Relish

"This may be the best move we've made yet," commented Arlene Maminta Browne, co-owner of Robust, regarding the naming of Gregg Doyle (at left) as their new Director of Operations.

Effective July 9, Doyle will oversee all aspects of Robust's flagship location, as well as the new Robust scheduled to open in late fall at the corner of 7th and Washington in the MX development downtown.

A press release noted Doyle's many accomplishments both in St. Louis and abroad. A 20-year restaurant veteran, he was the Corporate Trainer for Chris LaRocca's Crazy Fish restaurants, the Principal Wine Buyer for Mike Johnson's Figaro restaurant, and most recently, the Group GM for Claus Schmitz' three Mosaic restaurants.

Doyle is the latest in a succession of staff additions and promotions at Robust: Lauren Blake, an experienced sommelier/mixologist from Aspen, Co., recently was promoted to Wine and Spirits Curator; and Joseph Hemp, of Annie Gunn's and Brasserie by Niche fame, was named Executive Chef several months ago.

According to the release, Robust is preparing "for more growth." Translation: a third location is already in the works, but details have not yet been finalized.