ST. LOUIS – Greater St. Louis, Inc. and St. Louis Development Corporation today announced the recipients of the latest awards from the Downtown Retail Incentive Program – a partnership between the two organizations focused on attracting new businesses and increasing street-level vibrancy in Downtown St. Louis.
“Like the thousands of people who come downtown to work and to have fun, I love having so many great options when grabbing lunch, dinner or a treat, thanks to our amazing small business owners and their teams,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “This public-private partnership is a way of showing how grateful we are for their investment in downtown and supporting the growth of retailers and restauranteurs who help bring more life and business to the heart of our region.”
The group of businesses receiving funding through the Downtown Retail Incentive Program will bring a variety of new offerings to Downtown, including food, coffee, spiritual wellness, and gourmet popcorn.
“We’ve seen several companies affirming their commitment to Downtown by signing new leases and putting their names on building exteriors. Along with crime rates continuing to decrease and new infrastructure projects going in, we are seeing how public-private partnership is helping build momentum Downtown,” said Ron Kitchens, Managing Partner of GSL. “By incentivizing more local small businesses to move into or improve street-level storefronts, we’re adding even more vibrancy and economic activity Downtown.”
This year’s Downtown Retail Incentive Program awardees are:
- Bella’s Café & Coffee (1021 Washington Ave.). Reimagined from the original Bella’s Frozen Yogurt, Bella’s Café & Coffee is grab-and-go spot serving premium coffee, sweet and savory baked goods, indulgent dessert shakes, and more.
- Karsyns Soule (635 Washington Ave.). Expanding into a larger home, Karsyns Soule is bringing its soul and comfort food to the former Gringo’s restaurant space. Menu highlights include catfish, meatloaf, ribs, and mac n’ cheese.
- Lit Life Creations (214 North 18th). A beloved vendor at the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, spiritual wellness brand Lit Life Creations has opened its first brick-and-mortar location, offering hands-on classes, handcrafted candles, incense, and other tools designed to support spiritual growth and well-being.
- Pop Pop Hurray (1102 Locust). Pop Pop Hurray is a warm and whimsical gourmet popcorn and treat destination with flavors like strawberry cheesecake and banana pudding invite you to sample something new.
- The Italian Soda Club (2228 Olive). The Italian Soda Club is a new quick-service spot serving up classic Italian American favorites with a twist. The menu features Italian roast beef and salsiccia sandwiches, crispy toasted ravioli, and a lineup of refreshing Italian sodas that live up to the name.
Retail Incentive Programs Focus on Street-Level Vibrancy and Activity
The Downtown Retail Incentive program was developed to help local businesses move into or improve street-level storefronts in Downtown St. Louis, which in turn attracts more people, spurs economic activity, creates jobs, enhances the neighborhood, and strengthens public safety. The grants awarded through the program fall into one of three program areas:
- Tenant Improvement Program. This program encourages new businesses to open ground-floor locations along priority corridors and within targeted retail nodes, supports property owners’ work to fill vacant spaces, and increases the number of retail businesses Downtown. This year’s Tenant Improvement recipients are Bella’s Café and the Italian Soda Club.
- Pop-Up Retail Program. The Pop-Up Retail program is designed to increase street-level vibrancy and economic activity with active storefronts that serve to enhance the public experience and create an atmosphere that helps lead to additional business development and potential permanent residence by businesses in these locations. This year’s recipients are Lit Life Creations, Karsyns Soule, and Pop Pop Hurray.
- Sidewalk Café and Signage Program. The program’s goal is to partner with current and prospective tenants to increase street-level vibrancy and beautification, support existing local businesses, and attract additional customers. Past recipients include UKRAFT Brunch Café and Aubergine.
“SLDC is proud to continue our partnership with Greater St. Louis, Inc. on the Downtown Retail Incentive Program. This funding collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the core of our city by attracting new retail, restaurants, and neighborhood amenities that make downtown St. Louis a more vibrant place to live, work, and visit,” said interim SLDC President and CEO Otis Williams. “By aligning our resources and strategies, we’re helping activate storefronts, support small businesses, and build the kind of street-level energy that drives long-term economic growth.”
GSL and SLDC partnered to provide funding for the incentives, which are aligned with recommendations made in Design Downtown STL, the community-informed plan that was adopted as the official neighborhood plan for Downtown neighborhood by the City of St. Louis.