will close its doors after a goodbye party on January 18.
Mandarin has enjoyed a 12-year run in the Central West End. After opening in 2006, it quickly vaulted to the top of St. Louis’ nightlife scene. Its open-air rooftop terrace, one of the first in town, was legendary. New York City–based architect Scott Kester designed a space where being seen was as easy as seeing others. “We call it the figure eight,” he told SLM shortly after Mandarin opened, explaining that the outdoor terrace achieved the ideal configuration.
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After much thought, Lounge Concepts co-owner Pete Ferretti says he decided not to renew the lease. “We’ve always said that we never want to close a venue out of necessity,” says Ferretti, who also owns Circle 7 Ranch with co-owner Buddy Coy. “We wanted to sell our venues to people or go out on our own terms. It was a good run.”
Ferretti now plans to concentrate on growing the Circle 7 Ranch brand, after opening a second location, in Des Peres, last year. “The hospitality and service industry is the best job going,” he says. “You get to meet new people each week. I truly think we have the best employees and customers. We’re truly blessed.”
