How does an acclaimed restaurant reinvent itself without the chef whose ambitious vision and painstaking cooking earned it that acclaim in the first place? At Tempus, the apparent answer is to become something other than a conventional restaurant.
Author: Kegan
Tempus to Reopen Under New Leadership and Vision
Tempus’ new concept will focus on unique pop-up dinners, rich with storytelling and culinary history, featuring local food + beverage artisans as well as celebrated local chefs. With the exit of previous Chef Ben Grupe, Tempus Owner Peter Brickler has brought on the culinary team of Vito & Amy Racanelli to lead Tempus’ next chapter. The husband and wife duo will bring with them over 20 years of culinary expertise in the restaurant industry.
Vito Racanelli Shares His ‘Out of the Box’ Plans for a Reimagined Tempus
When Vito and Amy Racanelli signed on to be the creative forces behind the newly imagined Tempus — an opportunity that followed the departure of the restaurant’s acclaimed chef and creative force Ben Grupe — they knew they had only one option: to think completely out of the box.
Tempus, under new culinary team, set to reopen in The Grove for pop-ups and events
In place of traditional, sit-down dining, the space’s new concept will host ticketed pop-up dinners, private events and a carryout window. “It’s a little unorthodox,” said its new chef.
Tempus announces reopening; Vito and Amy Racanelli join the culinary team
After temporarily closing in August due to chef Ben Grupe’s departure, Tempus will soon reopen for service in The Grove. Owner Peter Brickler will collaborate with Vito and Amy Racanelli to offer pop-up dinners and special events at the acclaimed restaurant.
Tempus in the Grove is reopening with new culinary team hosting pop-ups and private events
Three months after the departure of chef Ben Grupe, Tempus at 4370 Manchester Ave. in the Grove has announced plans for the restaurant’s future. Owner Peter Brickler has recruited Vito and Amy Racanelli, known for Big V’s Craft BBQ, to head a reinvention that will see Tempus return with a series of pop-up dinners and events, as well as being available as a private events space.
Tempus to reopen for pop-up dinners and boutique events
Vito and Amy Racanelli will be at the helm for events at the acclaimed restaurant, in addition to offering to-go barbecue on Fridays.
After temporarily closing this summer, Tempus in The Grove will reopen later this month with some familiar faces at the helm: Vito and Amy Racanelli.
The new concept will focus on collaborative pop-up dinners and curated events, according to a press release, beginning with a ticketed spaghetti dinner next Wednesday, November 23. “That’s my wheelhouse, so why not the night before Thanksgiving?” quips Vito.
Tempus to Reopen Under New Leadership and Vision
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tempus to Reopen Under New Leadership and Vision
Tempus in The Grove will bring a “Culinary Journey” to St. Louis with Pop-up Dinners and Curated Food Events, as well as Private Event Space
St. Louis (November 14, 2022) – With the exit of previous Chef Ben Grupe, Tempus Owner Peter Brickler has brought on the culinary team of Vito & Amy Racanelli to lead Tempus’ next chapter. The husband and wife duo will bring with them over 20 years of culinary expertise in the restaurant industry.
Tempus’ new concept will focus on unique pop-up dinners, rich with storytelling and culinary history, featuring local food + beverage artisans as well as celebrated local chefs. It will be a place for people to come together to enjoy the vibrant, diverse culinary flavors of St. Louis and to be a part of an enlightened dining experience like no other. Tempus’ inaugural event will kick off the evening before Thanksgiving, on Wednesday, November 23rd, with a ticketed spaghetti dinner.
The following week will be the launch of the first pop-up series, “ROOTS: A Culinary Journey”, on Wednesday, November 30th. The dinner series will be an intimate look into the mind of a chef, while bringing insight and passion into their personal journey. Each pop-up event of the ROOTS dinner series will feature a different chef or food/beverage artisan. Tickets for all events will be available for purchase through Tempus’ website.
The beautiful event space will also be available for private parties, celebrations and corporate meetings for up to 60 people. Located in the heart of the popular Grove neighborhood in St. Louis’ Forest Park Southeast, Tempus’ thoughtfully designed space is described by patrons as “luxurious, yet cozy.” Custom, elegant furniture designed by local craftsman Martin Goebel, warm and inviting lighting, and an ideal flow from bar to dining room, make the space perfect for special occasions and events. Event menus are customizable and approachable, from intricate cuisine to casual, family style food.
Brickler and Vito met while working together in The Chase Hotel’s restaurant back in 2001. Since then, Vito has served as chef/owner of some of the area’s top restaurants, as well as culinary lead of the world’s largest brewery. He and his wife Amy have a background in private catering and events, and developed a reputation of serving delicious, quality food at Mad Tomato in Clayton and Big V’s Craft BBQ.
In addition to pop-up dinners and events, Tempus patrons will have the opportunity to enjoy creative, wholesome meals-to-go, as well as smoked meats from Big V’s Craft BBQ at The Window, located at the side of the Tempus building, at the corner of S. Newstead Ave. and Manchester. Beginning November 18th “The Window” will be open for walk-up orders on Fridays, starting at 11am, until sold out.
“We are extremely excited about this opportunity”, says Vito. “We want to create a space that will embrace the community, highlight our local chefs and artisans and bring people together for a unique
culinary experience. With the combination of our private event space, pop-up dinners and food to go at “The Window”, everyone will be able to enjoy this new and unique dining concept”.
For more information and to purchase tickets to the November 23rd and 30th dinners, please visit TempusSTL.com.
The event and window schedule for November is as follows:
- Friday, November 18th The Window @ Tempus, “Big V’s Craft BBQ Famous Sandwiches”
- Wednesday, November 23 – Spaghetti Dinner (ticketed)
- Friday November 25th – The Window @ Tempus, “Beer-B-Q”
- Wednesday, November 30th – “Roots” a Culinary Journey into the mind of a chef: Part 1 Featuring Vito Racanelli (ticketed)
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