“Customer service is everything to us,” says Crystal Burkely about Patois, the new Caribbean American eatery and social lounge opening up in St. Louis. As general manager of Patois, Crystal joins an A-team bringing this new eatery to the city. “We want to change that perception that a Black-owned business cannot deliver on service and offer every customer a great experience,” she says.
Starting this Saturday, April 15 from 5pm – 8pm, everyone can get a taste of this exceptional service and the eatery’s freshly-grilled jerk chicken, compliments of a grill master from Jamaica. Patois (pronounced pa twah) refers to that infectious mix of native dialects people often speak in multi-ethnic societies in the Caribbean. It’s an apt name for the upscale eatery that will be fusing down-to-earth Jamaican food with gourmet American fixins’, in addition to live Reggae music and R&B-inspired soul nights.
Located at 2617 Washington Ave – and replacing the Rustic Goat – Patois has already attracted hundreds of RSVPs to this grand opening event. Former owner of Rustic Goat, David Holman is now owner of Patois and says the new management is part of a transformation of the space. Marketing director Johnnie Franklin, from Chicago, echos this vision.
“Patois is all about delicious food and super chill happy hours,” says Franklin, who cut his teeth as creator and promoter of Jack Daniels’ Jack’N for Beats, a national hip-hop competition that toured the U.S.
“We have one of the best management teams,” says Chicago-native Damian Williams, head of operations. “We are diverse individuals with extensive experience in live events, venue management and marketing.” Also on the team is Rese Madkins, a financial manager from Chicago, and Darius Chapman, a veteran operations manager from East St. Louis.
Having worked together in the past, the team was collectively inspired by Caribbean food, and a desire to bring big city tastes from the Windy City to St. Louis. “I’m bringing the authenticity factor to the food,” says Carmen Harris, Patois’ head chef from Chicago. “There will be that combination of salt, pepper, sweet and tangy.”
Patois caters to culture-loving people. It’s menu is packed with gourmet dishes such as macaroni and cheese and innovative helpings such as jerk tacos and jerk pasta. “Jerk” refers to the method the meat or veggies are seasoned and cooked, particularly with a mix of spices and peppers, slow-roasted over wood.
Live events and themed nights, in addition to great food is what sets this eatery apart. Each night will serve up something different. Wednesdays are Working Women’s Winedown, which Patois has partnered with 100.3 The Beat to provide women a nice space to mix and mingle. Throwback Thursdays are dedicated to serving up throwback R&B and Hip-Hop hits, plus cocktails. Fridays will be Reggae and Calypso nights, including a live band. Soul Saturdays will feature R&B music with a live DJ, and Sundays will focus on brunch for the whole family.
Grand opening
This Saturday, patrons can get free samplings of the jerk chicken, with the full menu available for purchase, including lamb racks and pan-seared salmon. Burkely, an experienced bartender who’s worked at the Loft and managed the Marquee, will be serving unique signature drinks including Uncle Joe’s Rum Punch, Paradise, and a blue-colored Ducked Off. Attendees can also enjoy a live Reggae band while chilling in the lounge area, and even order hookah – the smoke-less flavored tobacco that originated in ancient Persia.
Marketing director Franklin insists that Patois belongs to us all. “This is not only my place, this is our place,” he says making a big circle with his arms.
Embracing his new home and business, Franklin emphasizes the focus on customer service – something general manager Crystal Burkely, his fiancé, does on a daily basis. “Customer service is paramount,” he says. “That’ll always be number one on our list.”
Patois Eatery & Social Lounge opens this Saturday April 15, and will operate Tuesday – Saturday from 5:00pm, with Sunday brunch starting at 11:00am. Sit-down and pick-up service will be available, in addition to a full lounge, an upstairs hookah spot, live music, DJing, TVs, happy hours and bottle service. To learn more, visit http://patoisstl.com/ or (314) 745-1005.
