St. Louis will be down a lauded barbecue joint this fall.
Capitalist Pig, located inside the Mad Art Gallery in Soulard, announced it will discontinue its lunch service by the end of September. Owner Ron Buechele said that catering will still be available for off-site events. Buechele opened the restaurant in 2012. He says he plans to return to working at the St. Louis County Police Department after a 12-year hiatus.
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“I left the department after 20 years of service in 2006—a difficult decision made necessary in order to grow Mad Art Gallery,” he said in a statement, adding: “I always had in the back of my mind a possible return to police work as my heart never truly left the police department.”
Buechele says he plans to keep Mad Art Gallery operating for weddings, art shows, and other various events. Although lunch will be discontinued, he says Capitalist Pig will continue to cater at off-site events, including the many upcoming events he has committed to this year.
“I would very much like to be considered for the same events in the future,” Buechele said.
When Capitalist Pig debuted six years ago, it was praised for its ethically-raised meats, whole-hog approach, and menu items that featured some kind of twist. Over the years, Buechele has explored a barbecue version of a banh mi sandwich, maple-bourbon pork belly, and even created a barbecue ice cream flavor for Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery.
“I have truly enjoyed exploring my talents as a chef,” Buechele said, “and do plan to keep that avenue open for the future.”
