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On the show
Recent episodes
Bob Clark and the downtown promise
Apr 30, 2026
Unknown duration
How a 24-Seat Maplewood Restaurant Made the New York Times List
Apr 23, 2026
Unknown duration
Richard Chaifetz and his growing pro sports portfolio
Apr 16, 2026
Unknown duration
Missouri wants to scrap income tax — but does business?
Apr 9, 2026
Unknown duration
Applying the lessons of Chris Pronger to STL
Apr 2, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Description | Length | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/30/26 |  Bob Clark and the downtown promise | As St. Louis grapples with downtown challenges and questions about who should lead the city’s next chapter, one longtime business leader continues to call on the private sector to step up. In this episode of The Arch City Report, Clayco chairman Bob Clark joins editor Erik Siemers to discuss the role business leaders can—and should—play in shaping the region’s future.Clark, one of Mayor Cara Spencer’s most prominent supporters, addresses criticism surrounding a recent data center vote, his financial backing of the mayor’s campaign and his long-standing argument that St. Louis lacks an urgent, coordinated strategy. He also revisits his earlier suggestion that major employers could make a bold, collective commitment downtown—and whether that idea has gained traction.The conversation also explores leadership turnover across the region, the growing controversy around data center development, and Clark’s takeaways from being aboard the inaugural nonstop British Airways flight from St. Louis to London—an international moment of visibility for the city.Show Links:https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/11/20/mayor-calls-regions-biggest-firms-downtown.htmlhttps://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/01/28/bob-clark-clayco-cara-spencer-tishaura-jones.htmlhttp://bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/04/23/downtown-st-louis-tower-windows-shot-out-again.htmlhttps://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/04/16/law-firm-moving-downtown-expand-clayton.htmlMentioned in this episode:Cass Commercial BankCass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/ | — | ||||||
| 4/23/26 | How a 24-Seat Maplewood Restaurant Made the New York Times List | Robin, the James Beard-nominated restaurant that seemingly came out of nowhere, is the hottest table in St. Louis — and maybe in the country. Jacob Kirn sits down with Alec Schingel, Robin's owner and chef, to dig into the real story behind one of the most talked-about restaurant openings in recent memory.Alec traces his culinary journey from Urbana to the kitchens of Gerard Craft, to Belgium and back, and explains why a small 24-seat counter-service model in Maplewood turned out to be a masterclass in restaurant economics. He breaks down how a surprise visit from a New York Times critic led to Robin landing on the paper's list of America's best restaurants — and how that single moment essentially doubled the restaurant's revenue overnight.Alec also gets candid about the grind before the recognition: the slow Tuesdays with nine covers on the books, the challenge of paying staff when the buzz hadn't caught up to the quality, and the careful use of a publicist even when the ROI wasn't obvious. Plus, he shares his philosophy on James Beard nominations, why he refuses to let accolades wag the dog, and what it actually takes to build lasting demand in a city that's always hungry for the next new thing.Mentioned in this episode:Cass Commercial BankCass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/ | — | ||||||
| 4/16/26 | Richard Chaifetz and his growing pro sports portfolio | This week, the Arch City Report speaks with Dr. Richard Chaifetz about his expanding footprint in professional sports ownership. Chaifetz, a Chicago-based billionaire best known in St. Louis for his ties to Saint Louis University, discusses his recent minority stakes in multiple franchises, including Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants and the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, and whether those deals represent steps toward eventual full ownership someday. Chaifetz also reflects on the investment appeal of professional sports, weighing financial returns against passion and long-term value. We also ask Dr. Chaifetz to assess St. Louis as a sports market, its strong fan support, while revisiting the city’s potential to land future NBA or WNBA franchises. Show Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/03/31/chaifetz-dundon-portland-trail-blazers-nba.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/08/st-louis-investor-joins-ownership-mlb-team.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/10/31/jayson-tatum-wnba-franchise-st-louis.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2023/01/19/major-league-pickleball-st-louis-shock.html Mentioned in this episode:Cass Commercial BankCass Commercial Bank...member FDIC. https://www.cassbank.com/ | — | ||||||
| 4/9/26 | Missouri wants to scrap income tax — but does business? | Missouri leaders are pushing to eliminate the state’s income tax — a proposal that might sound like an easy win for business. But as this episode explores, the reality is more complicated.Jacob Kirn is joined by Dave Drebes, publisher of Missouri Scout and a St. Louis Business Journal columnist, to break down why the business community isn’t fully behind the plan, and what it would actually mean for companies across the state.The conversation also turns to another major policy debate unfolding in Jefferson City: how Missouri should approach autonomous vehicles. With Waymo already mapping St. Louis streets and legislation moving forward, the question isn’t whether the technology is coming — it’s whether the region will embrace it or risk falling behind, much like it did during the railroad era.Waymo, self-driving trucks are here. Will St. Louis lose like with railroads?Business isn't behind eliminating Missouri's income tax. Will it matter?Show Links:https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/03/24/income-tax-missouri-business-behind.htmlhttps://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/04/03/drebes-waymo-self-driving-railroad.html | — | ||||||
