Foundry Public House to open in Edwardsville

The newest entrant in the Edwardsville food scene has taken up residence at 126 N. Main St. Foundry Public House opens Tuesday, June 14, in the former Robust Wine Bar space. Co-owners Greg Elmore, Jason Armbruster and Rodney Lanham aim to create a place that crosses a neighborhood pub with an upscale dive bar.

“Everybody loves a neighborhood pub, and everybody loves a dive bar,” Elmore said. “We wanted to build the kind of place we wanted to hang out in.”

Drawing on their experience in the restaurant industry, the three designed Foundry Public House to emphasize a bar program. To that end, Foundry will boast 16 drafts and 55 cans and bottles ranging from Anheuser-Busch products to rarer, artisanal bottles. Similarly, wine will be available by the glass or, if guests are so inclined, they can spring for bottles. Whiskey will dominate the spirits and cocktails menu. “We want to be a drinker’s paradise with really good food,” said Elmore.

That food will come courtesy of chef Thomas Hayes, most recently from the kitchens at Bar Louie in St. Charles. Hayes is building a menu that will offer what Elmore described as an upscale twist on Americana with elements of Southern comfort. Guests can expect chicken and biscuits, diner-style burgers, beer-cheese fondue, steak sandwiches and more. There will be gluten-free and health-focused options, as well.

“The bar is kind of like church,” said Elmore. “It’s the one place everyone is welcome. We want to be a neighborhood staple and be a place that’s not pretentious and everyone is comfortable.”

Look for Foundry Public House to be open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.