What’s New In The Lou with Alexis Zotos

Episode 51: MATI Festival: Celebrating Music, Art & Community in St. Louis

Music has a way of bringing people together, and that's exactly what the MATI Festival is all about. We sit down with Chris Hansen, Executive Director of the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, to talk about the sixth annual MATI Festival, returning July 17–19. What started as a celebration of music has grown into a multi-day festival featuring live performances, visual art, and community experiences that showcase the incredible creative talent found throughout St. Louis. Chris shares how MATI is helping fill a need for the local music community, why supporting artists is essential to a thriving city, and how the festival continues to evolve each year. We also talk about the role the arts play in shaping St. Louis' identity and why investing in creativity benefits everyone. BUY TICKETS HERE: https://matistl.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23762964955&gbraid=0AAAAADR49pwNVe8bCsSIWRk1IweoQRuoD&gclid=CjwKCAjw08fSBhA7EiwAfbQTsCY_ec6cL-xv-u_Ldmbpl3F4OHEdADHMf_kXWEAtGYbPJAqNNEnZhRoCuVQQAvD_BwE [https://matistl.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23762964955&gbraid=0AAAAADR49pwNVe8bCsSIWRk1IweoQRuoD&gclid=CjwKCAjw08fSBhA7EiwAfbQTsCY_ec6cL-xv-u_Ldmbpl3F4OHEdADHMf_kXWEAtGYbPJAqNNEnZhRoCuVQQAvD_BwE] This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee.

Episode 50: Beyond the BBQ: Building Beast Craft with Dave Sandusky

Everyone knows Beast Craft BBQ for its award-winning barbecue, but there's a lot more to the story than smoked meats. In Episode 50, I sit down with owner Dave Sandusky to talk about the exciting opening of Beast Craft's newest location at City Foundry STL, the menu item he says every first-time visitor needs to order (and it might not be what you'd expect), and what it really takes to run a successful restaurant. Dave opens up about the realities of restaurant ownership—the long hours, constant challenges, and why even businesses that look wildly successful from the outside face obstacles behind the scenes. It's an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, resilience, and staying passionate through it all, with plenty of barbecue talk along the way. This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee.

EP 49: Ed's Delicatessen, a Food Destination in Edwardsville

What started as a passion for great sandwiches has grown into one of the Metro East’s most talked-about food destinations. In Episode 49, Alexis Zotos sits down with Ed Heath, owner of Ed's Delicatessen, to talk about bringing a neighborhood deli experience to Edwardsville. From the early days at Cleveland Heath to a return to Illinois to open a sandwich shop that's so much more, Ed shares his story.  We also talk about battling burnout, creating community through food, and why great hospitality matters just as much as what’s on the menu. This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee.

Episode 48: Grandma's Cookies Celebrates 50 Years of Sweet Traditions

For 50 years, Grandma's Cookies has been serving up fresh-baked cookies, sweet memories, and a little bit of nostalgia in the heart of St. Charles. In Episode 48, I sit down with owner Theresa Rubio to celebrate a major milestone: 50 years in business. We talk about how Grandma’s Cookies became a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, the family traditions that have kept customers coming back for generations, and what it means to carry on a business that has become part of so many childhood memories. This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee.

EP 47: Crafting Community with Blue Jay Brewing

Just a few blocks from CITYPARK, one of St. Louis’ newest breweries is quickly making a name for itself. In Episode 47, I sit down with Nicole and Jay Thompson, founders of Blue Jay Brewing Company, the award-winning craft brewery that opened in Midtown in 2023. Known for its European-inspired small-batch lagers and welcoming, family-friendly taproom, Blue Jay has quickly become a gathering spot for both craft beer lovers and neighborhood regulars alike. Nicole and Jay share the story behind launching the brewery, why they chose Midtown, and how they’ve built a space centered around quality beer, hospitality, and community connection. This episode is presented by Kaldi's Coffee.