| 4/2/26 | Applying the lessons of Chris Pronger to STL | Hockey Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup Champion Chris Pronger joins the Arch City Report to discuss his new book, Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey's Fiercest Competitors. Chris shares the life lessons he's learned from his career in the NHL — from facing adversity and building resilience, to the challenge of finding purpose after retirement. He opens up about his transition from professional athlete to entrepreneur, author, and keynote speaker, and why he chose to make St. Louis his permanent home. The conversation also explores how the principles in his book — self-assessment, ownership, and betting on yourself — can apply not just to individuals, but to the St. Louis region as a whole. Plus, details on the book's April 14th release and a special pre-game book event at the Blues vs. Penguins game.Show Links: https://chrispronger.com/book https://chrispronger.com/events | — | ||||||
| 3/26/26 | Could Libraries Pave the Way for a City-County Merger? | Retiring St. Louis Public Library CEO Waller McGuire says the city and county library systems could serve as a real-world test case for broader regional consolidation — an idea gaining renewed attention as local leaders weigh deeper cooperation between governments. McGuire, who plans to step down in October after more than three decades, says the two systems have already merged their catalogs and are open to going further. But complications abound: vastly different tax rates, state law requirements, and the question of whether the public and elected leaders actually want it.Also in this episode: McGuire has asked the Library Foundation's board to explore a $10–20 million endowment for the iconic Central Library, one of the region's most important architectural landmarks and an extremely expensive building to maintain.The conversation also turns to St. Louis County Executive Sam Page's recent remarks advocating for a city-county merger — and the mixed reactions that followed. With both governments facing serious budget pressures, is the region finally at a point where consolidation becomes a must?Host Eric is joined by colleague Jacob Kirn to break it all down.Show links:https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/03/23/city-county-libraries-experiment-merger.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/03/20/on-deck-next-library-leader.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/03/20/library-floats-major-endowment-downtown-landmark.html | — | ||||||
| 3/12/26 | A city edict has building owners fuming | https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/27/mixed-use-development-metro-east-billion-star-bond.html | — | ||||||
| 3/5/26 | A $2B Metro East megaproject | Erik explores one of the most ambitious development projects in the St. Louis region's history—a proposed $2 billion retail and entertainment complex in Glen Carbon, Illinois.Joined by Kyle Anderson, Executive Director of the Leadership Council of Southwestern Illinois, they discuss how the 1,500-acre project would use Illinois' Star Bonds program to create a destination entertainment district at the I-270/I-255 interchange. The conversation covers what Star Bonds are, why Glen Carbon is positioned for this development, how the legislation protects existing businesses, and what the competitive application process looks like.They also examine the broader implications for Metro East—a region often overlooked within the St. Louis metro area—and how a development of this scale could reshape perceptions and economic opportunities for communities across southwestern Illinois.Topics covered:Star Bonds program and recent legislative changesThe Nova designation for entertainment destinationsTimeline and approval process for the projectHow Glen Carbon compares to other major regional developmentsMetro East's economic identity and growth potentialShow Links: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/27/mixed-use-development-metro-east-billion-star-bond.html | — | ||||||
| 2/26/26 | The St. Louis tech firms that now have a voice | St. Louis has worked to establish itself as a tech hub, but much of the attention goes to startups and billion-dollar enterprises. Lost in the middle are established tech firms generating $1-100 million annually that quietly drive job growth and innovation.Host Erik Siemers speaks with TechSTL CEO Emily Hemingway and T-Kartor CEO Simon Bailey about the organization's new focus on these mid-market companies. They discuss why this sector offers the stability St. Louis needs, how AI is reshaping tech jobs, and why bridging startups, mid-market firms, and large enterprises could unlock new opportunities for the region.Links:https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/inno/stories/news/2026/02/23/techstl-targets-growth-mid-market-firms.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/inno/stories/news/2026/02/23/jobs-report-tech-demand-across-occupations.html | — | ||||||
| 2/19/26 | Charlie Brennan's ideas for St. Louis | Longtime media voice Charlie Brennan joins The Arch City Report this week to share stories from his travels, particularly what other cities get right, and how St. Louis can do better—from transit and safety to small civic fixes. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/30/charlie-brennan-what-other-cities-get-right.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/27/charlie-brennan-add-voice-business-journal.html | — | ||||||
