Looks like this restaurant is now open at 522 N. Grand, directly across the street from the Fox Theater. This is the spot briefly occupied by The Tuxedo Room. They've got some of the same ownership group, but Cervantes is no longer in the picture.
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Framer wrote:Looks like this restaurant is now open at 522 N. Grand, directly across the street from the Fox Theater. This is the spot briefly occupied by The Tuxedo Room. They've got some of the same ownership group, but Cervantes is no longer in the picture.
Hopefully someday Bonwich will tell us the story behind The Tuxedo Room. Judging by what little I have read in the paper, I don't think anyone will be lining up to do business with Mr. Cervantes any time soon.
It may be a case of reverse overreaction. Tuxedo Room had all kinds of bells and whistles on its website, but somehow forgot to have a wine list. 
Ahh, I see. Reverse overreaction. Perhaps I misunderestimated them?
The logo looks like another "I can make this Microsoft Word clip art," or "My nephew knows Kidpix, he can do it."
St. Louis needs to wake up in two areas: Entreprenuers realizing the power of great graphic design and the vision of creative designers. Secondly, good passionate designers need to "invest" in the city.
The symbiotic creativity is evident in many cities -- Denver, Atlanta, Cincy. STL is embarrasingly behind the curve.
St. Louis needs to wake up in two areas: Entreprenuers realizing the power of great graphic design and the vision of creative designers. Secondly, good passionate designers need to "invest" in the city.
The symbiotic creativity is evident in many cities -- Denver, Atlanta, Cincy. STL is embarrasingly behind the curve.
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^don't you think thats a bit of a ridiculous extrapolation, judging the creative and cultural position of one city against its peers through one new restaurant's website, and even better their signage?
Breathe...1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
Breathe...1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
Well, in fairness, Shadrach did say "another."
And I guess I can speak as something of an authority on local restaurant graphics and web presences. It's a pretty mixed bag. I haven't seen quite as many truly crappy menu graphics lately -- I think all but the most naive restaurateurs recognize that they need to have at least a modicum of graphic design.
The most interesting trend I'd cite for restaurant websites is form over function. I need to look up phones, addresses, etc. every week, and close to half the time, I need to burrow quite a bit just to find the basics. And restaurants, like most businesses (sadly, including newspapers), just don't seem to get the concept of "up to date."
And I guess I can speak as something of an authority on local restaurant graphics and web presences. It's a pretty mixed bag. I haven't seen quite as many truly crappy menu graphics lately -- I think all but the most naive restaurateurs recognize that they need to have at least a modicum of graphic design.
The most interesting trend I'd cite for restaurant websites is form over function. I need to look up phones, addresses, etc. every week, and close to half the time, I need to burrow quite a bit just to find the basics. And restaurants, like most businesses (sadly, including newspapers), just don't seem to get the concept of "up to date."
Thanks Bonwich 
No, this isn't the first I've seen. My opinion is that, overall, other cities have better retail design than St. Louis. (and yes, I'm a professional designer.)
I'm living in Atlanta now and most retail/restaurants here have better design, energy, spark, creativity, vision, professionalism, than those in St. Louis. Maybe the competition is fiercer here, you have to try harder, people expect more...?
To me, this is the difference between a 3rd tier and 1st/2nd tier markets.
No, this isn't the first I've seen. My opinion is that, overall, other cities have better retail design than St. Louis. (and yes, I'm a professional designer.)
I'm living in Atlanta now and most retail/restaurants here have better design, energy, spark, creativity, vision, professionalism, than those in St. Louis. Maybe the competition is fiercer here, you have to try harder, people expect more...?
To me, this is the difference between a 3rd tier and 1st/2nd tier markets.
- 11K
!?!?! Gosh, I was just getting used to St. Louis being a 2nd tier city, now we're 3rd tier? The horror!
No joke. That Gateway Mall designer had me completely convinced of where we stack up.
Grover wrote:!?!?! Gosh, I was just getting used to St. Louis being a 2nd tier city, now we're 3rd tier? The horror!
[sarcasm on]St. Louis sucks bigtime: we're barely better than Rockford Illinois or Butte Montana. That's why he (shadrach) moved to Atlanta. [sarcasm off]
FYI: Transferring to the ATL office was professional-growth decision.
Personally, I would have preferred to stay in STL.
Personally, I would have preferred to stay in STL.
