ST. LOUIS — An award-winning chef is opening a restaurant in downtown St. Louis and he is just 21 years old. It was only a matter of time before Juwan Rice opened a brick and mortar shop after providing private dining experiences across the city.
When you're called to do something, there's no escaping the inevitable.
"I started my own business when I was 14. I started JR's Gourmet, which is still thriving,” Juwan Rice said.
It's why many in St. Louis aren't surprised the young culinary expert is opening up his own restaurant at the former Shift Restaurant at 11th and Olive. He just got the keys.
"Everything just kind of aligned. The timing was perfect. The space was perfect,” he said.
Now the work begins to make it his own.
"The first thing we did was measure the space, see what we needed to build,” he said pointing at a diagram he made to help him organize the renovations he’s making. "The space was almost turnkey. We just needed to add some fixtures and re-arrange some things."
His restaurant will be called Rated Test Kitchen, offering differing experiences.
"You'll be able to come in, plug your laptop in and work,” he said pointing out the café style atmosphere during the day. Select nights will have more intimate, upscale feel. "[We will] have people enjoy the food, seven courses. You can rate your experience. [It’s] kinda how we came up with the name ‘Rated’ because I want people to feel like they're a food critic,” Rice said.
He's going for a different kind of flair.
"We'll be fermenting hot sauces, kimchi, all that fun stuff…we'll be able to dry age fish and steaks,” he continued.
Rice is going for an experience that makes you more than a customer.
"You're gonna be attached to the kitchen and you're going to be able to tell us your feedback right there as you’re eating it," he said.
Rated Test Kitchen will feature rotating monthly menus, guest chefs, and food grown from local farmers. You may find Japanese cuisine one month. Italian the next.
The St. Louis-native is doing this for home.
"Something that's new, something that's innovate, something that's a little more innovative for downtown,” he said with pride.
After working for and even consulting other restaurants, Rice knows what it takes to win. He hopes to have Rated Test Kitchen open for business by the end of April.
The restaurant is now hiring for severs, mixologists, cashiers and dishwashers. Click here to apply.