Sole owner re-opens restaurant
By Alvin A. Reid Of the American
Reginald Dickson is back – and he’s inviting you to join him backstage.
The former co-owner of The Tuxedo Room has reopened the restaurant at 522 Grand under his sole ownership and calls it “Reggie’s Backstage Restaurant and Bar.”
“It’s a different personality,” Dickson said of the new establishment.
“By its name, The Tuxedo Room had a feel that you had to be dressed up to come here or only on special occasions.
“That has totally changed. You’re ‘backstage’ – you can dress how you want to dress and be welcomed.”
The Tuxedo Room closed last winter after just a few months of operation. Dickson and former co-owner Brett Cervantes parted ways under blustery conditions, but he says it’s all for the better.
“We now have a younger staff, and the diversity is wonderful,” Dickson said.
He called the racial mix of Reggie’s Backstage “heartwarming.”
Dickson is installing a patio for outdoor dining to the north of the restaurant, as is his neighbor to the east, Jazz at the Bistro. A small entertainment area is also being constructed in the small park, which will offer opportunities for live music.
“There will also be table-top dining in front, directly across from The Fox,” he said.
“In the future, we will have various aspects of live music in the performance area in the park.”
Reggie’s Backstage will also offer live entertainment inside the establishment.
“We plan to have blues and jazz tribute nights,” Dickson said.
“We’ll also have wine events that feature a five-course meal and wines from various regions.”
And, true to his St. Louis roots, he said, “there is going to be a barbecue night, where we set up a big grill right outside. There will be smoke in the air.”
Several members of the cast and crew of The Lion King made almost nightly visits to the restaurant during its recent run. Also, patrons of The Fox are making pre- and post-show visits for dinner and drinks.
On nights of shows, valet parking is discounted with validation from Reggie’s Backstage.
Vince Schoemehl, Grand Center director, said the entertainment district is proud to have Dickson’s restaurant in such a key location.
“It’s a great spot, and it should do great,” he said, before sampling the menu on Wednesday.
“This is part of the continued growth of Grand Center.”
A new Hyatt will be opening next year in the old Metropolitan Building and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri will establish its headquarters in the old Woolworth Building at Grand and Olive.
“This is our region’s major art and entertainment district. It’s world class,” Dickson said.
“That’s why I was so anxious to get back going.”
The young, dynamic staff Dickson is so proud of also includes his daughter, Rachel. She serves as a manager along with Asad Kahn, a native of Pakistan, who will most likely greet you with courtesy and a smile as you enter Reggie’s Backstage.
The executive chef is Peter Barken, who brings youthful zeal to the kitchen and is in charge of Reggie’s “eclectic American cuisine.”
“There’s just so much more energy,” Dickson said.
“You can feel it. It’s a different personality.”
There have been some physical changes to the restaurant, as well. Several of the chandeliers have been removed and replaced with less intrusive fixtures. There is still the “Speakeasy” room in the basement with the wine cellar.
A small dancing area is now a dining semi-secluded dining area, and a VIP room will also be complete in the near future.
“It’s great to be back,” Dickson said. “We want everybody to come Backstage.”
Reggie’s Backstage is located at 522 North Grand, across from the Fox Theatre. Parking is available on Washington, east of Grand behind 3rd Baptist Church. For reservations call (314) 535-5577.
