Former entertainer and restaurateur, Robbie Montgomery, plans to invest millions in North St. Louis … again.
“I don’t have a problem going in the ‘hood. I’m from the ‘hood; I ain’t scared!”
Robbie Montgomery
More than 30 years ago, Montgomery opened Sweetie Pie’s soul food restaurant in Dellwood followed by a location in the Grove area (now closed) and another, Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust, on Delmar in the Grand Arts District, which closed in 2022.
Her estimated $7 million vision will be in north St. Louis on Dr. Martin Luther King Drive near Kingshighway. The venture will include “Sweetie Pie’s 2nd Act,” an event space next door and other commercial and residential projects.
A part of Montgomery’s comeback is based on a $1.5 million grant she was awarded from the city of St. Louis’ $37 million in federal pandemic money dedicated to North Side businesses and nonprofits. Unfortunately, she said, because the program is currently under scrutiny, she hasn’t received a check yet.
The holdup, Montgomery asserts, is all about politics and race.
“It’s a shame,” Montgomery said.
“When the ‘other’ people ran this city, nobody opened their mouths when they put no money over on the north side. Now that there’s money available, everybody’s jumping up and acting all crazy over it.”
Montgomery purchased an abandoned building in the 4900 block of MLK Blvd. that was built as a movie theater in the 1920s, became an A&P grocery store in the 1960s and early ‘70s then a Family Dollar discount store before it was shuttered a few years ago.
Even without knowing when (or if) she’ll receive her grant money, Montgomery is moving forward. She has options on vacant lots in the two blocks surrounding her proposed restaurant and hopes other entrepreneurs will join her.
“We as Black people need to get together and buy up this property and bring it back. That’s what I’m trying to do,” she said.
Montgomery, 84, said she wants to revisit that time when Black people crowded Wellston on MLK (formerly Easton Ave.) every weekend to shop. She also remembers places like Freidman’s Railroad Salvage on Easton Avenue near Kingshighway, where people bought furniture, groceries, cars and clothing from other local businesses.
“This part of Easton had nothing but businesses and families,” Montgomery recalled. “When you walked down the street, people spoke to one another … ‘How you doing?’ It was that southern hospitality thing.”
She’s embracing the idea of kicking off an economic renaissance in a long-neglected part of north St. Louis.
“I’m right in the ‘hood where nobody else wants to come,” Montgomery said. “I don’t have a problem going in the ‘hood. I’m from the ‘hood; I ain’t scared!”
Indeed.
Robbie Marie Montgomery was born on June 16, 1940, in Columbus, Miss. At the age of six, her parents moved Robbie and her six brothers, James, Walter, Robert, George, and Everett and two sisters Linda and Janice to St. Louis.
She attended Pruitt Elementary School, then Vashon High School after it moved to the former Herbert S. Hadley Vocational School building at 3405 Bell Ave. After graduating high school, Montgomery said she worked at Billy Burke’s restaurant, near Sumner High School, “flipping burgers.”
While living in the Pruitt-Igoe Housing Projects, Montgomery participated in school talent shows and sang in the church choir. She makes her transition into the music scene seem seamless.
She and a group of girls from her building formed a singing group called the “Rhythmettes.” At that time, Montgomery recalled, there were a lot of “ettes,” female backup singers like Ike Turner’s “Ikettes” and Ray Charles’ “Raelettes.”
The Rhythmettes were discovered by a man she called “Mr. Goodlow,” who lived in the projects, put on talent shows and wound up managing her group. Goodlow hooked her group up with legendary rhythm and blues singer, Art Lassiter. The “Rhythmettes” became the “Artettes,” singing alongside Lassiter.
Lassiter eventually formed a band, called the Bel-Airs, who by 1955 were recording and singing backup for Ike Turner. The “Artettes” eventually became the “Ikettes,” featuring future superstar Tina Turner.
The group recorded the hit song, “Fool In Love” in 1959. After a brief stint with Chicago blues guitarist Earl Hooker, Montgomery officially joined Ike & Tina’s band in 1961 and started traveling the world.
From 1968 to 1988, Montgomery recorded and sang background for groups like the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd and spent eight years as a “Nighttripper” backing up New Orleans blues, jazz, R&B, soul and funk musician Dr. John. Throughout her career, she sang behind B.B. King, Barbra Streisand, Debbie Reynolds, Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder and other well-known artists.
Health concerns caused Montgomery to quit singing and touring. She came back to her hometown and had to find a “regular job.” It was a humbling experience.
