Kaldi’s Coffee has expanded its St. Louis presence to Ladue

This is the 12th St. Louis-area cafe for the coffee company

Kaldi’s Coffee opened its 12th St. Louis-area cafe earlier this week at 9214 Clayton Road in Ladue. The 2,500-square-foot coffee shop is in the former home of Cheree Berry Paper, in a shopping plaza where Truffles Butchery is located. 

Louis Nahlik is the designer behind the newest store and Nahlik said the company had its eye on the community for a while and signed a lease on the space last fall, but the interior buildout didn’t start until this spring, after the previous tenant moved out.

“We’re really excited to be in the neighborhood,” Nahlik said.

Guests of the newest cafe will find the full lineup of coffee drinks offered at the brand’s other locations, such as espresso beverages, brewed coffee and teas and smoothies. Food choices range from breakfast items like avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches and a breakfast burrito, while lunch selections are sandwiches, bowls and salads.

 

 

At each of its cafes, the interior is always designed to fit with the neighborhood where it's located through embracing varying design elements such as lighting and wallpaper that are unique to each location. The Ladue space features a large U-shaped bar in the center that serves as the order counter. Pendant lighting hanging above the bar offers visual appeal while also adding to the natural light that comes in from the two large windows on either side of the entry doors.

“It’s traditional with some modern and contemporary elements, but the vibe is a little more traditional,” Nahlik said of the design.

Inside there’s room for around 40 guests, with a blend of seating options that range from table and bar height seating, to soft seating areas that includes leather couches. Nahlik said there may be sidewalk seating offered at a later date, but for now the cafe is sharing the patio space at Truffles Butchery.

Although the bar serves as a focal point, the cafe’s wallpaper will quickly grab a guest’s attention. The bold yet elegant pattern features a blend of florals, fruit, greenery and butterflies set against a dark background. Contemporary artwork on the walls, plants and colorful accent pillows on the couches round out the aesthetic and offer a cozy atmosphere.

Kaldi’s Coffee started 30 years ago in Clayton’s DeMun neighborhood and Nahlik, who started as a barista at the company’s Chesterfield store 15 years ago, said the company is aiming for a 30th anniversary celebration this October, but details will be announced as fall approaches.

Kaldi’s Coffee Ladue cafe is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.