After almost five years of serving burrito-sized sushi rolls, poke bowls and wonton nachos in Maplewood, BLKMKT Eats has expanded to the former Las Palmas location at 7356 Manchester.
Ron Turigliatto, co-owner, anticipates an opening date for the 1,420-square foot space “early in 2012.” JugoPlus architects has been selected to manage the buildout. Turigliatto states that construction will begin within a few months.
Turigliatto states that he and Kati Fahrney, co-founders, had been seeking to expand for nearly four years. However, the pandemic delayed the search. But they still “feel very good” about the location, Turigliatto said. The partners were more enthusiastic after attending the Let Them Eat Art. Turigliatto said that people were delighted to see them. “They were just as excited as we were.”
The Background
Five years ago, Fahrney and Turigliatto launched the concept. BLK MKT Eats, located near Saint Louis University, opened its flagship store at 9 S. Vandeventer, in 2017. Word spread quickly, with lines snaking out the door of the 1,000-square-foot-shop.
Customers line up to choose from 10 different varieties of sushi bowls, giant rolls (including our best-selling OG fire Salmon Burrito), and wonton-based nachos. All are made-to-order and packed for take-out or delivery.
He says that it was crucial to have two things when looking for a second location. More parking and dine-in seating. Maplewood offered both.
Turigliatto states that there is 40% more square footage which means more seats. There’s also a large parking lot at the rear with multiple cut-throughs. We are located in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. BLK MKT Eats is a fast-casual, healthy, quick-serve restaurant that serves the immediate neighborhood. It is everything we expected.”
