After recently announcing the closure of brassWELL, the fast-casual burger concept that Niche Food Group managed inside the flagship Rockwell Beer Co. for the past five years, the Midtown brewery plans to relaunch food service beginning January 15 with an expanded menu and longtime employee Stephen Kovac as its culinary director.
The Menu
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The menu will retain versions of the smashburgers, shoestring fries, and fried chicken sandwich that attracted legions of followers over the years. “The prep will be similar, and the toppings will be expanded,” according to a representative. Burger options include The Rockwell (two 3-ounce smashed patties with bacon onion jam, blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomato), The OG Burger (with American cheese, garlic aioli, lettuce, pickle, onion, and tomato), a 6-ounce bratburger, and a veggie burger.
A chili dog and fried chicken sandwich (served original, Buffalo, or Korean-style) round out the sandwich menu. A 14-item add-on menu includes bacon, fried egg, caramelized onions, chili, and a host of sauces, including a red pepper “ketchup.” French fry options include the standard bowl of fries (served with one dipping sauce) and three loaded variants.
The new menu also includes beer-friendly shareables, such as chicken wings, pretzel bites, hummus, and a Snack Basket (with Landjaeger sausage, cheese curds, house pickled veggies, and pretzel bites).
Kovac’s team solicited menu suggestions from loyal customers and supporters, who also recommended reinstating the kids’ menu, which includes four items, including a corn dog (pictured at right).
In addition to the new menu, Rockwell has launched a new catering menu, which includes appetizers, a slider bar, and desserts.
“At the end of the day, I love a burger and a beer—it’s the perfect combination,” Kovac says. “I’m excited for the opportunity to put my spin on these classics and to pair them with our beers. Beers, burgers, and good times—this is going to be fun.”
Kovac also hints at future plans: “This expansion is the first of several by Rockwell in coming months,” he says. “Stay tuned for more news soon.”
The Backstory
Rockwell Beer Co. was founded in 2016 and has operated its tasting room and patio in The Grove since 2018. A second location, Rockwell Beer Garden, was added in 2021 at Francis Park—the first of its kind inside a public park in metro St. Louis.
BrassWELL featured beer-friendly burgers, brats, beignets, and fried chicken sandwiches. Fans of the original Brass Burger can still find it at Brasserie by Niche (4580 Laclede) in the Central West End.
