Gerard Craft will open Porano in Des Peres this month

Pick up a customizable pasta, grain bowl, salad or pizza beginning Monday, July 29

James Beard-winner Gerard Craft’s Niche Food Group has announced the long-awaited re-opening date for fast-casual concept Porano at 13323 Manchester Road in Des Peres. Guests can order the customizable pasta, grain bowls, salads and Detroit-style pizzas they fell in love with at the original downtown St. Louis location beginning Monday, July 29. The location will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Catering options, from boxed meals to buffet-style dining, will be offered soon.

“We were very sad to close the original location and are thrilled to bring the concept back after six years. The excitement from the community has been meaningful to watch,” said Craft in a statement. “With [Chief Operating Officer Ryan Hux]’s leadership, we look forward to expanding to other areas and are already scouting out additional locations in St. Louis and beyond.”

Craft shuttered the original Porano location in 2018, citing a lack of parking as one of many motivating factors for the closure. 

Porano marks the group’s ninth concept, first restaurant in West County and the second of three concepts opening in less than one year. Upscale speakeasy concept None of the Above opened in December 2023 and Expat BBQ is expected to join them at City Foundry STL this fall.

Check out Sauce’s First Look of the new space coming later this week.