The Annex Coffee and Foods in Webster Groves offers online ordering while planning storefront opening

John Barr and Kelley Hall-Barr, the couple behind the Frisco Barroom and Civil Alchemy in Webster Groves, have announced a new project, The Annex Coffee and Foods at 8122 Big Bend Blvd., that will be housed between their other two spots.

Barr describes The Annex as “a long-awaited idea” that draws inspiration from its two sibling establishments, bringing together the kinds of house-made items offered at The Frisco, like its breads, pastries and dips, and the gourmet packaged items stocked at Civil Alchemy, with a focus on sourcing local.

“[It’s] a little bit of a marriage of Frisco and Civil Alchemy,” Barr said. “It’s gonna be a cool spot and a really cool outlet for all the people and my great kitchen team that I currently have.” 

The new enterprise will offer a variety of specialty foods and beverages, including house-smoked deli meats, pastries, packaged salads and locally roasted coffee. Combining elements of a coffee shop, deli and market, customers can stop in and take goods to go or linger at a table with a coffee and bite to eat once it opens. 

Although there is not yet a scheduled opening date for the store’s physical location due to the pandemic, a variety of products are available for purchase via its online store. Current offerings include croissants and baguettes, family-style meals, dips and sauces, all made in-house, with more items slated for addition in the coming weeks.  

Customers can place preorders online each week. Preorders end at 9 a.m. Wednesdays, with pickups currently scheduled from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday.  

As they move forward, the team behind The Annex is looking for local vendors to supply goods to be sold at the store. A list of specific items for which the store hopes to find local purveyors is available on their website, and those interested can apply here for further information.