Kimmswick’s old Kimmswick Korner Store at 119 Market Street is getting a fresh start this spring, as Frenchy's Cafe & Creperie moves in with plans for an April soft opening and a May grand opening. The new venture from owner Gina Otto will bring a sit-down creperie to the historic downtown, aiming to serve both locals and the steady stream of weekend visitors.
Menu Focus: Savory And Sweet Crepes
Frenchy's will lean hard into crepes, both savory and sweet. On the savory side, plates will be built around a spring mix with a house vinaigrette, with options like a Monte Cristo featuring ham, turkey, Swiss and Gruye8re, plus chicken-and-mushroom and vegetarian choices, according to KSDK. Sweet crepes will come dusted with powdered sugar and Chantilly cream, with an optional scoop of ice cream for $1. Planned flavors include strawberry Nutella, French apple, bananas and blueberries.
Owner's Pitch And Local Roots
Otto, an event manager and professional singer who performs with Trio Monaco, told reporters she "always talked about bringing Frenchy's back if it were the right place, the right time and the right location," per KSDK. The Frenchy's name already has a place in local lore: Ron and Barb Boyer ran Frenchy's carryout on Joachim Street in Herculaneum in the mid-1980s, and the 119 Market Street building is widely known as the old Ziegler store, according to Leader Publications.
Where It Fits In Kimmswick
Set on Market Street, Frenchy's will join a compact cluster of shops and eateries that lean heavily on weekend tourists and seasonal festivals to keep downtown humming. Local tourism listings and merchant groups say Kimmswick’s events bring reliable foot traffic, a pattern the new cafe could help stretch by giving visitors another reason to linger for a casual meal, according to Show Me Jefferson County.
Next Steps And Timelines
Otto is still targeting a soft opening in April followed by a grand opening in May, a timeline that has been shared with community papers and local reporters. For finalized dates, hours and any tweaks to the menu, prospective diners are encouraged to watch coverage from Leader Publications along with Frenchy's forthcoming social media pages.