“I’d been all over the world and had to come back and work a job. I wasn’t rich when I quit singing rich so, I just swallowed that pride,” Montgomery laughed.
Oprah Winfrey’s company, OWN, found Montgomery when they were looking for a restaurant for a possible reality TV series. Apparently, the “sizzle reel” which captured a sassy and savvy Montgomery along with her humorous and entertaining family beat out other contenders and Montgomery was offered a seven-year contract on Winfrey’s network.
“Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,” which premiered in 2011, was filmed at Montgomery’s Grove and Grand Center locations. The popularity of the show drew busloads of fans from across the country. The ninth and final season premiered in 2018.
The closure of the Upper Crust location came in 2022 after Montgomery’s son, Tim Norman, was found guilty of arranging his nephew Andre Montgomery’s death to get a $450,000 life insurance policy. He has since been sentenced to life in prison.
Although Montgomery loves St. Louis, she expressed frustration with the litany of rumors and social media allegations that the Grand Center restaurant’s closure was related to her son’s crime.
“I’m not the only mother with a son in prison or who has been in trouble … that had nothing to do with it,” Montgomery fumed, stressing the real reason the eatery closed.
Montgomery has led an economic resurgence in two neighborhoods. Arguably, the Grove or the Grand Center was what they are today before Sweetie Pie’s pioneered the terrain and drew thousands of locals and tourists into those areas.
“These are my stomping grounds; this is where I lived and I’m gonna do whatever I have to do,” Montgomery said, alluding to the unknown status of her business grant.
“I’ll sell chicken on the corner if I have to, but I’m gonna make this work!”
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
D**N !!!!!!!!!!!Isn’t Lady Robbie 84? However,St. Louis is an irretrievable ghetto like my mother’s native Detroit.
Well it’s a good thing she doesn’t think so. However, given where this country is headed now with a dementia ridden idiot at the helm, most of America will be just that.
Outstanding!!! I wish her and her knew venture all the best…..I’m a true fan of hers.
I enjoyed reading the history of Ms. Montgomery life. She’s been doing something in the St. Louis area for a long time 🤯 I wish you the best and hope God bless everything your doing 🙏
Great legacy I’m so happy for Ms. ROBBIE AND just like I was there for the closing at the Grand Center location [ with comments] from a reporter. I’ll be there for the opening whenever she may open be
Be prepared for robberies and shootings. Bad, bad area. You will just be throwing that money down the drain.
I feel that Ms. Robbie is doing something that she has been doing all her life. Regardless of what’s going on in her life God got her and he knows how much she can bear. The road may be tough and the going may be rough but thru it out, I say keep on keeping on Ms. Robbie Gid got you and I say to you hats off to an amazing woman. May God keep and bless you.
I feel that Ms. Robbie is doing something that she has been doing all her life. Regardless of what’s going on in her life God got her and he knows how much she can bear. The road may be rough and the going may get tough, but thru it all, I say keep on keeping on Ms. Robbie God got you and I say to you hat off to an amazing woman. May God keep and bless you in all your doings.
I would love to join Mrs Robbie and add my up and coming business in that area as well. Grew up in the city want to remain in the city. Want my business to be located in the city
Bring your restaurant to ALTON ILLINOIS..WE NEED A GOOD SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT, PLEASE 🙏
Investing back in your hood Miss Robbie!!!!! Can’t wait to see the progress 🙌.
Glad to see someone willing to invest in STL (North Side), instead of running to the county. Ted Dewes stayed in STL and people from the county comes to buy from there.
Hello I think many more people would buy as well if they don’t make it so hard for people to get these places.I wish they would give ame school and let me make it into a homeless shelter
How can you say they have no where to go when they have all theses empty schools don’t make it for profit make it a non-profit and help somebody
Gave me one of theses Shop and Save they close to open up for a commity center so kids can have someone to go I’m with it to make a difference in the city to help somebody
Congratulations on all of your endeavors. It’s a pleasure to have read your stories….. wishing you all.of the best….. your vision for the community is wonderful, happy new birthing as you move forward.
I admire Miss Robbie’s commitment to revitalizing North City. I pray others will follow and support and recognize that the city is what we make it and that running to the suburbs doesn’t necessarily spell success.
