By Christopher Boyce
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Albert Pujols took the next logical step in the life of a St. Louis sports legend today, announcing the opening of his first restaurant at Patrick’s in Westport Plaza.
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Albert Pujols took the next logical step in the life of a St. Louis sports legend today, announcing the opening of his first restaurant at Patrick’s in Westport Plaza.
Patrick’s will be transformed beginning next week, scheduled to reopen as "Pujols 5" in early August. When finished, the 500-seat restaurant will feature 30 plasma screens with the capability of showing up to 12 sporting events simultaneously. Each table will be outfitted with a wireless speaker so patrons can choose which event they hear.
Parts of the menu have been redesigned by a former Neiman Marcus executive chef, with final approval given by Pujols and his wife, Deidre.
Pujols will share part ownership with Patrick’s owner Pat Hanon.
Pujols and his lead agent, Dan Lozano, had long investigated an opportunity for the reigning National League MVP to get involved in a restaurant venture.
Pujols joins Stan Musial and Ozzie Smith among Cardinals players who have become associated with restaurant projects while still active.
Current Cardinals broadcaster Mike Shannon, former football Cardinals Jim Hart and Dan Dierdorf and the Blues’ Bernie Federko and Tony Twist operated establishments after retiring. Brett Hull also had a restaurant named after him at one point in Union Station.