Opening a restaurant is no small feat, but for Travis Howard, it’s become an art. As co-owner of On Point Hospitality, he’s the numbers and logistics mind behind some of St. Louis’ hottest spots, including Lazy Tiger and Yellowbelly. This year alone, he’s helping launch two new concepts, Garden Variety Deli, which opened in June 2025, and Extra Wavy, set to debut later this year. Oh, and did we mention he’s also a dad of three? In this episode, Travis shares what it really takes to keep restaurants running, the unglamorous but essential side of the business, and how he manages to balance it all.

Former comedian Nate Burrows traded punchlines for pours, becoming one-third of the team behind Stews, the popular Asian fusion spot making waves in Soulard. In this lively, and very funny, episode of What's New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos, Nate shares how his career pivot led to the creation of a restaurant with a bold menu, vibrant atmosphere, and growing fan base. Plus, he dishes on the behind-the-scenes moments, the lessons learned, and why they don't take themselves too seriously. Plus could there be another restaurant down the road...listen and find out! 

On this episode of What’s New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos, she sits down with Amy Guo, co-owner of Sando Shack, the Japanese-inspired sandwich shop that’s been winning hearts (and appetites) across St. Louis.

After a successful opening at their new Maplewood location, Amy and her team were hit with a restaurant owner’s nightmare, a broken AC unit in the middle of a sweltering summer heatwave. But if there’s one thing Sando Shack knows how to do, it’s pivot.

Born out of a pandemic pivot, Sando Shack has built a loyal following for their sandwiches stuffed with golden katsu chicken, pork, and creative seasonal fillings. In our conversation, Amy shares how they’ve navigated challenges, the secret to their signature sandos, and why connecting with their customers has been just as important as perfecting their recipes.

Follow along on social media for the immediate update on their re-opening: https://www.instagram.com/sandoshackstl/

In this week’s episode of What’s New in the Lou, Alexis chats with Terry Bates, Director of Communications at the International Institute of St. Louis, to preview this year’s Festival of Nations — the region’s largest multicultural celebration, returning to Tower Grove Park on August 23 & 24.

Terry shares the powerful history of the festival, which dates back to 1934, and how it reflects the Institute’s mission of welcoming and empowering immigrants and refugees in our city. With food and retail vendors representing cultures from Ghana to Colombia to Bhutan, plus live performances, workshops, and family activities, this two-day event is a joyful expression of the diversity that makes St. Louis shine.

Maps, vendors and line up here: https://festofnations.com/

This episode is presented by Kaldi’s Coffee and recorded and produced at Bucket List Studios. 

In this episode of What's New in the Lou podcast, Alexis sits down with Kwofe Coleman, President and CEO of The Muny, the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, now celebrating its 107th season in St. Louis.

From starting as an usher in 1998 to becoming the first Black president in The Muny’s storied history, Kwofe’s journey is one of passion, purpose, and perseverance. He shares how his love of theatre and deep commitment to community have shaped his leadership.

We talk about what The Muny means to generations of St. Louisans, the behind-the-scenes work it takes to keep a century-old institution thriving, and why representation and outreach are key to its future.

It’s a powerful conversation about legacy, leadership, and the magic of musical theatre under the stars.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee and record and produced at Bucket List Podcast studios. 

In this episode, Alexis sits down with Latoya Elnora, the owner of Bougie Bites, a plant-based restaurant that’s grown from food truck pop-up to permanent — all without Latoya ever claiming the title of "chef."

Driven by her love of travel and a desire to bring something fresh to St. Louis, Latoya saw a gap in the food scene and boldly stepped in to fill it. She opens up about the big risks she took, the mistakes she made along the way, and how staying true to her vision, even when it was hard, helped build a loyal community around Bougie Bites.

It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about what it really takes to turn an idea into a movement.

The What's New in the Lou Podcast with Alexis Zotos is presented by Kaldi's Coffee and recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio.

What happens when you stop waiting for the perfect moment, and just go for it? In this episode of What's New in the Lou, Alexis sits down with Rachel Closson, founder of Sylvie Dee’s, the adorable ice cream shop that started as a dream and quickly became a Webster Groves’ favorite.

Rachel shares how she turned her vision into reality, opened not just one but two locations in under a year, and what she’s learned about taking risks, building community, and chasing the “sweet” life of entrepreneurship.

If you’ve got a dream you’ve been sitting on, this one’s for you.

In the premiere episode of What’s New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos, we sit down with Chef Rick Lewis, the force behind St. Louis staple Grace Meat + Three.

From fine dining to family, Rick shares his journey building a fried chicken empire in St. Louis. Turning what some might call humble food into one of the most beloved restaurants in town. We talk about growing a food business rooted in Southern hospitality, staying true to your vision, and what’s next for Grace. 

Plus, Rick opens up about his family's journey with adoption. Adding a new little one at the same time they opened their second restaurant location. Talk about timing! 

It’s a story of food, family, and finding purpose, one plate (and one big leap of faith) at a time.

Plus stick around for our weekly events calendar helping you plan your week! 

What's New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos is sponsored by Kaldi's Coffee, proudly roasting in St. Louis since 1994. 

Our show is recorded and produced at Bucket List studios. New episodes drop every Monday! 

What’s New in the Lou with Alexis Zotos is a weekly podcast. Think of it as your guide to what’s happening in St. Louis. From the newest restaurants and can’t-miss events to the people who are shaping the city’s future. 

Hosted by Alexis Zotos, each episode features conversations with chefs, creatives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who are making the Lou a more vibrant place to live. Whether you’re a longtime local or just getting to know the city, this podcast will help you stay curious, connected, and always in the know.