Ted Drew’s, stayed in the city…
Go for it.Gods got you we miss you too.You taught me how to make those clover rolls yummy.I came often after church,and yes everyone makes mistakes big or small God sees us and he’s the Author and Finisher of our Faith Love You . Ms. Lisa E
Robbie Montgomery is a true pioneer! She has the right insight and the tenacity to see it through. She will need a reliable team to work along side her and to help guide her. Our economy is a strange thing, but people make sacrifices and choices for the things they want. I definitely want St. Louis to be as prosperous as possible!
I admire your spirit. We have to cast our buckets. If ‘they’ (and some of us who are gatekeepers for ‘them’) don’t support us) we have to march on. Beautiful story. I’ll support however I can.
Good LUCK!!! Ms. Robbie!! May this time be the forever charm!!! Kingshighway and MLK is NOT North St.Louis, that’s STILL the WEST END!!! POLITCS and the media are trying to RENAME EVERYTHING NORTH of Delmar north St. LOUIS?????
Thank God for her input I grew up in the Ville down street from Sumner High school I ride thru the hood it brings tears blocks of Vacant lots 🙏 sad
Good morning 🌄! I had the opportunity to read the story of Mrs. Robbie Montgomery, her story was so inspiring. Over sixteen years ago, my husband and I started a nonprofit organization called REACHING THE UNREACHABLE YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, during that time we provided service in the St.Louis City FAMILY Courts. For over twelve years we created positive programs for those children, who were confined. Our goal is to see a positive change in children and their families. We also were members of the NAB, which also works with troubled youth. Funding is very crucial for this type of business, and at this time we are in need. If there is anyone out there who could give us the tools and resources needed, so that we can continue to make a difference in our surrounding communities , please reach out. Our business number is 314-591-7644
I’m so proud of Miss Robbie and her efforts to lead the charge. Although I live on the East side of the river, this is encouraging. Maybe there are others who will catch the vision with me to make the East river front a destination that showcases the area’s rich history.
Congrats on your award.
Thanks for helping the community to return to a viable livelihood.
May God continue to Bless you and your family, 🙏❤️
I love and miss you Miss Robbie you’re sure was phenomenal it was fun watching your family home sweetie pies it was one of the best shows that has ever came out to me it was wonderful to see black people making it on their own hope to see you back on TV soon have a blessed and wonderful adventure
This is exactly the attitude that is needed. She will no doubt get funded by the program once the program irons out the details. North Kingshighway is getting repaved and will be in good shape for the rebuild process. Great to see!
The fight is fixed by God you will WIN tie a knot in the rope and hold on your help is on the way. Age is nothing but a number. At 76, the Lord put it on my heart to expand my ministry with the help of a few people who have giving hearts for displaced people and for helps in catastrophic situations. We don’t have alot to work with but with what we share is to share the love of God and give hope. This is not the end of your story it’s only the beginning in the end we WIN you will be a walking testimony and so will my team. God Bless! Don’t Quit wait on the Lord!❤
North city is just as beautiful as south city. We need more people like Montgomery. What an awesome story from Pruitt Igoe to traveling the world with super stars, successful businesswoman. I pray you get that grant you so much deserve. I will be there when it opens.
SOME OF THE BEST CHICKEN ON EARTH !!!
I CAN’T WAIT.
AS A FORMER EMPLOYEE OF 5 YEARS + I NEVER (BOUGHT) CHICKEN ANYWHERE ELSEWHEN I WORKED FOR HER.
HURR-UP…..
Just love and respect Ms. Robbie for all her efforts in leading the way toward an economic resurgence in areas and, the North City of St. Louis. Her pride in the city must become contagious with the community, in order to enrich and vitalize her vision.
Thanx, M’am!
So happy that she is returning and opening a restaurant again. Maybe we’ll return to a good eating place without traveling to St. Louis county. 👍.
All the Best to Miss Robbie and friends with all future endeavors for our city St Louis #thepositiveside.
Waiting for your comeback. I want some Real chicken and your other foods.
As a child, whenever I went to my grandparents house, my brother’s and I considered it a treat when we went to shopping in Wellston. The Northside has such a rich history. If we as a people could learn the history of our neighborhoods in the city, I believe people would truly care about it.
Wow… I’m curious why the grand location closed but at the same time I’m happy she’s still pushing to put her chain back on the map and in North City. I hope they release the Grant funds to help those communities. I loved her food and the economic activity in the North is very much needed.
Welcome back!
Ms, Robbie🌹Kudos first to you, I’m a 57 year old black woman 👩🏽 of color!!!
I have some challenges that limit my activities, yet I know whom is carrying me!
