Established Cajun & seafood restaurant moving to Fairview Heights
Those lamenting the closing of Lotawata Creek may find comfort in learning that a Cajun and seafood restaurant is moving into a location nearby.
Gulf Shores Restaurant & Grill owners Harry and Erica Parker announced this month on social media that they are moving their restaurant from Edwardsville to 6900 N. Illinois St. in Fairview Heights.
The restaurant will reopen at the former site of TGI Fridays, which closed early this year, in mid- or late-January.
Gulf Shores has two Missouri locations at 12528 Olive Blvd. in Creve Coeur and 5256 N. Service Road in St. Peters.
Menu items include seafood-based dishes such as clams, scallops, seafood boils, fried fish and shrimp. Also available will be soups and gumbo, sandwiches, pastas, salads, tacos, burgers, steaks, pork and much more.
To learn more about Gulf Shores and its offerings, visit gulfshoresrestaurantandgrill.com or follow the business on Facebook.
Gift giving made easier with St. Clair Square pop-up
Preparing holiday gifts will be easier to accomplish this season with the help of Wrapt Pretty, a new gift wrapping business that will soon launch at St. Clair Square.
Owner Sherriale Fleming said the endeavor stems “out of my own creative desires,” and as a gift giver is “something I really enjoyed” over the years.
“The art of gift giving … is a beautiful thing when experienced,” she said.
The pop-up shop opens Saturday, Dec. 6, on the mall’s upper level, next to JC Penney and above Santa’s Workshop in the center court. Launch day will include demonstrations, raffles and gift giveaways.
Customers can purchase paper from the shop or bring their own gift wrap, drop off gifts for wrapping by Fleming and her helpers, or bring their purchases in to wrap themselves. Fleming said customers can also book 2-hour time slots for wrapping parties.
Wrapt Pretty will be open during mall hours from Saturday, Dec. 6, through Friday, Dec. 26. St. Clair Square’s hours vary throughout the holiday season and can be found online at stclairsquare.com.
The Belleville-based business was officially established in September, and Fleming is excited to see where it goes following the holidays.
Services will be available year round, starting with pop-up and booked events. Festive themes will include Valentine’s Day, Easter, Teacher Appreciation Day and other occasions.
For more information, contact the business at 618-685-0048 or hello@wraptpretty.com. Visit online at wraptpretty.com.
Pamper your pups at Belleville’s new pet boutique
While we’re on the topic of holiday gifts, don’t forget about providing something for the fur babies in the family.
The Barkery, a new dog-centric shop in Belleville, specializes in “quality food, treats, and supplies for dogs,” according to its website.
Owner Lynette Linnemeier and her family hosted a grand opening on Friday, Nov. 28, providing a coffee and hot chocolate bar for customers to enjoy while checking out the goods.
Pet parents will find information about pet care and nutrition for their dogs, as well as a dog bakery to further pamper pooches. Shop for toys, leashes, collars, grooming supplies, and other products.
Food and treat brands include Zignature, Tuesday’s Natural Dog Company, Caru and Bocce’s Dog Treats. Home-grade dog food from Edwardsville-based Pup Kitchen will be available at the shop when Linnemeier can get a freezer installed onsite.
The dog food brands on hand are what Linnemeier’s four dogs — a Great Dane, a chocolate lab and two labradoodles — like. More brands will be added later based on customers’ requests.
The business carries Fussie Cat food and treats for the kitties.
The Barkery also has JoyBird’s apawthecary products that Linnemeier created five years ago and include a healing salve, paw wash and paw wax.
The Barkery is located at 335 W. Main St. in Belleville at the former Scout Shop. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more info, visit itsthebarkery.com or the business’ Facebook page.
Other business updates
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Freeburg is open again.
The building at 804 N. State St. was damaged by a fire at the end of March. The building was demolished down to the slab and completely rebuilt.
Owner Chad Sanders told the BND in June that he “always knew we were going to reopen.”
“We’ll have a new layout with the newest equipment,” he said.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. For additional info, call 618-539-6167 or visit facebook.com/DQ41788.
Speed Bump’s Tavern in Breese dropped a new menu Thanksgiving week that includes appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, salads, wings, pizza, the Sub of the Week and sides.
Located at 18019 St. Rose Road in Breese, hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday and Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday-Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. Call 618-526-7444 for more info.
Roasterz Coffee Co. opened this month at 7 W. Ferguson Ave. in Wood River. Folks can grab a coffee, tea or a dirty soda. Waffles, bagels, muffins and sandwiches are also available. The establishment also has a menu of specialty crafted cocktails.
The hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, 5:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. For more info, visit the business’ Facebook page.
