Urban Eats concept Crepes and Treats will open its own brick-and-mortar on Cherokee Street in May

Crepes and Treats, owned by chef Saul Juarez, will open at 2752 Cherokee St. in St. Louis in May. The popular pastry cafe and creperie operated out of the Urban Eats MarketPlace food hall at 3301 Meramec St. from July 2021 till about two weeks ago, when it shuttered to prep for the new location.

The menu will feature savory and sweet items. Weekend mornings will have traditional breakfasts like bacon and eggs, along with sweet crepes like banana cream pie with vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, chocolate sauce and whipped cream, and over a dozen other creations. Lunches will be similar, substituting breakfast items for sandwiches. Afternoons and weekdays will be devoted to pastries, freshly baked bread and other baked goods. Staples such as coffee, soda and juice will also be available. "We will start with the same menu as before, then add items gradually,” Juarez said, “We'll add fresh juices, a staple in Mexico, and fresh, hot and frozen desserts." Juarez, who worked previously as pastry chef for Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis and Angad Arts Hotel, trained at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and afterward completed European-style training in Spain. 

Juarez envisions the place as “la casa del repostero” or the home of the pastry chef. “Cooking and the kitchen are a big part of Mexican culture,” Juarez said. “It’s for family to share time together and that's what this cafe will be like.” As such, the new 1,000-square-foot space will have an intimate feel: light blue walls, 12 to 16 seats, an elegantly rustic counter and an open concept. Juarez wants people to experience the world of pastries and not feel any separation between chef and customer. “I don’t want a big place where a table is just a number,” he said, “I want to talk with people and ask them how they are enjoying their dessert and experience. I want them to feel at home.”

Juarez hopes the new restaurant will be open by May 13 for Mother’s Day weekend. Once open, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, and closed Monday and Tuesday. To stay up to date, follow Crepes and Treats on Facebook or Instagram.