One of St. Louis’ favorite burger joints is broadening its horizons by launching a new location. Stacked STL, known for its wildly topped, thick burgers in the Carondelet area, will be opening a second outlet in the Central West End next summer. The new establishment will occupy the former Pi Pizzeria spot located at the corner of Euclid and McPherson avenues.
“We spent considerable time seeking the right opportunity, and this site just felt like the ideal match,” stated Matt Windisch, co-owner of Stacked along with his wife, Laura, and business partner Sam Siebenman. “There were numerous factors influencing our decision; one being our desire to be near Session Taco, Mainlander, and Ranoush. With places like Up-Down arcade bar, [Jeni’s] ice cream shop, and Tikka Tangy on the way, you could spend a whole day enjoying a variety of food right at that corner. It’s truly fantastic, and it exudes a sense of community.”
The New Location
The new Stacked location will replace the old Pi Pizzeria, which had been in operation at that site for over ten years before closing down this past July. The Windisches emphasize that this new venture will not substitute for the original location in Carondelet; they aim to expand their brand and attract new customers.
“Our circumstances have significantly changed since we launched Stacked at age 22,” Matt reflects. “While we could have likely continued with just one location for a few more years, we had to choose between remaining stagnant or choosing growth. Staying stagnant might ultimately mean that supporting two families with one small neighborhood restaurant could become increasingly challenging.”
After diligently searching for about a year, the Windisches and Siebenman concluded that the Central West End met all their criteria. They envision this dynamic neighborhood as a thriving business community, and they are particularly enthusiastic about its walkable nature. Additionally, they believe the area is in need of a relaxed, full-service burger restaurant, and they look forward to welcoming local families.
“It feels like a city within a city,” Matt shared.
The Menu
The Windisches and Siebenman intend to maintain the beloved Stacked menu that has garnered a loyal fan base over the last 12 years, offering expertly crafted, cooked-to-order burgers along with a variety of toppings, tasty fries, wings, salads, and inventive cocktails.
“The goal is consistency,” Laura said, leveraging her culinary expertise to shape Stacked’s offerings. “There’s a saying: ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ While we may introduce various specials from time to time, our aim is to ensure a consistent experience throughout.”
Matt mentioned that they might expand the bar menu at the Central West End location if there’s a demand for it. Additionally, they plan to feature different Burger of the Month specials at each restaurant to foster a friendly competitive spirit.
“Having two Burger of the Month options could be really exciting,” Matt commented. “As a kitchen manager, day-to-day tasks can become repetitive, so it’s great to have the opportunity to experiment with different cheeses, toppings, and sauces. It allows creativity to flourish.”
The Backstory
In 2012, the Windisches were approached by the owners of Ivory Coast Bistro, their local hangout in Carondelet, to take over the establishment. After securing a loan from Matt’s parents to cover the rent, they ventured into the business with the intention of maintaining its regular operations. However, in 2013, they realized they wanted more than just running a bar and grill. They sought to utilize Laura’s culinary training to build a top-notch full-service burger restaurant. Over the years, Stacked has emerged as one of St. Louis’ most cherished burger brands, renowned for its thick, perfectly cooked burgers adorned with inventive toppings ranging from ghost pepper cheese to mango salsa and smoked brisket.
When asked about the secret to their success, the Windisches attribute it to more than just their delicious offerings. “Honestly, I believe it boils down to something as simple as genuine care and active engagement,” Matt expressed. “We strive to be present every day. Nowadays, that’s more challenging, but there were periods when all three of us were on-site every single day. I think making a visible presence, consistently delivering relatable products that you can’t find elsewhere, is what resonates with our customers. We acknowledge that we aren’t perfect. Our work is demanding, but we take pride in it and aspire to meet the expectations of those who support us.”
