The Future of Restaurants in St. Louis | The Royale, Turn STL Closing & Why Community Matters More Than Ever

What happens when beloved neighborhood restaurants close — and what does that say about the future of community in St. Louis?

In this powerful Season 7 episode of Mostly Superheroes, Logan sits down with Steve Smith of The Royale and David Kirkland of Turn STL for an honest conversation about restaurant ownership, economic pressure, civic tension, and why “third spaces” matter more than ever.

Turn is closing its doors after nearly 8 years in Midtown. David shares what it really takes to run a restaurant — the hidden costs, pandemic survival, tariffs, food price increases, burnout, and what’s next as he relocates to Little Rock.

This episode goes deeper than hospitality. We explore:

• The reality of running an independent restaurant in 2026 • How community spaces build trust & civic strength • The emotional weight of closing a neighborhood staple • Why third spaces are critical for mental health & democracy • The future of restaurants in St. Louis

If you care about: St. Louis restaurants Local business Community building The future of small business Real conversations about where we’re headed

This episode is for you.

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⏱ Timestamps

00:00 – Season 7 Kickoff in the Basement 01:18 – The Royale’s 20+ Year Legacy in St. Louis 05:00 – David Kirkland’s Restaurant Journey (Cafe Osage → Turn) 07:53 – Why Turn Opened in Midtown 10:30 – The Real Cost of Running a Restaurant 11:02 – Food Prices, Tariffs & Economic Pressure 11:11 – Turn Is Closing: Final Days & Farewell Party 13:27 – Moving to Little Rock & What’s Next 15:00 – What Future Restaurant Owners NEED to Know 18:30 – The Hidden Grind of Hospitality 20:11 – What Is the Future of Restaurants? 22:00 – Why Community Is Being Tested 25:11 – What Is a General Strike? 27:48 – Why Third Spaces Matter More Than Ever 30:11 – Voting, Access & Community Responsibility 32:00 – Supporting Each Other in Real Life

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