KAF’s latest development, The Key Burger Bar & Boogie, makes its grand opening this Wednesday, October 29th at 3225 Olive Street. A pitch-perfect place where the music plays, the game is always on, and the dance floor is open, The Key is destined to be the new favorite neighborhood hang.
On one side of the complex, the fast-casual Burger Bar offers a delectable menu of smashburgers made from pasture centric sustainable beef from Price Family Farms; specialty fries, tacos, a variety of appetizers and a dozen house-made specialty sauces, developed in partnership with chef Michele Coen of Michele C Catering. The food menu is complimented by a great selection of craft cocktails and local beers, while games of St. Louis’ favorite local sports teams play on a bevy of flatscreen TVs.
The Boogie, a spacious, adjoining dance hall, will feature a regular rotation of the region’s favorite party and dance bands, as well as line and salsa dancing nights. It will also host sports watch parties and live streams, plus be available for private event rental.
“We can’t wait for visitors from across the St. Louis region and beyond to experience The Key—especially our neighbors who live and work in Grand Center and Midtown, SLU and Harris Stowe students, and fans heading down to catch a game at Chaifetz, Energizer Park, Enterprise Center or Busch Stadium,” said KAF Executive Director Chris Hansen. “The Key will be a welcoming gathering spot for all to enjoy great food, cold drinks, sports, and live music and dancing in an art-forward atmosphere.”
The two adjacent historic buildings that make up The Key were rescued from demolition by KAF through an agreement with Saint Louis University and with support from the Landmarks Association of St. Louis. Built in 1887, the buildings are among the few remaining historical structures in the area, and adjacent to the former and historic Mill Creek neighborhood, providing a rare glimpse into St. Louis’ past and showcasing the enduring architectural beauty of a previous century.
The Key reimagines the spaces for the modern day, while respecting and preserving their defining architectural elements. An original tin ceiling in the Burger Bar has been restored and given a fresh coat of silver paint and the soaring original wood trusses in the Boogie have been carefully preserved and restored. KAF worked with Chandler Ahrens, co-founder of Open Source Architecture and an Associate Professor of Architecture at Washington University in St. Louis, to design the space and Harambee LLC to lead the construction.
Following KAF’s commitment to arts-based community development, The Key features a robust art program, including an extension of the Walls Off Washington mural program featuring murals by celebrated artists both inside and around the exterior of the building. St. Louis-based Cuban designers and illustrators Raul Valdés, Juan Carlos Polo and Carlos Zamora developed The Key’s illustrated universe, featured prominently in the interior of the Burger Bar and on the website. The Boogie includes a gallery space where works by local artists will be displayed.
“As with everything KAF does, art is a primary focus of The Key. Carlos, Raul and Juan Carlos are award-winning designers and illustrators whose work we are proud to have front and center in this space,” Hansen says. “The venue will feature rotating works by other artists as well, taking its place in the ecosystem of dynamic arts spaces KAF has developed throughout the district.”
To keep up with all of the exciting upcoming events, visit thekeystl.com and follow The Key on Instagram and Facebook.
