New restaurant to open in former Benevolent King space in Maplewood

A press release announces a new Maplewood restaurant to be opened by an “internationally acclaimed chef” in February:

Internationally Acclaimed Chef Alec Schingel to Open New St. Louis Restaurant, Robin, In February 2025

St. Louis (December 13, 2024) – Following two years of pop-ups and private dinners branded as “The Robin Project,” Chef Alec Schingel is opening his first brick and mortar restaurant, Robin Restaurant, located at 7268 Manchester in the Maplewood space on Historic Route 66 that formerly housed Benevolent King.

Robin Restaurant will focus on serving a small, but elevated Prix Fixe menu sourced from the products of local farmers and purveyors.  The cuisine will highlight true sustainability and seasonality, and explore the history and culture of Midwestern Cuisine, resulting in thoughtfully crafted meals that feel indulgent yet approachable. By opening a fine dining establishment that takes care to create a comfortable, welcoming environment, Chef Schingel looks to craft a “fine comfort” experience that is special and perfect for savoring, without any pressure.

“This is a highly personal endeavor, and a vision that has been 18 years in the making,” said Schingel, who will serve as both Executive Chef and Wine/Beverage Director of Robin Restaurant. “We put a lot of thought and effort into the details of the experience, but we also want it to be in service of hospitality and warmth — to make everyone feel welcome.”

The menu will consist of a four course Prix Fixe priced at $75, with three available options at each course. A snack menu will also be available as an option for diners, featuring a rotating plate of 3-5 finger foods that reflect chef’s approach to Midwestern Cuisine. All food items will evolve with the seasons and showcase local products at their peak.

A full complement of beverages, including beer, wine, liquors, and cocktails will accompany the food.  Wines will be available in two formats – via bottle or carafe to encourage sharing and offer diners more flexibility.

“There is an enormous amount of excitement and generosity in St Louis towards supporting great, well-run restaurants with a strong identity and point of view,” said Schingel. “We are beyond excited to be a part of this community and can’t wait to open our doors and welcome everyone for a fantastic meal.”

Located in the vibrant community of downtown Maplewood, the 1400-square-foot space will feature nine tables and a six-seat bar and can accommodate 36 guests at one time, with a small open kitchen that connects guests to the behind-the-scenes experience. With St. Louis based Jen Epley consulting on interior design efforts, the space will stay true to its design and layout, with a focus on brightening and lightening for a more natural feel. “After searching for years for the perfect space, we’ve finally found what we were looking for,” said Schingel. “The size and layout of the restaurant perfectly fits our vision of a place where guests can enjoy a great meal, gathered around a table with friends and family.”

A native of Urbana, Illinois, Schingel went to school at SIUC for economics, but moved to St. Louis soon after graduation and attended L’Ecole Culinaire. He spent three years in various restaurants at the Chase Park Plaza before training under chef Gerard Craft at Niche. In 2013, he embarked on a journey to travel the world and learn about cooking in new and innovative kitchens, spending time at McCready’s and The MacIntosh in Charleston, SC, at In de Wulf in Belgium, and finally at Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York, where he met and worked with Michael and Tara Gallina.  Upon his return to St. Louis, he joined the opening team at Vicia as Chef de Cuisine before heading to Winslow’s Table as Executive Chef, where he worked for two years before venturing off on his own to start The Robin Project and search for a permanent restaurant space.

“The pop-up dinners we have hosted under The Robin Project have given us the opportunity to interact with St. Louis diners and to develop an incredible and loyal following,” said Schingel. “We are looking forward to growing that following and welcoming in a diverse range of customers at Robin Restaurant, from regulars, to people celebrating a special occasion, and also travelers and tourists.”

Robin Restaurant will be open five nights a week, Tuesday through Saturday.  Follow @robinrestaurant for updates and opening details.