Robust Wine Bar in Webster Groves to Open a Second Location
The location may be new, but so much of what has brought Robust its success will stay the same, the warm atmosphere, the fresh menu and the expansive wine selection. Patrons will recognize the familiar Webster Groves neighborhood wine bar they love.
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Webster Groves dining hot spot, Robust Wine Bar, located in historic Old Webster Groves is expanding with a second location opening fall 2012 in the newly renovated Mercantile Exchange District at 7th and Washington in Downtown St. Louis.
Robust owners, Stanley Browne and Arlene Maminta Browne, have enjoyed success with their original restaurant at 227 W. Lockwood, but plans to open more locations were always a part of the big picture.
“We have always planned to expand,” said Arlene. “We want to open a few more locations. Robust has a neighborhood appeal. We want to bring that experience to a few more neighborhoods.”
Arlene said they are looking at possible sites in Central West End and areas west of St. Louis.
Accolades and awards are numerous for Robust; they even made the top 50 most notable wine lists by Open Table customers in 2011. Not only did they make the list, they were the only one honored in the state of Missouri. With more than 42 wines by the glass and over 250 wines on their impressive full bottle list, it is no wonder why.
For those new to sipping vino, there is no need to worry. Novice wine drinkers will find Robust’s menu easy to navigate with their unique pairing system, The Robust Factor. And their expert wine staff is available and helpful.
Stanley Browne, Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers and Certified Specialist of Wine CSW by the Society of Wine Educators and four other qualified sommeliers on Robust’s staff can help patrons with selecting the best wine choice to pair with the delicious menu of small plates.
The new MX location will offer the same great wine and food menus that keep Robust's customers coming back again and again.
Executive Chef, Joseph L. Hemp, V will oversee both locations.
The atmosphere at the MX will be more modern than the Webster Groves location, but will still offer a warm feel and neighborhood appeal.
The MX District, at the epicenter of downtown, is a high-amenity district with upscale retail, fabulous dining, entertainment, arts and culture and modern, luxury residential destinations.
The MX district is comprised of the Mercantile Exchange Building, formerly known as the St. Louis Centre, and the Laurel Building, formerly known as the Dillard’s Building, located at 7th and Washington. The area surrounding the MX is also included in the district and is close to many popular downtown St. Louis attractions.
“We are all about a supportive community," said Arlene. "We are so excited to be downtown and to be a part of the MX District group of businesses."
Along with Robust, the Embassy Suites Hotel is located in the Laurel Building and a three-screen luxury movie theater will be on the second floor. In the same building, the National Blues Museum is under development.
