Florissant business boosts North St. Louis County economy

FLORISSANT, Mo. — In less than a week, the new Sugarfire Smokehouse in Florissant has been making waves.

On a Sunday afternoon, the barbecue joint’s line and dining room were packed with people looking to experience the familiar cuisine.

“This is day five…It’s been pretty crazy. We’ve been really busy making sure we have food in stock,” said Montana Patterson, operations manager and co-owner.

Patterson said she and Sugarfire’s fellow owners have already started connecting in and out of the kitchen.

“We try to embrace a more personal side of things than what’s offered at a lot of fast food or chain restaurants, and I think that’s something that’s missing a little bit at Florissant,” she says. added.

That “small business” journey is the attraction Yolanda Warren wants and relies on.

“It’s a huge relief because we don’t have to leave our own neighborhood and put our money in someone else’s neighborhood,” said Warren, who has lived in North County for more than 10 years. “We are also seeing an increase in a variety of restaurants and other small businesses.”

Companies like Bath and Body Works and Ollie’s are filling vacancies in small shopping plazas, which means more workers and shoppers.

In addition, approximately 100 new single-family homes will soon be built near Koch Park.

When asked what else she would like to see in the area, Warren said, “Not just restaurants, but other businesses, like Hobby Lobby and Fresh Thyme.”

Business owners are equally passionate about serving their customers and helping each other.

“We’re really looking forward to acquiring these partnerships and finding ways to further contribute in the ways this community needs,” Patterson said.

“We are excited to welcome new businesses to Florissant and North County, and the Florissant Economic Development Authority is working with long-standing existing businesses to bring more retail businesses to Florissant,” Mayor Tim Lowery and the City of Florissant said in a statement. We will continue to work proactively to attract people and jobs.” To help them succeed. ”