What’s New In The Lou with Alexis Zotos

Urban Chestnut has become a beloved part of St. Louis’ craft beer scene, and there’s a lot brewing for what’s next.

In Episode 52, we sit down with Brian Travers and Dave Wolfe of Urban Chestnut Brewing Company on What's New in the Lou to talk about the brewery’s investment in and what that means for the future. We dive into the many local partnerships and collaborations that continue to make Urban Chestnut such an important part of the community.

Plus, we talk beer! From new styles and longtime favorites to the return of fall classics, and the planning for Oktoberfest. It’s a conversation about growth, collaboration, and keeping a St. Louis beer tradition moving forward.

This episode is sponsored by Kaldi's Coffee. 

Music has a way of bringing people together, and that's exactly what the MATI Festival is all about.

We sit down with Chris Hansen, Executive Director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, to talk about the sixth annual MATI Festival, returning July 17–19. What started as a celebration of music has grown into a multi-day festival featuring live performances, visual art, and community experiences that showcase the incredible creative talent found throughout St. Louis.

Chris shares how MATI is helping fill a need for the local music community, why supporting artists is essential to a thriving city, and how the festival continues to evolve each year. We also talk about the role the arts play in shaping St. Louis' identity and why investing in creativity benefits everyone.

BUY TICKETS HERE: https://matistl.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23762964955&gbraid=0AAAAADR49pwNVe8bCsSIWRk1IweoQRuoD&gclid=CjwKCAjw08fSBhA7EiwAfbQTsCY_ec6cL-xv-u_Ldmbpl3F4OHEdADHMf_kXWEAtGYbPJAqNNEnZhRoCuVQQAvD_BwE

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

Everyone knows Beast Craft BBQ for its award-winning barbecue, but there's a lot more to the story than smoked meats.

In Episode 50, I sit down with owner Dave Sandusky to talk about the exciting opening of Beast Craft's newest location at City Foundry STL, the menu item he says every first-time visitor needs to order (and it might not be what you'd expect), and what it really takes to run a successful restaurant.

Dave opens up about the realities of restaurant ownership—the long hours, constant challenges, and why even businesses that look wildly successful from the outside face obstacles behind the scenes. It's an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and staying passionate through it all, with plenty of barbecue talk along the way.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

What started as a passion for great sandwiches has grown into one of the Metro East’s most talked-about food destinations.

In Episode 49, Alexis Zotos sits down with Ed Heath, owner of Ed's Delicatessen, to talk about bringing a neighborhood deli experience to Edwardsville. From the early days at Cleveland Heath to a return to Illinois to open a sandwich shop that's so much more, Ed shares his story. 

We also talk about battling burnout, creating community through food, and why great hospitality matters just as much as what’s on the menu.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

For 50 years, Grandma's Cookies has been serving up fresh-baked cookies, sweet memories, and a little bit of nostalgia in the heart of St. Charles.

In Episode 48, I sit down with owner Theresa Rubio to celebrate a major milestone: 50 years in business. We talk about how Grandma’s Cookies became a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, the family traditions that have kept customers coming back for generations, and what it means to carry on a business that has become part of so many childhood memories.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

Just a few blocks from CITYPARK, one of St. Louis’ newest breweries is quickly making a name for itself.

In Episode 47, I sit down with Nicole and Jay Thompson, founders of Blue Jay Brewing Company, the award-winning craft brewery that opened in Midtown in 2023. Known for its European-inspired small-batch lagers and welcoming, family-friendly taproom, Blue Jay has quickly become a gathering spot for both craft beer lovers and neighborhood regulars alike.

Nicole and Jay share the story behind launching the brewery, why they chose Midtown, and how they’ve built a space centered around quality beer, hospitality, and community connection.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

Fashion is taking center stage in St. Louis once again.

Local designer Lucas Roe and fashion connector AK Brown join the podcast to talk about the return of St. Louis Fashion Week and the momentum building around the city’s creative scene. From runway shows to community events, Fashion Week is shining a spotlight on the designers, stylists, artists, and entrepreneurs helping shape the future of fashion in St. Louis.

It’s a conversation about creativity, confidence, and the people working to put St. Louis fashion on a bigger stage.

For tickets and more information: https://www.stlouisfashionweek.com/

For generations, Eckert's has been part of family traditions across the St. Louis region, from picking peaches and strawberries to fall festivals, cider donuts, and Christmas trees.

In Episode 45, I sit down with Chris Eckert to talk about how a family farm grew into one of the region’s most beloved destinations. We discuss the history of Eckert’s, how the business has evolved over the years, and what it takes to keep a multi-generational family operation thriving while continuing to create memorable experiences for families year after year.

From seasonal traditions to the future of agritourism, this episode is all about community, connection, and the memories so many St. Louisans have made at Eckert’s.

The Mississippi River flows right through St. Louis, but how often do we actually get out and experience it?

In Episode 44, we sit down with Matt Green, Executive Director of River City Outdoors and Big Muddy Adventures, to talk about getting outside and seeing the region from a whole new perspective. From paddling the Mississippi River to canoe and kayak rentals in Forest Park, their goal is helping more people connect with nature right in their own backyard.

We also talk about the growing outdoor culture in St. Louis, the importance of making adventure accessible. It’s a conversation about adventure, community, and rediscovering the beauty of the rivers and green spaces that make St. Louis unique.

Learn more about paddle trips, boat and bike rentals and more here.

This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee. 

There’s something magical about live theater under the stars, and every summer, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis transforms Forest Park into one of the city’s most beloved traditions.

In Episode 43, I sit down with Tom Ridgely to talk about Shakespeare in the Park, the free outdoor theater experience that has become a summer staple in St. Louis. We discuss this season’s production, the work that goes into bringing these performances to life, and why accessible arts programming matters so much to the community.

Tom also shares how Shakespeare Festival St. Louis continues to evolve, connect with new audiences, and create memorable experiences that bring thousands of people together year after year.

For the full season schedule and to reserve seats: https://stlshakes.org/shakespeare-in-the-park/

This episode is brought to you by Kaldi's Coffee.