Brian and Sarah Ingram, the couple that brought Hope Breakfast Bar to a historic St. Paul fire station, resurrected Selby Avenue's Gnome and re-lit Keg & Case's massive wood-burning hearth with Woodfired Cantina, haven't given up on St. Paul despite a rise in violent crime in the capital city — in fact, they're going even bigger.
As the massive, multimillion dollar Gateway mixed-use project nears completion across from Xcel Energy Center, the Ingrams are preparing to open yet another restaurant in St. Paul. The Apostle supper club and False Eye Doll Tiki Bar are two concepts that will share a 7,000-square-foot space as part of The Arlow on Kellogg, connected by a 1-acre patio. Think prime rib and tableside salad carts, with diners serenaded by a retro, lounge-style piano bar crooner five nights a week.
In a recent interview with Eye on St. Paul, Ingram said the project will be the fifth launched by his Purpose Driven Restaurants in the Twin Cities — with four in St. Paul. He said it marks his continued optimism for the city. This interview was edited for length.
Q: What's the idea behind your supper club and tiki bar concepts?
A: I have wanted to do a supper club for years. And this one is going to have a very Palm Springs, 1960s vibe to it. The bar and kitchen will be at the center of the restaurant. There will be a giant sunken living room, with a fireplace in the center of that space.
Q: And the tiki bar?
A: It's going to have a "Mad Men" vibe, very retro Las Vegas. Think Old School cheesy Elvis. We just really like the idea of "How do we create these spaces that transport people?"
Q: The fact that you are doing this still, even in the wake of the October shooting at the Truck Park Bar just a few blocks away, seems to say that you remain committed to St. Paul. Are you?
