What’s New In The Lou with Alexis Zotos

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.

EP 46: St. Louis Fashion Week Returns

Fashion is taking center stage in St. Louis once again. Local designer Lucas Roe and fashion connector AK Brown join the podcast to talk about the return of St. Louis Fashion Week and the momentum building around the city’s creative scene. From runway shows to community events, Fashion Week is shining a spotlight on the designers, stylists, artists, and entrepreneurs helping shape the future of fashion in St. Louis. It’s a conversation about creativity, confidence, and the people working to put St. Louis fashion on a bigger stage. For tickets and more information: https://www.stlouisfashionweek.com/ [https://www.stlouisfashionweek.com/]

EP 45: More Than a Farm: The Legacy of Eckert’s

For generations, Eckert's has been part of family traditions across the St. Louis region, from picking peaches and strawberries to fall festivals, cider donuts, and Christmas trees. In Episode 45, I sit down with Chris Eckert to talk about how a family farm grew into one of the region’s most beloved destinations. We discuss the history of Eckert’s, how the business has evolved over the years, and what it takes to keep a multi-generational family operation thriving while continuing to create memorable experiences for families year after year. From seasonal traditions to the future of agritourism, this episode is all about community, connection, and the memories so many St. Louisans have made at Eckert’s.