The STL Bucket List Show

Gerard Craft discusses his experience as a business owner and award-winning chef. He attributes his success to his hard-working and dedicated team, as well the ability to overcome the challenges over the last 20 years. Craft started out as a transplant to the St. Louis area and has since built a team of 400 employees with restaurants and businesses and more to come. He addresses his love for the St. Louis community and talks about the change of hospitality over the years and the beauty behind the supportive nature of the St. Louis community.  

Craft has developed many concepts in the St. Louis restaurant industry and  is inspired to keep pushing the envelope. He demonstrates humility, passion, and true craftsmanship in the kitchen. 

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We're joined by Dustin & Whitney Cole, the married-duo behind Berrybox Superfood Bar at The City Foundry and Clayton. Dustin and Whitney's love story has always been surrounded by entrepreneurship. Before Berrybox, the couple owned a nail salon. During their time living in other states, they quickly fell in love with health and wellness and discovered smoothie bowls. They knew there was a market in STL for a healthy option so they jumped into this with no prior hospitality experience. 

Berrybox has quickly gained success and popularity as their goal is to continue to open new locations while also creating a franchise model to help others launch into business. In this episode, we talk about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, working with your partner, and more. 

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Evolution Festival is one of the largest music festivals in our region which originally launched in 2023. Joe and the team have a big vision for the event this year headlined by The Killers and Beck. Joe has been in the music industry his entire adult life, we chat with him on the ups and downs of live entertainment, what to expect at this years festival, and more. 

Tickets are still available for Evolution Festival September 28-29 

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We’re joined by Nicky Slices Pizza, a local pizza concept that has gained huge success slangin’ slices on IG. Nicky has had a passion for food that sprouted from his father, who used to own a slice shop in St. Louis when he was a child. With an emphasis on creative specials and high quality Detroit-style pies, Nicky Slices is a weekly staple for many St. Louis families. 

Fresh off the news of his first concept opening soon on The Hill, Nicky plans to bring his unique specials to this historic neighborhood. In this episode we talk about his new restaurant, living in New York City, and more. 

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The prolific chef behind Indo and Sado, Nick Bognar joins us on the show. James Beard Rising Star, Food & Wine Best New Chef, GQ’s Best New Restaurant are just a few of Nick’s career accomplishments. We chat with Bognar on his early career learning from some of the best chefs in the country to working alongside his family restaurant here in St. Louis. Nick just celebrated 5 years at Indo, opened Sado on The Hill last year and will be opening his Omakase concept ‘Pavilion’ in the Fall of 2024. 

Nick is truly molding the next generation of culinary professionals here in St. Louis. In this episode you will learn more about what makes him special, the story behind his concepts, and more.  

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UMSL Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center Executive Director Scott Morris has a background in mergers and acquisitions. He began his second career in higher education to help business owners learn strategy and business development, build strong networks, and gain access to resources for growth. UMSL EIC's work to boost the local economy starting with Founders is part of the University of Missouri-St. Louis' mission as an anchor institution.

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Josh Allen has been the founder and owner of Companion Baking since 1993. In a previous work environment he experienced the joy of baking bread with simple ingredients. Knowing that no loaf is perfect, Josh found a love in the craft, which he shares with his family, companions, and community.  

Today’s episode highlights the upbringing and background of Josh Allen. What started out as a family business has since grown and become a home and staple to many families of St. Louis. With many changes throughout the years of business, Allen discusses the importance of doing the right thing, the right way. Companion bakery is a partner to many, located in the heart of Ladue, takes strides to combat product waste, and brings community together with not only bread and pastries, but also events to support meaningful causes. Tune in to hear about the stories and dedication that make Companion Bakery such a treat.

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Today’s episode is about all things frizzy and fabulous. Tune in to hear from creators of St. Louis’s major event, the voices behind the nonprofit, Frizz Fest, Leslie and Val Hughes.

With the 7th annual Frizz Fest in Tower Grove park quickly approaching September 21st, this episode unlocks the inspiring story behind Frizz Fest. The natural beauty festival encourages all walks of life to celebrate their confidence and promote self-love. The event specifically offers the space for members of the Black community to feel safe, seen, and celebrated while experiencing the opportunity to shop and support 70+ vendors, enjoy live music, and build connection within the St. Louis community. Listen to the episode to get hint about the day of joy, culture, and celebration, in one of Stl’s best park neighborhoods. The event is free and open to all ages and families. 

You can support Frizz Fest by listening to the heart behind the program, donating on their website, or attending the event Sep 21st. By coming together in a space to appreciate black beauty and confidence, you are also nurturing the wellbeing of our St. Louis home.

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The ultimate wing throw down is back and better than ever! 

Get ready to try incredible wing creations in 3 categories including traditional buffalo, dry rub, and specialty from 13 heavy-hitting local restaurants. You be the judge of who will take home the coveted People’s Choice Award while our line-up of local celebrity judges help pick with winners in the buffalo, dry rub, and specialty categories.

All this at the hit location in Midtown Armory STL!

$30 General Admission | All you can eat wings!
$90 V.I.P. | All you can eat wings + all you can drink beer, wine, seltzers + soda!

All proceeds benefit UCP Heartland whose mission is to provide children and adults living with differing abilities the extraordinary care they need to thrive in school, at home, at work, and in their community.

GREAT WINGS FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

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Introducing our newest podcast partners, we're beyond excited to work with Birch Tree Recovery. Wherever you are on your journey, Birch Tree Recovery can work alongside you to create a healthier life, establish self-connection, instill effective coping mechanisms, eliminate anxiety, depression and further the path of your individual success in recovery. 

Today, we speak from Leslie on the work that Birch Tree does for the St. Louis community. In upcoming episodes, we will be introducing the 'Mental Health Minute' with each guest. 

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