‘The Sun Rises’ on Hemingway’s Zen Garden in O’Fallon after recent break-in
Already dealing with business struggles during the coronavirus public health crisis, owners Michael and Kimberly Smith were hit hard when their bistro-bar, Hemingway’s Zen Garden in downtown O’Fallon, was vandalized a couple weeks ago.
Supporters have rallied around the couple by holding two recent fundraisers — an online fundraiser and a music benefit, Back to the Garden.
Michael Smith, aka Smitty, said that helped take the sting off the double-whammy. Ever the optimist, Smith said he appreciates all the support he and his wife have received since the break-in.
“We feel the love. “I cannot even begin to express the gratitude we feel for all the generous donations from our Hemingway’s fans, friends, family and O’Fallon community,” he said. “We’ll put the money to good use.”
On Aug. 23, Hemingway’s was broken into and a considerable amount of damage was done to the inside of the building, according to O’Fallon Police Capt. Kirk Brueggeman. An arrest was made that night. Delfred Jones, 24, of O’Fallon was charged with burglary and criminal damage to property, both felonies, on Aug. 24.
Smith said they were awakened by the alarms on their phone, and Kim said she saw a hand try to tear down the security camera. They rushed to the place. He said the police were already there, and the suspect had been taken into custody.
He estimated the damage at around $17,000.
“It was very emotional. It hurt my heart. The violence really stunned me,” Smith said. “It was done in 28 minutes and looked like four men with baseball bats destroyed the inside. It took us three hours just to get downstairs.”
Hemingway’s, located at 123 E. State St., is known for its live music and an eclectic menu. Smith said they cook food made-to-order and use natural ingredients, focusing on having products “as local as possible.” That includes craft beers made in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Jennifer John Bickel, who organized Helping Hemingway’s Fundraiser on Facebook, has raised nearly $16,000 of a $20,000 goal.
“If you live here, you just know Hemingway’s. It’s the best local place for live music. It’s where you know everyone in the bar. It’s the best damn bison burger you’ve ever had. It’s the eclectic vibe when walking in knowing you’re about to have a great time with friends. It’s a small place which makes it perfect,” she said on the Facebook page.
“Our family has known Kim and Mike since we moved here. The moment we had the tomato and asparagus soup and the club grilled cheese, we knew we’d be back every week. So, we did. If anyone from out of town came to visit, this is the place we took them to eat or have a drink. We are so proud of this restaurant that it’s a home away from home,” she said.
Fundraising event a big success
On Saturday, the music community came out to entertain, organized by the acoustic trio, Little Known Fact, which features Robin Winslow on vocals, Gary Austin on guitar and vocals, and John DiAblo on keyboards and vocals. They wanted to show “some love and community support for a great place owned by a great couple,” Austin said.
The outdoor event took place on Hemingway’s “Pandemic Patio,” a deck Smith built this spring for customers, as they are not open inside, and are enforcing safety protocols, such as social distancing and face coverings.
Other musical acts donated their services as well — Scott Keller of Steel Creek, Chimneyfish (John DiAblo and Julie Jany-Carnahan), Chrissy Nordin, Mitzie Winslow and Mole from Liquid Gold Band.
“They’ve been great friends. We really think the world of Mike and Kim,” Austin said.
Austin said the event was a success.
“Everybody that I talked to had a good time. They have a good set-up on the patio. They are really conscious of safety precautions. They are doing it right,” he said.
“Hemingway’s is humbly grateful for the support of our music community! We are so blessed to have so much talent grace our Pandemic Patio,” Smith said.
History of Hemingway’s
Michael Smith opened Hemingway’s nine years ago with his wife, leaving his career in the fast-paced advertising world. He is best known for creating the Budweiser Frogs campaign — Bud, Weis and Er, three lifelike puppets that debuted at Super Bowl XXIX in 1995.
As art director, he and copywriter David Swaine came up with the idea when they worked for D’Arcy, Masius, Benton and Bowles in St. Louis. Adweek called the commercial “one of the most iconic alcohol campaigns in advertising history.”
He later worked on the Jack Daniels campaign for Simmons, Durham and Associates of St. Louis.
“I had burnout. I only wanted to open a bar and restaurant,” he said, thus his place, dubbed “a laid-back bistro with a hint of tomfoolery,” has become a downtown fixture.
“It’s a vocation. We wanted the music scene to be an integral part of it,” he said.
A fan of author-adventurer Ernest Hemingway, Smith actually sat next to Mariel Hemingway, an Oscar-nominated actress and granddaughter of the legendary writer, on a flight. They hit it off — and during their plans to open the restaurant, his wife added “Zen Garden” to the name to avoid any conflicts with the novelist’s family.
A raconteur himself, Smith’s tagline is “Good friends always create epic stories.”
Mike is a 1980 graduate of O’Fallon Township High School. Kim is from Panama City, Florida.
Managing during the COVID-19 health crisis
The pandemic has affected business, but Smith said they have remained outside the whole time they have been open, no indoor service. They closed early during the lockdown and then reopened this summer on the patio deck
“I can’t sit still so I built the back deck, and the landlord agreed. It’s a better space now,” he said.
They switched to a limited menu and are open from 4-11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, reducing hours from six days to three.
“I don’t give up easily,” he said. “This (COVID-19) isn’t going away. We all have to do our part. We are living in challenging times.”
And to keep operating in the time of a global pandemic, he said, ”We’ll figure something out.”
As for the crime, he says he has gone from “rage to empathy,” and wants to help the homeless in town to restore some dignity.
“We understand it. We’ve got to stand together,” Smith said.
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 11:33 AM.