For many people, Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is a rite of passage. The Metro East bar hosts thousands of 21st birthdays every year. But it’s much more than that. It’s an institution in Alton, Illinois, and we head there to sit down with co-owners Eddie Scholar and Ross Laux to get the inside story. The history and the future, plus how do they manage to serve up the coldest beer in town?

When Mayra Pacheco moved to St. Louis, she struggled to find a taste of her home country of Venezuela. So she decided to do it herself. She started at the Tower Grove Farmer’s Market with the help of her sister. They started with a small menu and then expanded as customers started making requests for things like empanadas. One year ago, she made the big leap to opening her own brick-and-mortar restaurant. We sat down at her restaurant just off of Washington Avenue in Downtown St. Louis to talk about food, family and the first-year struggles for business owners. Visit their website for hours and menu: amaizingarepabar.com

When Jeff Stevens stopped drinking in the early 90s, there were very few options when he’d go out with friends to a bar. Finally, he decided to change that. In 2017, he founded Wellbeing Brewing Company, a nonalcoholic craft beer brand that’s help shaped the way of the category in the beverage business. Now, in 2025, they have several different beer varieties, plus they are expanding into the CBD and, eventually, the THC beverage landscape. Jeff shares the science behind the beer, the growing movement away from alcohol and what excites him most about building a community for the sober and sober curious. You can check out a store locator map on Wellbeing Brewery’s website to try them for yourself. Find them at: WellBeingBrewing.com/pages/store-locator During this episode, we discussed an event at Maryland House on January 23. For tickets: TheMarylandHouse.com/event-details/wellraiser

Steve’s Hot Dogs is a St. Louis classic. They had a massive year in 2024, opening new locations and serving up their popular hot dogs at St. Louis sporting events and festivals. But when we first talked to founder Steve Ewing on this podcast back in 2018, he was hanging up his hot dog hat, prepared to shut his doors for good. But the community said no way, and after bringing in new partners, the restaurant has seen major success and growth. And to think it all started with a hot dog stand outside a concert venue. We sat down with Steve to talk about how his career as the lead singer for The Urge spurred his second act as a restauranteur. With locations on South Grand, Delmar and now The District in Chesterfield, it’s easier than ever to find St. Louis’ official hot dog.

2025 is a big year for Downtown St. Louis and Gateway Arch Park Foundation is leading the way to bridge the past and the future of our region. This week on the podcast we sat down with Ryan McClure, the executive director behind the philanthropic partner for our beloved landmark – the Gateway Arch. What exactly does the foundation do, and why is it vital for the continued growth and success of St. Louis? We dig into all of it. Plus, the details on the grand re-opening of the Old Courthouse and the contract to purchase the Millenium Hotel. The new year is looking bright.

Chef Cary McDowell has worked in some of the most iconic restaurants in the country, and here in St. Louis, he’s made a name for himself in our city’s best kitchens. From The Crossing to Pi Pizza to, most recently, Wright’s Tavern, he just joined the culinary team at Katie’s Piza and Pasta, which continues to grow at a rapid pace. The veteran chef came to St. Louis in the 90s and, thankfully for our dining scene, never left. We sat down for a conversation at Katie’s at Ballpark Village to talk about his journey as a chef, including the way he managed to land his first job in New York. Plus, he shares the St. Louis restaurants he loves and wants to try.

Like so many entrepreneurs, Amy Gamlin started her business in her kitchen. She began making cake pops as a creative outlet, but with the urging of friends and family, she turned a hobby into a business. In 2021, she opened her first storefront, and the business has only continued to grow, including a big partnership with a local grocery store, which allowed her to reach a huge new batch of customers. We sat down in her Webster Groves shop to talk about building a new business during one of the most difficult times for her family’s business. Plus, we talk all about her cake pop creations, including one of the craziest requests she ever received. Find hours and information on orders at www.amyscakepopshop.com

This week we are taking you to the heart of the holidays in our area – Main Street St. Charles. This year marks 50 seasons of holiday festivities where you can step into the history of Christmas. From characters to carolers, chestnuts and Santa, there’s a little bit of everything. But for the small businesses on Main Street it also makes the holidays especially merry as tens of thousands of people walk the cobblestones streets to finish up their gift buying. We sat down with Lydia Crespo, who owns Cozy Shop on Main Street, as well as Jack Frost (yes, the beloved holiday figure) to talk about the magic of the season and the importance of supporting local. For dates and times of Christmas Traditions, check out their website www.discoverstcharles.com/events/christmas-traditions

Most days of the week you will find Diane and Mike Wood inside their bake shop, Trolley Stop Bakery in Chesterfield. Located in a strip mall, you hear the old-fashioned ding of the bell when you walk in, and you're greeted by the delicious smell of cookies. Mike greets customers while Diane takes charge in the kitchen. The couple could be living the retired life, but instead, they’re living out Diane’s dream of an old-fashioned bakery. And it all started with a love of baking cookies. Now she shares that knowledge with other bakers who use the kitchen as a co-op. From macarons by The Tipsy Goat and gourmet nuts by Pete’s Snack Shop, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Many local businesses have graduated to open their own shops; that’s always been the dream for Mike and Diane. Open Tuesday – Sunday at 67 Forum Shopping Center, Chesterfield, Mo.

Tis the season to shop local, a motto more important than ever this holiday season. Many small businesses make up the bulk of their sales over the next few months, and Aaron Park, the owner of Arch Apparel, joined us to talk about building a business and growing it over the last decade. The streetwear inspired clothing brand started in 2016, one of the first to help people rock their love of St. Louis beyond a sports logo. We chat about the ups and downs of retail, the opening and closing of brick-and-mortar stores and how they’re working to continue to bring unique and innovative designs to your closet. Shop Arch Apparel in person at their Ballpark Village store or online at archapparel.com

Located in Union, Missouri, Nobletons Distillery may only officially be nine years old. But the tradition of distilling goes back generations for Demetrius Cain and his family. They can trace the beginnings to 1575 with the start of distilling in 1824. If it wasn’t for prohibition, they never would have stopped. Demetrius shares his deep family history and knowledge of whiskey and spirits in this week’s episode. At Nobletons, they pride themselves on the idea of crafting something from ground to glass and have since expanded beyond whiskey to a lineup that includes vodka and gin. You can visit the distillery in Union and even experience a tour to see the artistry of their craft for yourself. For more information: https://www.nobletons.com/