ST. LOUIS – It's not always easy for restaurants and retail stores to stand the test of time. There are many people in the St. Louis area with whom we have created cherished memories over the years who are no longer with us.
After looking back at the most overlooked restaurants around St. Louis, FOX 2 wanted to take it a step further. Many of the brands and companies that once shaped St. Louis culture are gone, but not forgotten.
Last week, FOX 2 took to Facebook to ask viewers, “What brands or chains do you remember that are no longer in the St. Louis area?”
After more than 1,000 comments, these were among the most popular replies. This also includes restaurants and retail stores…
“Stix Bear and Fleur and the famous bar,” Karen says.
“It’s a bookstore that transcends borders,” says Jim.
“Grandpa Pigeon,” Tony says.
“Del Taco,” Autumn says.
“Casa Gallardo,” says Amanda.
“Another vote for Casa Gallardo! Someone seriously needs to bring it back,” Jeannie says.
“Cassidy's Pizza. It's the best fruit pizza I've ever had,” says Laura.
“Shop and save,” Audra says.
“Circuit City, service products, Venture, Sears,” Cynthia says.
“Venture. I used to go there a lot with my parents when I was a kid,” Justin says.
“Grandpa Pigeon. Sears Merry-Go-Round. 579,” Jeannie says.
“Grandpa Pigeon, Ground Round, Buster Murphy, Kriegers,” Wes says.
“Drive-In, Woolworths, Fish Dock, Zips,” Demaris says.
“It's Culpepper,” Charlie says.
“Ground rounds,” Pat says.
“Value City. I miss the chain store where I used to buy my Cardinals shirts,” Jordan says.
“Jacks or better,” Kenny says.
“Ben Franklin [five-and-dime store]” says Jacob.
“Xantigo,” Susan says.
“Nogles, Casa Gallardo, Ground Round, Quiznos,” says Elisa.
“Naugle's! A great place to go after the bar. The Naugle burger was awesome,” says Jim.
“Kroger Grocery Store! I've been a part of Arnold's growing up since before it was National,” says Kimberly.
“Old Country Buffet,” Mike says.
“Annas Linens is here today. Any good old buffet restaurant,” says Mindy.
“Toys R Us, Hi-Fi Fo-Fum, NASCAR Speed Park, Kmart. The list goes on,” Scott says.
“Johnny Mac sporting goods,” Nick says.
“Velvet Freeze,” Sandy says.
“It’s a Woolworth steamboat cabin,” David says.
“Cicero’s, the coffee cartel, the phonograph,” Sebastian says.
“Gordmans, Venture, Shoneys, and Payless,” Tiffany says.
“Gold’s Gym,” Emily says.
“Tumble drum,” Carson says.
“Pantera's Pizza”, Lucy.
“Pilot House. The best fried chicken,” says Diane.
“Lerner's Department Store,” Donna says.
“Hostess has a store off Broadway,” Petty says.
“unpaid [Shoe Store]” says Ashley.
“Guys,” says Carolyn.
“Woolworths and Bakers shoes,” says Jill.
“Stuart Anderson Cattle Company,” says Jane.
“Payless, Ryan's, Grandpa Pigeon, Ponderosa, Kmart, Buzz, Pizza Inn,” Jessica says.
“It’s the original Parkmoor in Clayton,” Leon says.
“St. Louis Steamers,” Steve says.
“Naugle's, Bean House, El Nopal, Pagliachi's, Nelson's Landing, Charlotte's Rib, Seventh Inn,” Matt says.
“Noah’s Ark and the Pit of Fire,” says Robert.
“It's central hardware,” Dave says.
“Genghis grill,” Justin says.
“GEM department store,” Garry says.
“It's Howard Johnson's,” TJ says.
“Toy box,” says Brian.
“94th Aviation Squadron,” Chris says.
“Rothman furniture,” Charlie says.
“Sports Authority and Macaroni Grill,” Jennifer says.
“Bed, bath and beyond,” says Laura.
“A blockbuster,” Sean says.
FOX2 wasn't able to mention every restaurant, but you can check out the rest of the responses on our Facebook page and comment on the brands and businesses you miss the most.
