Franchising

James Beard Award-winning chef reopens Italian fast casual

Photo: Porano

August 6, 2024

James Beard Award-winning Chef Gerard Craft reopened Porano last week in Des Peres, Missouri, bringing back the pasta, grain bowls, salads and Detroit-style pizzas it served to guests in downtown St. Louis from 2016 to 2018 before closing, when he said, "We love downtown and hope they can find a way to bring back all of the amazing convention business we lost this year. Another time, another place, who knows — we never say never."

That "another time" is now.

"We were very sad to close the original location and are thrilled to bring the concept back after six years," Craft said in a company press release. "With (COO) Ryan's (Hux) leadership, we look forward to expanding to other areas and are already scouting out additional locations in St. Louis and beyond."

Porano, which joins the Niche Food Group family of restaurants as its ninth concept, is a fast casual brand led by Craft and COO Ryan Hux, a 15-year restaurant veteran who spent his career working with Shake Shack and Raising Cane's.

The 3200-square-foot restaurant, which was designed by Nick Adams of Mademan Design and seats 64 guests, who place orders by selecting a base and toppings or one of the restaurant's salad, pasta, grain bowl, or pizza offerings. A "noodle lane" is also available for to-go orders placed in advance.

"We know that families and groups don't always agree about what or where to eat, and we're giving you the options and flexibility to get something for everyone in your group," Hux said in the release. "We're thrilled to bring Porano to the Des Peres community and can't wait to welcome our new neighbors, whether it's families or those looking for a fast, high-quality, consistent option."

Owned by Craft, Niche Food Group is based in St. Louis.