Join us and help raise funds to SAVE SARA LOU!

North Sarah was once a key retail street for The Ville neighborhood, with commercial buildings for local business owners and families. One of the most historically significant anchors on North Sarah is Sara Lou Café, a popular African American owned restaurant that opened in 1945. Sara Lou Cafe was a place to fellowship for the North St. Louis community and holds familial significance for countless St. Louis African Americans. In its prime, three businesses operated at the location: Sara Lou Cafe, Golden Slipper Lounge and three rental apartments on the second floor of the building. The restaurant employed residents, was frequented by police and politicians, and was famous for its jumbo shrimp and tartar sauce. Sara Lou closed in 2002 due to structural damage and costs associated with the repairs.

In 2018, Sara Lou was included on the Missouri 'Places in Peril' list which precipitated local media attention and has City residents advocating to “Save Sara Lou!” Recently, St. Louis newscaster, Elliot Davis, made a post about Sarah Lou on Facebook which garnered overwhelming support from the community. Restoration of Sara Lou will add three apartments and neighborhood retail space to the North Sarah Corridor. It will become a model for community led & owned mixed-income, mixed-use revitalization.

Sara Lou is the northern anchor of NCHI’s North Sarah regeneration efforts. Look out for it as you hit the corner of St. Louis Avenue and North Sarah in Trap Run 2019!