Today’s post covers news of two businesses that are opening in the CWE, Pizza Via and Laser Away, and Midas Barber Studio, which opened in April, 2023 at 449 N. Euclid.
Pizza Via, 4501 Maryland
When I mentioned to a neighbor the other day that I had stopped by to chat with Scott Sandler, above, who’s opening Pizza Via at the corner of Maryland and Taylor, he said, “Well, this time let’s hope it works.” His comment referred to three unsuccessful attempts over the past years to operate a pizza restaurant at that location. (Two of those restaurants were operated by the same proprietor.) Though skepticism may be understandable given that history, with Sandler as proprietor those concerns should be pushed aside.
Sandler left the corporate world in 2013 to make pizza. He created two vegetarian restaurants, Pizza Head on South Grand and Pizzeoli in Soulard, which he sold a couple of years ago. He said during our interview that he needed a break from the intensity of running two restaurants, both of which still remain in operation.
Sandler’s friend, Mark Jaffe, who owns the location at 4501 Maryland, above, had been asking him to open a pizza place there for years. (The site is a natural for a pizza operation thanks to a wood-fired pizza oven that was installed during a renovation in 2014.)
After a year’s hiatus from the pizza business, Sandler was ready to plunge back in. “I love pizza and also love working for myself,” Sandler explained. He also loves the industry so much that he is headed to a national pizza convention before he opens Pizza Via in early April.
“I want to make people happy by serving high-end pizza at an affordable price,” Sandler said. (The business logo above was created by Sandler’s 16-year-old daughter.)
Pizza Via’s 12″ wood-fired pizzas will include Classic Cheese, Plain White, and Vegan, as well as a “build your own” option, and a rotating selection of specialty pies such as Queen Mother Margherita, Hot Salami with pepperoni or plant-based pepperoni, Mother Earth Vegan, and White Knight. Soft drinks and sparkling waters will be available in the refrigerator case, Sandler is not planning to apply for a liquor license at first, but may reconsider at a later date.
Pizza Via will be open Weds. thru Sat. from 5 to 9 p.m., and will expand to Saturday lunch shortly after opening. There is a potential to open more days at a later date.
Sandler suggests that you order ahead for pick up or dine-in, so you won’t have to wait in line. (There is seating for about 20 inside and there will be tables on the Maryland side of the patio as well.) Order from the QR code posted on the menu in the window, or on Google Maps. Look for Pizza Via and you’ll be redirected to order on the toasttab.com link.
Pizza Via, 4501 Maryland at Taylor, opening early April.
Laser Away, 10 Maryland Plaza, below:
Laser Away, based in Bakersfield, CA, is opening its 158th U.S. location at 10 Maryland Plaza, formerly home of a Busey Bank branch location.
A list of services is published on the windows, and on the website here.
Laser Away, 10 Maryland Plaza, opening early Summer 2024.
Midas Barber Studio, 449 N. Euclid at Washington.
Abe Tatman, proprietor of Midas Barber Studio, moved his shop from Cherokee Street to the CWE in April 2023, and was named Best Barber on St. Louis Magazine’s A List the same year. Khaharr Alkhuzai and Malik Holmes, not photographed, met Tatman in barber school and operate out of Midas Barber Studio as well.
The shop offers haircuts starting at $40, beard trims, perms, hair coloring, facial massages, and more. Customers are described as predominantly male, but include non-binary, and women with short hair styles.
Tatman said they have kept loyal customers from Cherokee Street, and have picked up lots of new business from W. U., BJC, S.L.U., as well as people who have just moved to the neighborhood.
Midas Barber Studio, 449 N. Euclid (up the stairs from parking lot) is open 7 days a week from 10 to 5. Book an appointment on the website. Walk-ins are welcome, except on Sundays.
I welcome all to the neighborhood!