MattnSTL wrote:No joke. That Gateway Mall designer had me completely convinced of where we stack up.
That sounds about right. St. Louis is a 2nd tier city, so we should have a 2nd tier grand public mall. :smt077
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dweebe wrote:Grover wrote:!?!?! Gosh, I was just getting used to St. Louis being a 2nd tier city, now we're 3rd tier? The horror!
[sarcasm on]St. Louis sucks bigtime: we're barely better than Rockford Illinois or Butte Montana. That's why he (shadrach) moved to Atlanta. [sarcasm off]
Butte is all we should aspire to be. Such a dynamic, symbiotic relation of form and function. Then again, Rockford has a Demolition Derby.
They installed a vertical, projecting neon sign today. Very sharp looking. It's a nice addition to Grand Blvd. Check it out.
Reggie's needs to completely scrap their business plan and start over.
I went on opening night of The Lion King, which was a Thursday for some reason, and they were literally giving away drinks, and the place was empty. The waiters were all very young and if had to guess, had never worked in the food service industry before, but they were all very nice and eager to serve. They need to give up the nice restaurant idea and make it either a bar that one would want to hang out at on nights when nothing is going on at the Fox, and bring SLU kids in or go the total complete kitsch route and making over-the-top loungey. As of now, they do the lounge/Theater tie-in kind of and they have white tablecloths. It just doesn't work. They aren't going to get abig dinner crowd. Everyone just went straight to their car. There is a significant number of Fox-goers who are in their 20's and 30's that just want a place to get a drink before or after, and that market is not being served. They music was god awful, too.
I went on opening night of The Lion King, which was a Thursday for some reason, and they were literally giving away drinks, and the place was empty. The waiters were all very young and if had to guess, had never worked in the food service industry before, but they were all very nice and eager to serve. They need to give up the nice restaurant idea and make it either a bar that one would want to hang out at on nights when nothing is going on at the Fox, and bring SLU kids in or go the total complete kitsch route and making over-the-top loungey. As of now, they do the lounge/Theater tie-in kind of and they have white tablecloths. It just doesn't work. They aren't going to get abig dinner crowd. Everyone just went straight to their car. There is a significant number of Fox-goers who are in their 20's and 30's that just want a place to get a drink before or after, and that market is not being served. They music was god awful, too.
Dickson back in Grand Center with Reggie’s Backstage
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:34 PM CDT
By Alvin A. Reid Of the St. Louis American
![]()
Reginald Dixson out front of his Backstage restaurant and lounge across from the Fox Theatre. Photo by Wiley Price
Sole owner re-opens restaurant
Reginald Dickson is back - and he’s inviting you to join him backstage.
The former co-owner of The Tuxedo Room has reopened the restaurant at 522 Grand under his sole ownership and calls it “Reggie’s Backstage Restaurant and Bar.”
“It’s a different personality,” Dickson said of the new establishment.
“By its name, The Tuxedo Room had a feel that you had to be dressed up to come here or only on special occasions.
“That has totally changed. You’re ‘backstage’ - you can dress how you want to dress and be welcomed.”
The Tuxedo Room closed last winter after just a few months of operation. Dickson and former co-owner Brett Cervantes parted ways under blustery conditions, but he says it’s all for the better.
“We now have a younger staff, and the diversity is wonderful,” Dickson said.
He called the racial mix of Reggie’s Backstage “heartwarming.”
Dickson is installing a patio for outdoor dining to the north of the restaurant, as is his neighbor to the east, Jazz at the Bistro. A small entertainment area is also being constructed in the small park, which will offer opportunities for live music.
“There will also be table-top dining in front, directly across from The Fox,” he said.
“In the future, we will have various aspects of live music in the performance area in the park.”
Reggie’s Backstage will also offer live entertainment inside the establishment.
“We plan to have blues and jazz tribute nights,” Dickson said.
“We’ll also have wine events that feature a five-course meal and wines from various regions.”
And, true to his St. Louis roots, he said, “there is going to be a barbecue night, where we set up a big grill right outside. There will be smoke in the air.”
Several members of the cast and crew of The Lion King made almost nightly visits to the restaurant during its recent run. Also, patrons of The Fox are making pre- and post-show visits for dinner and drinks.
On nights of shows, valet parking is discounted with validation from Reggie's Backstage.
