The Scoop: Dooley’s Beef N Brew House to close Oct. 17

  After a combined 44-year run, family-owned Dooley’s Beef N Brew House is closing its doors for good on Saturday, Oct. 17. The original location operated in downtown St. Louis for 40 years, and the restaurant’s current location in Grand Center has been open since 2011. Citing financial issues, co-owner Sean Dooley said he was grateful to serve customers in St. Louis. “My father started the restaurant,” Dooley said. “I was born and raised in the restaurant. I started cleaning table tops, then bartending and then was the general manager.” Dooley said it was tough to maintain steady business in an area that competes with other entertainment districts. “The activities on Grand are so seasonal,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer when the Fox Theatre is open, but summertime is rough with all the other outdoor activities.” While there are no immediate plans to reopen in another location, Dooley is keeping “feelers out.” In the meantime, he plans to focus on his full-time job as a firefighter and paramedic, as well as his role as swim coach at Christian Brothers College High School and Visitation Academy. “We never were in business just to make a paycheck,” Dooley said. “It’s always been about the customer, and we’ve had a loyal customer base. When you come here, you feel like you’re coming to your restaurant. Our goal was not only to serve great food, but to serve it like we’re serving it to family.”