Starting a program for the disable group…
I would love to be a help to your vision and your dream, thanks for being a light to your hometown👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
T hank you Ms Montgomery you are so write l remember Martin luther king ave formerly Easton all the way from Jefferson to the Welston loop and beyond nothing but businesses on both sides of the street every thing from fresh vegetables to cloths shoe barbers beauty shops clubs.You could walk down Easton for blocks and there was all kinds of entertainment movie theaters everywhere. I use to have a little shoe shine box business ld walk up and down Easton shining shoes did pretty good to. Yes mam go for it what ever kind of business you open l’ll be a customer for life.Good luck.
Ever since I found out you used to dance with Tina Turner and you open up your own restaurant I washed your show on TV the Upper Crust and I like the food that you were serve not it looks so delicious. You are a phone number woman and mother. I understand things that North St Louis is going through when other people are in charge and no money is coming to the neighborhood but the other neighbor will get all of federal money they can get because they have black state legislator who been bought out I’m putting money in their own pocket. Just reason when having any money come to the black neighborhood. But they say they doing all they can do with a black lady here but we the last one to hit funded and I’ll community Rose bridges bypass. They’ll be aware housing and our community and chemical stores let’s bring down our community. Because they don’t care. I will join you at a later date after the election of November the 5th 2024.
I mr: Randy Trimble I’m a fan of miss Montgomery I’m a Californian living in STL, became a fan in 2011welcom to sweetie pies never missed a episode, came to st, Louis to eat in person that’s how much I love her brought my daughter my granddaughters my brother and we ate at the upper crust,met. Charles miss Robbie it’s a piece of history for myself & my grand babies !🙏
I love what Miss Robbie is trying to do I support her 100/percent.I am from the hood I went to Vashon also.Love you Sweetie Pie.
Good luck,with God’s blessings to your great business decisions and thanks for caring about our community 🙏
I’m so happy to hear that wonderful news it makes me want to join in on doing something in our old neighborhood
This is great. She’s a pillar in the community. I can’t wait to see what she does next. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article.
This sounds good for her family but I don’t think its for the people! Her food was over priced and not that good,and passing out small portions. I hope she make a decision to help us and not take advantage of US.
Bless you Robbie Montgomery ! All the Best ! 🌈💃🏽🙏🏾
Yes indeed
Go head on girl and make it work out.
May God be with you
My mom Bertha Miller worked at Billy Burke’s with Miss. Robbie
It’s good to see you come back and that location is a good spot and I remember Wellston from back in the day. I’m a 70yrs old cook if you need help.The Most High Bless You
Hello there are several questions i have pertaining the Marketing of your outreach to help our community. I appreciate your help to advance the community were you came from .Thank You please contact me about events to volunteer to help upon the opportunity to upbuild the community.
Grew up in that area and remember all the businesses that thrived there, especially Sears. Lets support, invest and champion those who want to revive this area. It needs it, their are good people still in that corridor.
Thank you Miss Robbie for your inspiration. You are one of the reasons I keep pushing and moving forward. Thank you and God bless you!!!!
I will forever Love You Ms. Robbie She is such a sweetheart. Strong phenomenal woman. In 2016, tragedy that would forever change my life. Miss Robbie showing up at my doorstep not knowing me. I thank you for your love and support. I’m praying for your strength ! That God continue to order your footsteps. I am so happy for you to do it all over again! in the hood. God Bless You!
Hope she make a come back I love Mrs Robbie , I remember coming there I had a dress shirt on she signed it . I never wore it again it’s in my closet right now .
GO MRS.ROBBIE
MRS.ROBBIE GO!!!!…SALE YOUR CHICKEN ON THE CORNER”! IM COMN TO BUY! LOL IM FROM THE HOOD” AS WELL..JUST LIKE YOU…I AINT NEVA SCARED! MISSED YOUR FOOD YOU HAVE MY SUPPORT!
HIT ME UP!
I’m very excited to see Ms Robbie make a wonderful contribution by investing back in St Louis I support anything she chooses to do thank you so much Ms Robbie.
I’m glad to see Robbie is still pushing through to make a living for herself as well as rebuild our community. #TeamRobbie for the win
God bless Ms Robbie!
I’m praying she has a 3rd round of success because when God has it in you and for you, no one can stop it or take it away from you! The Robert Brothers invested in North STL for years and helped a lot of people too!
