Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Ogle.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I started at BB’s in 2019 as a security coordinator and left in mid-2020 after the coronavirus slowed business hours. In September of 2022, I was approached about returning to BB’s in my original capacity as security for the business. BB’s ownership decided to close briefly at the end of 2022 for light remodeling/repairs. We reopened in April of 2023 with a smaller but highly talented and dedicated staff open only on weekends. In June of 2023, the legendary John May retired, and the owner entrusted me to take care of BB’s heritage and future growth.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I knew going into my new position, there would be challenges to overcome. With any building over 100 years old comes regular maintenance and upkeep that never ends. We encountered a stretch of equipment failures over 6 weeks where almost every piece of equipment in the building needed repair or replacement.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been in the restaurant/service industry for 30 years. My years in this business have given me a vast array of experience. I spent 20-plus years in kitchens, cooking, and managing various restaurants across St. Louis. The opportunity I’ve been given to re-establish BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups as the premier music venue in St Louis for musicians’ and our patron’s enjoyment is, to date, the proudest moment of my career in this business.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Without question, Jamie Hill is BB’s bar manager (and so much more). She’s truly the heart and soul vital to BB and me. Without her continued dedication and incredible work ethic, we wouldn’t be where we are—our hard-working staff goes above and beyond. I couldn’t name every musician, friend, or family member who has been supportive and helpful since accepting my new position. Understanding the level of trust and belief an entire community has in my success in leading BBs into the future is humbling. I love what I do and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I’ve spent my entire life around music and learned everything I know about it from my father, an extraordinary singer and musician for over 40 years. My mother and sister have helped and supported me in ways no one else can. Of course, Mike Ermer, BB’s owner, has endlessly supported our vision for bringing BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups back to the forefront of the Midwest music scene.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bbsjazzbluessoups.com/
- Facebook: BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups
Image Credits
Kevin Ogle
