Lona’s Lil Eats, the Fox Park counter known for its giant rice-paper wraps and vegetable-forward bowls, is gearing up to open a second location in Kirkwood, the owners announced this week. The move is a big step for the James Beard-recognized kitchen that started at Soulard Farmers Market before settling into its now-familiar Fox Park home.
The news slipped out in classic local-TV fashion during a Studio STL cooking segment, when owner Lona Powers mentioned the Kirkwood expansion on air. That segment was later posted by FOX 2's Studio STL.
Where It's Going
The new outpost is headed for the former 612 Kitchen & Cocktails and Graham’s Grill space at 612 W. Woodbine, just a block from St. Louis Community College–Meramec. Owners Lona Luo Powers and Pierce Powers III recently closed on the property and say the larger-than-expected footprint gives them room to bring in complementary neighbors. According to St. Louis Magazine, the plan is to serve lunch and dinner six days a week.
Approvals and Signage
City records show the project has already appeared before the Kirkwood Architectural Review Board, where a projecting-sign application for 612 W. Woodbine was listed on the March 2, 2026 agenda. That filing suggests the team is working through permits that typically come before serious storefront construction and interior build-out. The agenda is posted by the City of Kirkwood.
From Soulard Market to County Expansion
Lona’s Lil Eats first appeared as a stall at Soulard Farmers Market in 2008 and leveled up to a Fox Park brick-and-mortar in 2014. Since then, it has become a local favorite and picked up multiple James Beard Foundation semifinal honors. Eater and other outlets have followed the restaurant’s rise, and Sauce Magazine recently spotlighted chef Lona Powers, noting the planned Kirkwood expansion.
When It Could Open
The owners previously told St. Louis Magazine they were hoping to open the Kirkwood location within roughly six months of their August 2025 closing on the property, though they have not committed to a specific opening day. The March Architectural Review Board filing and the recent TV announcement both point to ongoing progress, but neither city officials nor the owners have released a firm date. For details on the earlier timeline and owner comments, see St. Louis Magazine and the City of Kirkwood agenda.
For menus and ongoing updates, Lona’s Lil Eats lists the Fox Park location’s address and contact information and is expected to share details on the Kirkwood opening as plans develop. FOX 2's Studio STL may also post follow-ups to the segment that first revealed the expansion.
