Flying Saucer will close downtown as Wheelhouse owner picks up the space

The St. Louis location of brewpub chain Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, located at 900 Spruce St., downtown, will close up shop next month after more than five years in business. The announcement was made via social media on Sunday, August 5. The last day of service will be Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Partner Larry Richardson said the reason was simply a lack of business, and there are no plans to relocate in the St. Louis area. “We really liked St. Louis, but it just didn’t work out,” he said.

But the space won’t be idle for long. Stephen Savage, co-owner of Wheelhouse and Start Bar has announced he’s already committed to a long-term lease for the space, which measures approximately 12,500 square-feet. While he said he wasn’t ready to give specific details about the concept, Savage said it will be much different than Wheelhouse and Start Bar.

Savage said he’ll bring in a new culinary partner to oversee the food portion of the concept. He declined to identify the person, though he said, “It’ll be a really big addition to our group.” The company is working with Atomic Dust, who were involved with Wheelhouse and Start Bar, on design and branding of the concept.

Savage said he expects construction to start immediately after Flying Saucer vacates.

“We’re doing quite a bit to the space,” he said, including moving the bar, opening up the front of the space and adding additional bathrooms. He’s particularly excited about the outdoor patio areas.

“It’s a really cool element that didn’t get used much by Flying Saucer,” he said.

Savage said the goal is to have the doors open March 1.

Matt Sorrell is staff writer at Sauce Magazine.