Discover Gyro Express and a variety of other unique businesses that call downtown St. Louis home, offering a rich tapestry of flavors and experiences.
It seems that some media outlets in St. Louis, particularly those focused on the downtown area, often prioritize sensationalism over true reporting. The St. Louis Argus, a local newspaper, is actually owned by a resident of St. Louis—a rarity, as only a few media sources in the city are locally owned. External media tend to cast our city in a negative light, often highlighting our challenges to draw unfavorable comparisons with other cities.
For instance, a non-local newspaper claimed that businesses are leaving downtown due to crime, despite Mayor Jones noting a decline in crime, supported by FBI reports. It’s puzzling why these outlets seem eager to portray downtown as failing.
I recently visited Gyro Express (rebranded Yiro Gyro in 2019) in the Central Business District, opposite the US Bank Tower and the Old Post Office. This place offers exceptional Greek food, including gyro slices, grilled chicken, rice, falafel, and a variety of vegetables and appetizers. They’re open weekdays until 3 PM, and closed on weekends.
Image by The Newsletter ’05
I asked Morad, the management rep, what is Gyro’s secret to longevity in downtown?
Morad/Image by The Newsletter ’05
Image by The Newsletter ’05
He said it’s nonsense to claim crime is the cause of people leaving downtown. You either want to be here or you don’t. I agree, because a business I often visited opened earlier this year, and when I went to support them, they were closed. I read that they blamed crime for the closure, but I found that hard to believe.
Image by The Newsletter ’05
When you walked in, there was never anyone at the cashier, and the owner always wore a frown, as if she didn’t want to be there. She blamed crime and low foot traffic for relocating after just five months in business. Really, five months? Come on!
This was a pattern with three other businesses that also closed downtown. If you think you’re going to get rich in three months, you’re in the wrong business.
Meanwhile, the businesses I frequent downtown are thriving and aren’t letting panhandlers or alleged crime stop them. Places like Hooters, Park Avenue Coffee, Roosters, Levels, Whiskey on Washington, and my favorite, Cafe de Blaire, 442 N. 4th Street, St. Louis, MO, near the Landing, are doing well. Sunny, the owner, has had no worries about crime since opening in 2020.
In conclusion, I’m eager to return to Laclede Landing and explore the exciting developments happening there. Head downtown to support these businesses, and be sure to let them know the Argus Newspaper sent you!
St. Louis, Gyro Express, downtown businesses, local dining, city exploration, food culture, urban experience
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Address: 750 Locust St, St. Louis, MO 63101
Phone: (314) 300-8300
