On this episode of The Source Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Jordan Goodman, founder of Good Hospitality, for a wide-ranging conversation about building one of St. Louis's most exciting and fast-growing restaurant groups from the ground up.

Jordan shares the origin story of Good Ice, the handcrafted clear ice company he launched in March 2020 that has grown to serve over 100 bars, restaurants, and weddings across St. Louis — and evolved into a full ice sculpting business. He walks through how Good Ice became the foundation for everything that followed, including Good Company, the Grove's beloved small plates restaurant now in its third year, and Aperri, an intimate Spanish-Mediterranean tapas and wine bar right next door.

The conversation dives into Trust, Good Hospitality's downtown cocktail bar and café at 401 Pine — a stunning historic bank building — where the team has also built a rotating art gallery featuring local artists. Jordan then previews two concepts on the verge of opening: Baia, a pasta-forward Italian restaurant with a fully open kitchen inspired by the Italian Riviera (and the ancient sunken city near Naples), and Chico Bueno and Malo, a two-concept Mexican restaurant in the Grove rooted in Jordan's own Mexican heritage and family roots in El Paso, Texas.

Jordan also reflects on what has given Good Hospitality the confidence to scale so quickly — from the operational infrastructure he built at Salt + Smoke, to assembling a talented culinary team that's opened restaurants together before. And he opens up about life outside the restaurant: two young kids, golf, and a new charcoal drawing practice that's become an unexpected anchor for his mental health.

In this episode:

• The origin of Good Ice and how a pandemic-era launch became a St. Louis institution
• Good Company, Aperri, and the evolution of Good Hospitality's Grove presence
• Trust: cocktail bar, café, and rotating art gallery in a historic downtown bank
• Baia: an Italian restaurant built around handmade pasta and a fully open kitchen
• The sunken city of Baia — the history behind the name
• Chico Bueno & Malo: a street taqueria and fine dining tasting menu under one roof
• Jordan's Mexican heritage and why this concept has always been the dream
• The operational systems and people-first culture behind rapid growth
• Ice sculpting, wedding ice, and Good Ice's evolution beyond the bar scene
• A future taqueria in Shaw, neighborhood development, and what's next for the group
• Favorite restaurants in St. Louis right now: Jujube, Mainlander & Little Fox
• Finding balance: charcoal drawing, golf, and mental health


Come for the pasta and tacos. Stay for the vision. 🍝🌮

✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and The Pitch Athletic Club.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿

✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.
📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Fred Burmer, CEO of Lion’s Choice, for a conversation about one of St. Louis’ most iconic restaurant brands, the loyal customers who have sustained it for nearly six decades, and the challenge of honoring tradition while continuing to innovate.

Fred shares the story behind Lion’s Choice, from its founding in 1967 by a former Monsanto chemist looking to create something different from the typical fast-food burger concept, to its growth into a beloved St. Louis institution with 24 locations across the region. He explains what makes the restaurant’s signature roast beef unique, why quality remains at the center of every menu item, and how customer feedback continues to shape the brand today.

The conversation explores the passionate fan base that has made Lion’s Choice a local favorite, including the now-famous story of the cheese sauce customers demanded be brought back after a recipe change. Fred also discusses menu innovation, the creation of popular sandwiches like the Remix, plans for future product launches, and how Lion’s Choice balances nostalgia with new ideas.

Along the way, Fred reflects on his journey from leading major restaurant brands across the country to becoming CEO of Lion’s Choice, the company’s expansion plans beyond St. Louis, the importance of team culture, and what exciting developments customers can expect in the years ahead.

In this episode:
• The history of Lion’s Choice and its founding in 1967
• Why the brand’s roast beef stands apart from competitors
• The secret behind Lion’s Choice’s fiercely loyal customer base
• The famous cheese sauce controversy and customer reaction
• How menu innovation led to sandwiches like the Remix
• The role employees and customers play in developing new products
• Custard, mini-dipped cones, and other fan favorites
• Fred Burmer’s path to becoming CEO of Lion’s Choice
• Building a culture that spans generations of employees
• Plans for expansion beyond the St. Louis market
• Upcoming menu items and customer-driven initiatives
• The future of Lion’s Choice and what's next for the brand

Come for the roast beef. Stay for the stories. 🦁🥪

✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿

✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.
📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.

On this episode of The Sauce Podcast, host Lauren sits down with Qui Tran, founder of Mai Lee and co-owner of Nudo House, alongside chef and business partner Marie-Anne Velasco, for a conversation about food, community, resilience, and the stories behind two of St. Louis’ most beloved restaurant concepts.

Qui shares the remarkable journey of Mai Lee, from its humble beginnings as a small family-run Vietnamese restaurant founded by his mother in 1985 to becoming a cornerstone of the St. Louis dining scene. Marie-Anne reflects on her path from studying languages and working in some of the world’s top kitchens to helping launch Nudo House and bringing her passion for ramen and culinary history to the city.

Together, they discuss the partnership that led to the creation of Nudo House, the inspiration behind their popular Sonic the Hedgehog pop-up experience, and how creativity, collaboration, and a deep connection to St. Louis have fueled their success.

The conversation also explores the challenges of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting healthcare workers and tornado relief efforts, the realities of running restaurants during rising food costs, and why giving back to the community remains central to everything they do.
Along the way, Qui and Marie-Anne share stories about their backgrounds, friendship, family life, favorite aspects of restaurant culture, and what exciting projects may be next for Mai Lee and Nudo House.

In this episode:
• The origins of Mai Lee and its growth over four decades
• Qui Tran’s family story and Vietnamese roots in St. Louis
• Marie-Anne Velasco’s culinary journey through world-class kitchens
• How a friendship turned into the partnership behind Nudo House
• The rise of ramen culture in St. Louis
• Creating the Sonic the Hedgehog pop-up experience at Nudo House
• Building restaurants centered on hospitality and community
• Navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and supporting healthcare workers
• Organizing relief efforts after the St. Louis tornado
• The importance of collaboration within the local restaurant industry
• Rising food costs and the realities of operating restaurants today
• Family, mentorship, and life outside the kitchen
• Future plans, new collaborations, and what’s next for the restaurants
• Why St. Louis continues to be one of the most supportive food communities in the country

Come for the conversation. Stay for the culture. 🌿

✨ Presented by SWADE Dispensary, with 12 locations across Missouri. Learn more at swadecannabis.com. Our other podcast sponsors are 4 Hands Brewing Co. and LHM.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.
📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.