From custard to coneys: New and returning food stops in the metro-east
Gator’s Frozen Custard is back! The popular frozen custard shop reopened this month at its new location in downtown O’Fallon.
With the new digs come some new menu offerings that include waffle cones and cookies, said owner Abby Sarpy.
The business is a dedicated gluten-free establishment. Some of the baked goodies, like cookies and graham crackers, are homemade at Gator’s. There is also a partnership with neighbor Sweet Katie Bee’s for the coffee on offer.
Walk-up window service and patio seating are currently available, and indoor seating is coming soon.
Sarpy also said she and co-owner husband Nicholai Sarpy are considering other uses for the indoor area of the building, such as ADA-compliant restrooms and maybe a soda counter. We shall have to wait and see.
Gator’s Frozen Custard is located at 105 S. Vine St. in O’Fallon. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday through Saturday.
Call 618-929-7421 or visit facebook.com/mygators for more info.
The Cauldron Family Kitchen
216 Service St., Swansea
Now open at the Swansea Improvement Association is The Cauldron Family Kitchen. The food stand is under new ownership and offers the same great menu as its predecessor, The B’s Family Kitchen.
Folks can still enjoy Mexican Mondays, Wing Thursdays, Friday Fish Fry, and Fried Chicken Saturdays, as well as the everyday menu of appetizers, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more.
Hours are 4-8 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday. For more info, call 618-671-6522 or visit the business’ Facebook page.
Rockin’ Robyn’s Diner
7309 Old St. Louis Road, Belleville
The diner formerly known as LouLou’s (and Route 13 Diner, and Moore’s, and Wainwright’s Hamburger Stand) will reopen under new ownership and rock a 1950s diner theme.
The place will offer breakfast, burgers, milkshakes and other eats worthy of the name “diner.” New window decals and outside tables already give the place a fun and welcoming vibe.
I don’t have confirmation of an opening date at this time, but opening day is coming soon, so keep an eye out.
Hours will be 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday-Saturday.
For updates, check out the Rockin’ Robyn’s Diner Facebook page.
Royals Market
1803 N. Illinois St., Swansea
Construction at the former CVS Pharmacy at the intersection of Route 159 and 161 is still a work in progress.
Plans for the business include a gas station, a convenience store, video gaming and an onsite restaurant: The Taco Spot.
As of late April, installation of underground plumbing was underway, according to a progress report from Swansea Building & Zoning Director Dan Thomas.
Owner Didi Patel said Friday the plumbing installation is finished, the exterior is done, and the interior work is in full swing. The coolers are installed, but the kitchen equipment is still pending.
Patel said they hope to open in July.
Jersey Mike’s
5620 Belleville Crossing St., Belleville
The popular sandwich shop is coming to Belleville Crossing and will take up residence between the Verizon store and the former Buffalo Wild Wings.
In a phone call to Scott Tyler, Belleville’s director of health, housing and building, it was confirmed that Jersey Mike’s submitted a plan that will go through planning review.
At present, the site appears to be ready for its new tenant with its painted white walls, a fresh canvas for the new business.
I’ll keep an eye out for new info and keep you posted.
If you’re curious about new developments throughout the community, send questions and location info my way, and I’ll dig for details. Call or text 618-239-2643, or email jgreen@bnd.com.
