Beale on Broadway, Cork n’ Slice Wood Fire Bistro close doors

Beale on Broadway at 701 S. Broadway closed this week after an 18 year run. The popular blues bar and restaurant announced the closure on Facebook Jan. 1.

As reported by the Riverfront Times, Beale has been a local blues institution since it opened in 2000, rounding out a formidable downtown music scene that also included BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups and Broadway Oyster Bar.

“After 18 years, 3 months and 3 days, we are saying goodbye here at the Beale on Broadway," read a post on its Facebook event announcing the final shows. "There have been so-o-o many memories. It would take a week of Facebook posts to mention them all..And none of this could have happened without all of YOU..you who came out and supported live music. It was the sharing of this common bond that transcends race, gender, age and nationality that makes this most beloved thing I have ever been a part of."

Fittingly, The Beale went out with a roar: Roland Johnson and Soul Endeavor played on Wednesday, while local legends Kim Massie and her Solid Senders ended their residency there yesterday, Jan. 3.

Calls and emails to Beale for comment were not returned.

Cork n’ Slice Wood Fire Bistro in Central West End closed in December after being open for nine months, as reported by St. Louis Magazine. The closing seems temporary, however, the restaurant’s Yelp listing says the restaurant is scheduled to reopen Jan. 14.

The circumstances around the closing are mysterious. St. Louis Magazine reported a “For Rent” sign appeared in front of the building on Dec. 29, and the domain for its website seems to have expired on Dec. 28.

Owner Cornell Thirdkill and chef Kyle Parks did not return requests for comment.

Adam Rothbarth is a staff writer at Sauce Magazine.