Table Talk: January 28–February 3

A Bit of Bad Luck

Consider that squeaky wheel on your grocery cart a swan song—Lucky’s Market, Glenstone Avenue’s natural and organic grocery store, is shutting down. The Colorado-based grocery chain is shuttering 32 of its 39 stores nationally, including the Springfield location, as it files for bankruptcy. The Springfield Lucky’s Market, which opened in 2018, announced that its target last day is February 12, but most items are deeply discounted as the store clears its inventory. The goods are pretty picked over already, but stock up on what you can—the nearest location remaining open is in Columbia.  

Go, Go, Margot

The wait is over for C-Street’s newest eatery, Margot. Chef and owner Drake Tillman opens the French bistro–inspired space this Thursday within The Artisan’s Oven. The menu shifts seasonally and offers sandwiches and salads for lunch and dinner, plus pasta and large plates for dinner. The restaurant is currently accepting reservations ahead of its opening and is also offering a prix-fixe three- or five-course Valentine’s Day menu. 

Can’t Get Enough Coffee

Able Coffee & Provisions announced that it has closed for good after opening six months ago in the former Free Solo Coffee Co. space. The Fremont Avenue coffee shop (whose Facebook page has since been deleted and whose Instagram is now private) served Elixr Coffee along with pastries and sweets. 

While Able has shut its doors, Classic Rock Coffee Co. is gearing up for its downtown location. As previously reported, the rock n’ roll–themed coffee shop is opening a second Springfield location within the Walnut Street Brewery District Flats. The sign has gone up, and the shop is scheduled to open in the next few weeks. 

Pour It Up

Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted fame is gettin’ busy. The barbecue champion and co-owner of Hollister’s Downing Street Pour House is opening a Springfield location of Downing Street, which serves classic British fare like fish and chips and shepherd’s pie along with burgers, soups, salads and shareables. The second location, which is tentatively slated to open in May, will be operating within the former Jason’s Deli on Battlefield Road. 

Cluckle Up

Restaurateur Michael Felts—the man behind Hot Cluckers and the soon-to-open Bourbon & Beale and Taco Habitat—has announced that he is opening a second Springfield location of his Nashville hot chicken restaurant. The new Hot Cluckers location will open within the former Famous Dave’s on Campbell Avenue and is three times the size of the original. It will offer a similar but expanded menu (including breakfast) and will have a sports bar atmosphere. 

Felts is staying busy in the meantime: construction is nearing completion at Bourbon & Beale, Springfield’s Taco Habitat—housed within the shipping containers in the Lucky’s Market parking lot—is slated to open soon, construction on a Branson Taco Habitat is underway, and Felts is planning a Branson location of Hot Cluckers as well. 

Join the Inner Circle

Walnut Street is gaining another drinking destination. In early March, Tulsa-based Inner Circle Vodka Bar is coming to 319 W. Walnut St. The bar, which specializes in infused vodkas and cocktails, is hosting a pre-opening party on February 29 to celebrate its arrival. All-inclusive tickets include drinks, food, live music and a dance floor. 

That Good Good

A surprise to absolutely no one who has tasted Askinosie’s Dark Chocolate & Red Raspberry CollaBARation Bar, the chocolatier has taken home yet another Good Food Award. The awards celebrate “the taste-making crafters at the vanguard of deliciousness and social and environmental excellence,” and this recognition marks the company’s fifth Good Food Award.

Weekly Planner

The month is winding down, but you don’t have to! Stay busy with this week’s foodie events.