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The Unforgettable Legacy Of BEAST Butcher & Block: What Happened To St. Louis's Iconic BBQ Spot And The Future Of Pitmaster David Sandusky's Empire

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The St. Louis culinary landscape shifted significantly when BEAST Butcher & Block, the ambitious dual-concept restaurant in The Grove neighborhood, concluded its day-to-day operations. This closure, which took place on March 26, marked the end of a chapter for one of the city's most critically acclaimed barbecue establishments, known for its commitment to high-quality meats, heritage breeds, and a unique blend of fine dining technique with traditional pitmaster grit. The news, though a blow to many local diners, has paved the way for a new phase in the BEAST brand's evolution, spearheaded by the visionary pitmaster, David Sandusky.

The closure of the Manchester Avenue location at 4156 Manchester Ave. has not meant the end of the BEAST empire. Instead, it represents a strategic focus on the original, nationally-ranked location, BEAST Craft BBQ Co. in Belleville, Illinois, and an exciting expansion into new territories. As of late 2024, the former Butcher & Block space is even set to welcome new life with Chef Ben Welch opening two new restaurants there, solidifying the continuous evolution of The Grove neighborhood.

The Pitmaster’s Profile: David Sandusky and The BEAST Empire

The entire BEAST brand is inextricably linked to the personal journey and culinary philosophy of its co-owner and pitmaster, David Sandusky. His background is anything but typical for a barbecue legend, which is precisely what sets the BEAST concept apart.

  • Name: David Sandusky
  • Role: Co-Owner and Pitmaster of BEAST Craft BBQ Co.
  • Wife/Co-Owner: Meggan Sandusky
  • Culinary Background: Culinary school graduate and a "recovering fine dining chef."
  • First Restaurant: BEAST Craft BBQ Co. in Belleville, IL, opened in late 2014.
  • Mission: To challenge the status quo of the ultra-competitive St. Louis BBQ scene and put the city back on the map as a fantastic barbecue destination.
  • Signature Style: Utilizes different rubs and techniques to complement specific cuts of meat, reflecting his fine dining roots applied to traditional barbecue.
  • Notable Achievements: Nationally-ranked and recognized BBQ pitmaster; featured on Food Network's 'BBQ Brawl'.

Sandusky’s approach is defined by an uncompromising quality standard, often utilizing heritage breeds and a meticulous, whole-animal butchery approach. His journey from fine dining to pitmaster is the core narrative of the BEAST brand's success.

The Rise and Closure of BEAST Butcher & Block in The Grove

BEAST Butcher & Block was conceived as an ambitious offshoot of the Belleville original, opening in The Grove neighborhood of St. Louis, MO, at 4156 Manchester Ave. The concept was not merely a second restaurant; it was a hybrid experience that aimed to elevate the craft.

A Unique Dual-Concept Dining Experience

The Butcher & Block location was a true two-in-one establishment. Patrons could enjoy a counter-service BBQ restaurant offering platters and sandwiches, but the real differentiator was the in-house butcher shop. This allowed the restaurant to offer custom cuts of high-quality, often locally sourced, meats and engage in whole-animal butchery.

The menu was a celebration of St. Louis and the craft of barbecue, featuring iconic dishes that quickly became local favorites. While the Belleville location is famous for its staples, the Butcher & Block version was lauded for its exceptional quality and unique offerings. The restaurant even had a notable presence at the St. Louis City SC CityPark stadium, serving up its famous pork steak and spicy-sweet jerk wings.

Former Executive Chef Ryan McDonald, previously of the Chinese fusion restaurant Good Fortune, contributed to the restaurant's sophisticated edge, blending different culinary perspectives into the traditional BBQ format.

The Strategic Shift: Why the St. Louis Location Closed

While the closure of BEAST Butcher & Block was met with sadness by its loyal following, the move appears to be a strategic consolidation and expansion of the main brand. The owners, David and Meggan Sandusky, announced the end of day-to-day operations in The Grove to focus on their other ventures.

The complexity of running a dual-concept, high-volume operation while maintaining the rigorous standards of the BEAST brand likely played a role. The original BEAST Craft BBQ Co. in Belleville, IL, remains a cornerstone of the BEAST empire, continuing to serve its acclaimed smoked meats, including the Pulled Pork Plate, Brisket Plate, and various sandwiches like the Pork Steak Sandwich and Classic Snoot Sandwich.

The closure, however, has led to a major new development for The Grove. In a sign of the neighborhood’s continued vibrancy, Chef Ben Welch (of the former The Woodshack) is set to take over the prominent space, planning to open two new restaurant concepts in the former Butcher & Block building.

The Future of the BEAST Brand: Expansion and New Concepts

Pitmaster David Sandusky is not slowing down. Instead, he is channeling his energy into the next evolution of the BEAST brand, proving that the spirit of challenging the status quo remains strong. This expansion solidifies the BEAST brand’s topical authority beyond just the St. Louis metropolitan area.

BEAST Southern Kitchen & BBQ in Columbia, IL

The most exciting new venture for the Sandusky duo is the forthcoming BEAST Southern Kitchen & BBQ in Columbia, Illinois. This new restaurant concept signals a broadening of the brand's culinary scope.

The Columbia location is set to serve a small, curated selection of southern-inspired dishes that continue the brand’s commitment to quality by celebrating local farms and heritage breeds. This move suggests a return to or a deeper exploration of the fine-dining roots David Sandusky is known for, blending them seamlessly with his pitmaster expertise.

The Enduring Legacy of Craft BBQ

The closure of the St. Louis location does not diminish its legacy. It was recognized by critics like Ian Froeb as one of the 100 best restaurants in St. Louis and was celebrated for its high-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation.

The spirit of BEAST Butcher & Block lives on through the original BEAST Craft BBQ Co. in Belleville, which is open daily from 11:00 am, offering dine-in, kerbside pickup, and delivery options for fans of true craft barbecue. The menu continues to showcase the pitmaster’s signature items, including the Kielbasa Plate, sides like Southern Slaw, and the famous Tallow Bun used on their sandwiches.

For those seeking the authentic, nationally-ranked barbecue experience that put David Sandusky on the map, the Belleville location remains the definitive destination. The story of BEAST is one of continuous evolution, proving that even a closure can be a catalyst for a bigger, bolder future in the world of craft barbecue.

The Unforgettable Legacy of BEAST Butcher & Block: What Happened to St. Louis's Iconic BBQ Spot and The Future of Pitmaster David Sandusky's Empire
beast butcher and block
beast butcher and block

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