Porano in Des Peres closing March 31

One of the standout fast-casual restaurants in the St. Louis area is set to close its doors later this month. Porano (13323 Manchester), an Italian-inspired eatery from Niche Food Group famous for its pasta, salads, bowls, and pizzas, will cease operations on March 31.

Photography by Amy De La Hunt

Photography by Amy De La Hunt

“I genuinely believe it’s not about the location or the concept—I love the concept,” comments Niche Food Group owner Gerard Craft. “After nearly two years in Des Peres, we realized we aren’t interested in expanding this into the large business we initially envisioned. The past couple of years have clarified what we’re willing to invest in—not just financially, but also in terms of time and energy, and growing a fast-casual chain isn’t one of those priorities,” acknowledging the competitiveness of the market. “I don’t want to attribute Porano’s challenges to the economy; the fast-casual market is just difficult.”

The Menu

Porano was crafted as a versatile, fast-casual dining experience grounded in Italian hospitality, providing options for everyone. The menu focused on four main categories—salads, pasta and grain bowls, pizzas, and a customizable build-your-own section, where guests could select a base (house-made pasta, rice, farro, or greens) and add sauces or dressings, proteins, and toppings.

Popular items like the Chopped Chicken Salad, Alfredo e Pepe Bowl, and Detroit-style pizza were mainstays, while the customization feature catered to families and groups with diverse preferences. A standout offering was the shareable “The Lawn Chair,” which included four Detroit-style pizzas packaged in an easily transportable box that fit perfectly on a lawn chair’s seat.

The Atmosphere

The Des Peres location embodied an inviting ethos reflected in its design. The 3,200-square-foot space showcased vibrant, visually engaging design elements, including murals that merged Italian landmarks with St. Louis imagery. With plentiful parking in a suburban area near major retailers in a bustling center, Craft aimed to connect the inspiration behind this eatery—the real town of Porano, where life unfolds at a leisurely pace—with contemporary life.

The Background

Porano initially operated downtown from 2016 to 2018 before going on hiatus. Craft and the Niche Food Group later revisited the concept, testing its revival through a series of pop-ups in early 2024, leading to the opening of the Des Peres location in July of that year. This relaunch was part of a broader strategy to refine and reintroduce the brand to a new audience, with plans for additional locations. Despite these efforts, however, the Des Peres restaurant will close at the end of the month.

“Niche Food Group has some outstanding restaurants,” Craft adds. “Brasserie has never been stronger; our other establishments are busier as well. We intend to introduce some exciting surprises soon, but don’t expect us to open anything in the next year. However, don’t rule out the chance of seeing a new Brasserie or Pastaria in the future.”