Today we’d like to introduce you to Mykel McIntosh.
Hi Mykel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
So, I started working at a local restaurant & lounge called Soho Restaurant & Lounge in 2012 while attending college at McKendree University. Honestly, I never worked in the food industry before, and I absolutely hated it but for some reason my boss at the time wouldn’t let me quit I stayed, and eventually learned all aspects of the business they placed me in every position possible which was challenging but I did it. I eventually left in 2015 I worked in numerous restaurants’ on and off until I got an offer to work with an old friend of mine Chef Jack the past Executive Chef of Soho, Fleur De Lilies, and Bait STL now owner of Nexus STL opening this, Summer. She basically helped me get to where I am today, I started working for Culture Food Group this is a catering company owned by Chef Jack, and Misha Sampson, they taught me all aspects of the food industry. I even followed them when they managed Bait St. Louis, I was a hostess, and server I learned so much but unfortunately, we all left knowing we had a better purpose, and that one day we will all have our own businesses one day. That has happened Chef Jack, and Misha Sampson are opening up Nexus STL on Locust this coming up summer, and I’m opening up Videira Wine Shop & Bar right next door on Locust as well it’s very humbling. I’ve always loved wine every aspect of it but also the culture, and craft of an actual authentic wine bar. I want to bring that to St. Louis a new take on your traditional wine bar something for everyone.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road I wish it was I look back on that day we left Bait St. Louis we had everything in the palm of our hands then we just up, and leave, we all knew in our hearts we deserved better as a staff, and we would eventually make it back on top somehow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Videira Wine Shop and Bar. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m the owner of Videira Wine Shop & Bar we are located in midtown and inspired by each city block; Videira Wine Shop & Bar embodies the energy of St. Louis with a laid-back atmosphere. We sell local cheese, meats, and wines sourced by local vendors. We will also operate as a bar that specializes in craft cocktails, wine, beer, and small plates. The thing that sets us apart from other wine bars will be our retail area our customers will have the opportunity to taste and enjoy our wines but also have the opportunity to take bottles home for retail price we will have an entire section dedicated to our retailed wines, spirits, local cheeses, and meats. All of our cocktails will be made with great care and with fresh ingredients. You will find fresh-squeezed juices and handmade syrups when you choose any of our craft cocktails. I wanted to make a wine bar for everyone, not your typical old guy swirling his glass being a prude I want everyone to have a great experience we do not discriminate we are the new wine bar experience. We will be offering delicious small plates something for everyone like Za’atar pita chips, served with mixed olives, and hummus drizzled with Mediterranean olive oil, sprinkled with smoked paprika, Burrata with olive oil, served with a warm sliced baguette locally sourced, Smoked Salmon, served with capers, onions, crème fraiche served with crostini to name a few. Our meat selections will be very daring we will be offering smoked duck, venison, and bresaola just to name a few.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Don’t wait to get started if you feel it, and you want it just do it if you have the resources. I was always the small quiet girl who wanted everyone to like her never had any goals for myself, but I finally woke up one day, and lived for myself not for others. I wish I had more courage, and a backbone I have that now no one can take that away from me.
Contact Info:
- Email: videirawineshopandbar@gmail.com
- Website: videirawineshopandbar.com
- Instagram: videiriawinebar
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/videirawineshopandbar
Image Credits
Mykel McIntosh
Maher Darwish
