New O’Fallon eatery will combine comfort food, cozy atmosphere and modern technology
With nine food concepts, 40 taps and three robot servers helping to streamline operations, O’Town Food Hall and Tap House plans to combine time-tested, old-fashioned comfort with efficient modern technology.
Located in the former Hop House Southern Eatery at 1214 Central Park Drive in O’Fallon, four veteran hospitality managers say they hope to open on Oct. 17.
The four women say that owner Steve Edwards, the former co-owner and chef at Hop House, is striving for a family-friendly atmosphere to welcome customers of all ages.
Sixty percent of the menu will be familiar to patrons of Hop House, which specialized in Southern comfort food. Past favorites will be among the dishes offered.
Barbecue, tacos (including vegan), fried chicken, chicken wings, smash burgers, Asian rice bowls, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads are among the offerings. Daisie’s comfort food includes sides like maple bacon brussels sprouts, succotash, and chicken ‘n dumplings.
“It’s something different. It’s going to be a nice atmosphere — cozy, comfortable, friendly,” said general manager Melody. “I am excited. I retired for a while and was eager to get back in the business.”
Like it has been nationwide, hiring staff has been a challenge. Currently, they are conducting in-person interviews from 2 to 5 p.m. daily, said manager Jeanette Kelly, a 40-year veteran of the business who worked at both Hop House and Ravanelli’s in Granite City.
Because of the impact of staff shortages, they hope the three robot servers will make things easier on the employees.
“The robots will be the talk of the town,” Melody said.
Three BellaBots will assist the staff by delivering food to tables — and even sing “Happy Birthday,” Kelly said.
They have touchscreens, a cat-face graphic, and infrared capabilities to manage the layout. The automation is designed not to replace staff but to supplement it, so workers can take care of more customers while the robots handle tasks like delivery.
The staff will load orders and tell the robots where to go. Customers will be able to confirm they received their food. With its four-tray bays — like a rolling bookcase — that lessens a server’s load.
While the modern technology will be helpful, the fast-casual restaurant’s emphasis will remain on good service by its friendly staff, Fetter said.
For a restaurant to succeed with today’s post-pandemic challenges, adapting to new procedures is a must, the managers said.
Restaurants were among the hardest hit during the pre-vaccine coronavirus pandemic, with shutdowns and restrictions. A labor shortage resulted in customers having longer waits.
Robot servers are not the only technology being added. Customers will order through their phones via QR codes and will also pay for it too. Servers will assist people who are not accustomed to using their cell phones for these procedures, Fetter said.
Customers will be able to order through Door Dash, Grub Hub and Uber Eats, Kelly said.
Another feature is “Basted Brunch,” which will be available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kelly said.
Shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and Nashville hot chicken are popular brunch items available.
Kelly said she’ll also be making the pies – coconut cream, chocolate pecan, brownie cheesecake, a Snickers and a Reese’s. She previously made the bread pudding and fruit pies at Hop House.
She is excited to see old and new faces again.
“It’s going to be nice to see people back here. I’m a people person,” Kelly said.
Manager Helen Fetter agreed. “I like to be out there (in the house). “It’s going to be a very friendly, family vibe.”
Edwards has decades of experience running restaurants and now has seven in southern Illinois, including Ravanelli’s in Collinsville, a Chic N’ Pig restaurant in Godfrey and Urban Farmhouse and Pie Company in Highland. He and his wife, Karen, operated Farmer’s Restaurant in Highland for 12 years. Prior to that, he worked at Porter’s Steakhouse in Collinsville.
He’s been a part of the building, which he leases, since it opened as Outlaw Blues, then became Ravanelli’s after the recession and later Fire-N-Smoke. Hop House opened in 2016.
On Dec. 28, 2021, the restaurant posted a note on its Facebook page that it would close Jan. 1 because of labor shortages and Edwards’ health. He was to have hip replacement surgery in March.
And now, O’Town Food Hall and Tap House is invited people to “Socialize. Mingle. Eat. Drink” (says their slogan on their website, www. foodhalltaphouse.com)
“We have a totally new concept with an aesthetically pleasing environment in our plans,” said Axzaillya, one of the four managers.
“Things are going well. Busy, busy. Lots of equipment going out and the new coming in, along with new decor and a fresh look,” she said.
A carryover from the previous décor, stained glass windows hang from the ceiling, but there is more greenery featured throughout. An outdoor patio will return.
Kelly said the brick walls are gone, and instead, couches will be part of the décor. The new layout will allow the BellaBots to roam without obstruction.
For more information on hours and days open, visit their Facebook page and website, www.foodhalltaphouse.com.
This story was originally published September 27, 2022, 12:07 PM.