Vince Schoemehl, Grand Center director, said the entertainment district is proud to have Dickson’s restaurant in such a key location.
“It’s a great spot, and it should do great,” he said, before sampling the menu on Wednesday.
“This is part of the continued growth of Grand Center.”
A new Hyatt will be opening next year in the old Metropolitan Building and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri will establish its headquarters in the old Woolworth Building at Grand and Olive.
“This is our region’s major art and entertainment district. It’s world class,” Dickson said.
“That’s why I was so anxious to get back going.”
The young, dynamic staff Dickson is so proud of also includes his daughter, Rachel. She serves as a manager along with Asad Kahn, a native of Pakistan, who will most likely greet you with courtesy and a smile as you enter Reggie’s Backstage.
read more
Wednesday, July 11, 2007 8:34 PM CDT
By Alvin A. Reid Of the St. Louis American
Reginald Dixson out front of his Backstage restaurant and lounge across from the Fox Theatre. Photo by Wiley Price
Sole owner re-opens restaurant
Reginald Dickson is back - and he’s inviting you to join him backstage.
The former co-owner of The Tuxedo Room has reopened the restaurant at 522 Grand under his sole ownership and calls it “Reggie’s Backstage Restaurant and Bar.”
“It’s a different personality,” Dickson said of the new establishment.
“By its name, The Tuxedo Room had a feel that you had to be dressed up to come here or only on special occasions.
“That has totally changed. You’re ‘backstage’ - you can dress how you want to dress and be welcomed.”
The Tuxedo Room closed last winter after just a few months of operation. Dickson and former co-owner Brett Cervantes parted ways under blustery conditions, but he says it’s all for the better.
“We now have a younger staff, and the diversity is wonderful,” Dickson said.
He called the racial mix of Reggie’s Backstage “heartwarming.”
Dickson is installing a patio for outdoor dining to the north of the restaurant, as is his neighbor to the east, Jazz at the Bistro. A small entertainment area is also being constructed in the small park, which will offer opportunities for live music.
“There will also be table-top dining in front, directly across from The Fox,” he said.
“In the future, we will have various aspects of live music in the performance area in the park.”
Reggie’s Backstage will also offer live entertainment inside the establishment.
“We plan to have blues and jazz tribute nights,” Dickson said.
“We’ll also have wine events that feature a five-course meal and wines from various regions.”
And, true to his St. Louis roots, he said, “there is going to be a barbecue night, where we set up a big grill right outside. There will be smoke in the air.”
Several members of the cast and crew of The Lion King made almost nightly visits to the restaurant during its recent run. Also, patrons of The Fox are making pre- and post-show visits for dinner and drinks.
On nights of shows, valet parking is discounted with validation from Reggie's Backstage.
Vince Schoemehl, Grand Center director, said the entertainment district is proud to have Dickson’s restaurant in such a key location.
“It’s a great spot, and it should do great,” he said, before sampling the menu on Wednesday.
“This is part of the continued growth of Grand Center.”
A new Hyatt will be opening next year in the old Metropolitan Building and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri will establish its headquarters in the old Woolworth Building at Grand and Olive.
“This is our region’s major art and entertainment district. It’s world class,” Dickson said.
“That’s why I was so anxious to get back going.”
The young, dynamic staff Dickson is so proud of also includes his daughter, Rachel. She serves as a manager along with Asad Kahn, a native of Pakistan, who will most likely greet you with courtesy and a smile as you enter Reggie’s Backstage.
read more
I checked out their menu a couple of weeks ago, and it was pretty skimpy (and a bit pricey). Hopefully, as they get up to speed, the menu will be expanded, and will include some more casual fare. I really hope this place succeeds. It's got a great location, and the outdoor patio next to Strauss park will be awsome.
(Note the cool neon sign just behind Reggie)
(Note the cool neon sign just behind Reggie)
Update:
Reggie's Backstage will soon be the new home of the St. Louis Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society. The restaurant is being remodelled to include a stage for live performances.
Read all about it here:
http://www.westendword.com/NC/0/1231.html
Reggie's Backstage will soon be the new home of the St. Louis Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society. The restaurant is being remodelled to include a stage for live performances.
Read all about it here:
http://www.westendword.com/NC/0/1231.html
- 10K
Looks like a new restaurant is going in at the old Reggie's space - Kota Fire Grilled Something-or-other.