Kevin Brennan has already left his mark on the Central West End with multiple iterations of the ever-popular Brennan’s, now at 316 N. Euclid, and the ultra-hip Maryland House overlooking the fountain on Maryland Plaza. Now Brennan is bringing his creativity to two of the prominent corners at Euclid and Maryland with Marvel S. Fox Sports Tavern and FunHouse at 2 Maryland Plaza and, at long last, The Nobel Crown at 300 N. Euclid, the long-vacant former Culpepper’s, a restaurant he’s been tapped to run in partnership with Saint Louis Chess Club. 
Let’s start with Marvel S. Fox, whose driver’s license was recently plastered all over the front door. Who in the world is she? Brennan explained: “Marvel is a friend’s grandmother who passed away about 20 years ago– she was always a true character. I’ve partnered with his 27- and 29 year-old daughters (Marvel’s great-granddaughters, as yet unidentified), who will serve as the public-facing hosts.
You may notice that Marvel’s license shows a different middle name (thus initial) which Brennan readily explained: “Marvel said she was really ‘Marvel S’ because she was a ‘marvelous Fox!'”
The thirteen windows at 2 Maryland Plaza have been covered with all kinds of entertaining information about what’s to come, as well as a peep-hole (see female hand at center showing where to observe progress within).
The sports bar will feature darts, ping pong, bar dice, and lots of TVs, “the kinds of stuff a lot of us had in our basements,” Brennan said in a St. Louis Magazine article. Personal lockers will be available to store ping pong paddles and darts. There will also be an “amateur shop” selling branded apparel such as hoodies, 70 & 80’s tracksuits, sneakers, etc.
Though the menu is still under discussion, Brennan is planning casual fare such as salads, snacks, and tacos. In addition to a full bar, Marvel S. Fox will offer the largest selection of non-alcoholic drinks in the city, following the nationwide trend toward less alcohol consumption. “What better place to have some alcohol-free healthy drinks and delicious salads than a sports bar?” Brennan added.
Brennan is offering a membership component to Marvel S. Fox similar to the ones he offers at Brennan’s and The Maryland House. You can become part of the “Fun House” crowd by investing in the venture. Investment opportunities range from $100 to $5,000. More details about what you can expect can be found here.
Another way to participate is by taking your old trophies to Brennan’s in exchange for a $5 credit at the new sports bar. Your fame will bring you more glory when displayed on the trophy shelf as shown in the rendering above. More info follows:
Mabel S. Fox Sports Bar and Fun House is slated to open June 26, in time for the viewing the World’s Cup. Hours will be Monday through Thursday 3 p.m. until late, and Friday through Sunday 11 a.m. until late.
Brennan has also been tapped to partner with Saint Louis Chess Club to run the long-vacant former Culpepper’s space on the opposite corner.
The photograph shows a rendering of the first floor of The Nobel Crown, which is scheduled to open April 26. Brennan initially thought that with the backdrop of The Chess Club the restaurant adopt an international theme. Instead, he decided to open an elevated classic American restaurant as a nod to Culpepper’s which occupied that corner starting in 1935. Brennan explained, “I believe that prominent location needs a restaurant that will be busy for lunch and dinner 7 days a week. It should be casual so neighbors will stop in weekly, and unique so that people will come from all over.”
The restaurant will seat 55 and sidewalk seating will add an additional 40 spaces. The kitchen will occupy the former FroYo space to the east.
In the lower level he and his team intend to create an underground European wine cellar with some, according to Brennan, “unusual funky dining elements that aren’t available anywhere else in town. This should appeal to international guests attending events at the Saint Louis Chess Club.”
The Nobel Crown will be open from Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The lower level will be open on demand.
For more information on The Nobel Crown and what is planned for the downstairs spaces, read George Mahe’s in-depth article in the December 24 issue of St. Louis Magazine.