Franco in Soulard owner Tom Schmidt said he has agreed to terms on a lease with Joe Edwards for the former location adjacent to the newly christened Chuck Berry Plaza. Edwards confirmed the information for Patch.
Schmidt, along with his partner Chris Williams, the executive chef at Franco, beat out four other interested groups of seasoned restaurateurs for the coveted location across the street from Joe and wife Linda Edwards Loop landmark .
Schmidt and Williams are going to call the venture Nico, Franco's little brother, and are shooting for an early winter opening.
Schmidt said that the French inspired entrees will run an average of $15.
, which served up food and music in the Loop for 25 years, closed its doors for good in June.
Editor's Note: The story originally included Adam Brandt's (former Brandt's Cafe owner) explanation as given to The St. Louis Post Dispatch as to why his restaurant closed. I included it as context. I've removed it, after some Patch readers complained.
Brandt blamed Loop "thugs" for restaurant closing, then 5 groups bid to open new restaurant (via @UniCityPatch): aol.it/rmrdcQ