Ms Robbie thank you for investing in North St Louis my son is an entrepreneur he also buys some property in North St Louis also right now he’s rehabbing a house on North Spring and Market where no one else will ever think about buying he’s invested his own money into his property I thank you for being a strong black woman and investing in the hood and I think my son Bernard g l e g h o r n for being a strong black man who is not afraid to invest in the city I am currently living in North County and I moved to the city some years ago because I couldn’t find a house or an apartment that would accommodate me and my six children so I moved to North St Louis in the Jeff vandalou Apartments and raised my children and my family was really happy there later I moved back to the north county but my oldest son Bernard stayed there where he resides to this day thank you Ms Robbie and Bernard for Paving the way for other black entrepreneurs
Good to hear. Just goes to show proof that if you build it they will come. Vision, Discipline along with smart work will pay off. Keep Leading from the front. Something that many people do
Good to hear. Just goes to show proof that if you build it they will come. Vision, Discipline along with smart work will pay off. Keep Leading from the front. Something that many people fail to do…
Welcome back Ms Montgomery. It is good to see that you have victoriously overcome the unfortunate and uncontrollable family issues, that many of us go through. I’m sure that St. Louis will 💯 support you and welcome you back. Much Love ❤️
What a great woman!
I’m impressed with her love for her community. I remember the hustling and bustling MLK formerly Easton. It was called The Ville. We then ventured to Wellston another Black bustling community. That history is too humbling for some to want to return to it. I support your endeavor.
Ms. Robbie I am so happy to see your never stop mentality it is what the city needs. Wish I had funds to invest I think the payoff of your investment will set you up for joy.
I watched every season and every episode of her series,”Welcome To Sweetie Pie’s”. I’m so happy Miss Robbie is bringing her business back and I hope one day to be a customer to taste her renowned soul food!
Are you considering investors to assist with the project
I hate what happen to your family because am mother to I think what you doing is very interesting 8 I will love to work with you
I welcome her business confidence in North St. Louis it is a breath of fresh air without doubts about failing and inspiration to the black community to never give up hope in their neighborhood or city no matter how terrible the odds are against you succeeding
ROBBIE DESERVE TO DO WHAT EVER SHE WANTS TO SHE IS A TOUGH COOKIE I LOVE THAT ABOUT HER SHE IS HER OWN WOMAN GOD BLESS YOU💙
Love this read…yes the North side need people like her
I just thought about them two days ago and I am elated learning this. As a staunch “Sweetie Pie’s” fan; I know that Ms.Robbie, will make this new restaurant and whatever else, work. I am excited for an update; as I TV 📺 taste 😋 her food 🍽️ ; which mirrors my late North Carolinian cooking grandmother and mine. Good luck and Blessings with ⛽️ to M’s. Robbie and family. #R.I.H.P. Andre 🌹 🕊️ 🙏🏽
This is beautiful Robbie!!!!!
Good luck and stay blessed!
Wow luv Ms Robbie she loves her city & they obviously luv her bac. She not responsible for he sons action it has nothing to do with the food & her. He’s grown enough about him. But u know ppl r thinking it. Gd luck Ms Robbie
The north side of St Louis needs a good sit down restaurant that is stylish and serves good food and the employees make you feel welcome.
You guys Don’t really know Robbie Montgomery.
I’m with you 1000%
Played sax at the Tribute to Tina Turner w/Bernie Hayes @ Harris-Stowe and helped u onto the stage
So proud of you cousin Robbie .. One thing our family will do , is continue to claim each and Lift each other up no matter the consequences I LOVE YOU COUSIN, And I see that heart that you carry like your family does and that is to give back and take care of what is broken ❤️
I support you 100%. I will participate and invest in the restoration of the Wohl Center/old Sears Building neighborhood.
Yes I grew up in Wellston and me and my mom would visit Jupiters and the shoe stores and my dad love going to central hardware and the Chinese restaurant and the hamburger place at the bus stop taking the trolley ride from mlk down skinker and getting off on page walking home and passing the barbecue place on the corner and the IGA store I would love to see the revamp of this area
I loved this show and the whole Family. I looked forward to it every week. I was so sad to hear of her Son’s part in the murder. I just hated it for him. He had such a following I think. I wish there was a way to bring the show.
God bless you and your Family Miss Robbie. I love you all.
I love and miss you Miss Robbie you’re sure was phenomenal it was fun watching your family home sweetie pies it was one of the best shows that has ever came out to me it was wonderful to see black people making it on their own hope to see you back on TV soon have a blessed and wonderful adventure