Caleco’s Bar & Grill and Balducci’s Restaurant have closed

Two long-running local establishments have closed recently as Balducci’s Restaurant (12527 Bennington Place) shut its doors in St. Louis County and Caleco’s Bar & Grill (101 N. Broadway) has apparently closed in downtown St. Louis. 

On Sunday, Oct. 17, Balducci’s posted a message on its Facebook account explaining the closing. “For 46 years we did our absolute best to serve you and make your tummies smile,” the note said. “Our food was from old family recipes and ones we developed along the way. The Balducci family has been involved in the grocery, tavern, restaurant or wine business in some way since the late 1800’s.”  

The note cited labor shortages – which have affected many local restaurants – as the main reason for the closing. “It’s very sad and emotional to let go, but when we can’t find enough people to staff the operation, there’s nothing more we can do,” the message explained.  

Caleco’s Bar & Grill’s message to customers was much shorter; a note on the restaurant’s door read, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve St. Louis for 47 years.” 

Neither restaurant was able to be reached for further comment.