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| 2/12/26 | Why David Hoffmann lost enthusiasm in Augusta | In an exclusive interview with the St. Louis Business Journal, billionaire David Hoffmann lifts the curtain on an ambitious plan linking media power, pro‑sports ownership and a St. Louis expansion spree. He hints at reshaping local journalism, moving Lee Enterprises, and even pursuing the Cardinals — all while revealing how community backlash and industry headwinds have redirected his once‑grand Augusta vision. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/05/david-hoffmann-takes-control-lee-enterprises.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/05/hoffmann-says-he-wants-to-buy-cardinals.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/06/how-david-hoffmann-pivoted-from-business-failures.html | — | ||||||
| 2/5/26 | Bill DeWitt III on how — and why — to watch the Cardinals | This week, we’re joined by Cardinals President Bill DeWitt III to explain the team’s new direct-to-consumer streaming plan, the financial reality of modern baseball, looming stadium upgrades and what this year’s roster overhaul really means—for the franchise and its fans. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/02/02/mlb-cardinals-produce-distribute-games.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/08/sources-cardinals-to-cut-main-street-second-bidder.html | — | ||||||
| 1/29/26 |  The next vision for Clayton | After a 25-story apartment project in Clayton was downsized to a 4-story bank branch, we sought to ask the question: What’s going on with development in the city. This week, we talk to Clayton’s new mayor to find out. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/23/sterling-bank-clayton-bemiston-building-tower.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/05/15/apartments-tower-clayton-revive-capital-seven-up.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2024/05/22/clayton-hotel-high-rise-tower-dropped-midas-jazz.html | — | ||||||
| 1/22/26 | The plan for South County mall | St. Louis' first big shopping mall could be getting a remake. This week, we talk to the County Councilman who is pushing the idea of turning South County Center into a youth sports facility, while examining the region’s vast collection of sports-related real estate projects. SHOW NOTES: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/14/mall-redeveloped-youth-sports.html | — | ||||||
| 1/15/26 |  Inside downtown’s newest booster | Remember Downtown Now!? How about Downtown STL Inc., or any of the litany of other downtown advocacy organizations that have came and went over the years. Well, now there’s a new one, and its leader joins us this week to explain why he thinks this one is not only necessary, but why it can affect meaningful change. SHOW NOTES: http://stldowntownforward.com/ https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/12/08/kurt-weigle-greater-st-louis-inc-departure.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/01/12/downtown-developments-1-billion-construction.html https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2025/12/10/horseback-security-downtown-megaevents.html | — | ||||||
| 1/1/26 |  The St. Louisan who bought America’s most controversial voting machines | Earlier this year, Dominion Voting Systems, the company that won more than $800 million in settlements from lawsuits against 2020 election deniers, was acquired by a St. Louisan. This week, we talk to the buyer of the company to learn why he’s still raising issues of trust and transparency in marketing the newly renamed company. | — | ||||||
| 12/25/25 | Best of the Arch City Report 2025 | Happy holidays from all of us at The St. Louis Business Journal! On April 17th, the Art City Report offered a look into the early makings of Mayor Cara Spencer's administration, a brief forecast of an upcoming event on advanced manufacturing. But the real reason this episode is special is because of Nathan Rubbelke's reporting on what we call the Saviors of South King's Highway.Brothers, Ivan and Berto Garcia have a really unique approach to taking risk in real estate investments in a way that is transforming a historic, yet sometimes forgotten St. Louis neighborhood. Enjoy this "best of" episode from April and we'll be back with fresh episodes in 2026! | — | ||||||
| 12/18/25 | How WashU is turning year of reckoning into opportunity | The Trump Administration’s crackdown on wokeness has put some of America’s elite academic institutions in crisis. But here in St. Louis, Chancellor Andrew Martin has become one of the leading voices for reform. This week, he sits down with the Arch City Report to explain whether doing so raises WashU’s profile for the better. | — | ||||||
| 12/11/25 | Can St. Louis' crime statistics be changed? | A major downtown stakeholder is waging a campaign to get the FBI to change how it tallies crime statistics for St. Louis. It’s part of a wider series of efforts to revive downtown. This week, we offer details from an event focused solely on those topics. | — | ||||||
| 12/4/25 | What Greater St. Louis Inc.’s new leader sees as his biggest task | This week's guest, Ron Kitchens, the new CEO of Greater St. Louis Inc., discusses his vision for the organization and the St. Louis region. He emphasizes the importance of job creation and economic growth, the need to reframe the national perception of St. Louis, and the role of private sector investment in revitalizing the community. Kitchens also shares insights from his previous experiences, including the successful Kalamazoo Promise program, and how similar initiatives could benefit St. Louis. | — | ||||||
| 11/27/25 | EXTRA: Advance STL Live with St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer | Episode 47 EXTRA: Hear the full, hour-long discussion between St. Louis Mayor, Cara Spencer and Business Journal Editor Erik Siemers in front of a live audience. | — | ||||||
| 11/20/25 | Lambert airport’s car rental conundrum | Lambert airport is poised to get its biggest makeover ever, with a new $3 billion terminal. But one thing that won’t be part of it is a place where all rental car companies can operate, maybe walkable from that new terminal. Right now, rental car companies operate from six separate facilities a shuttle ride from the airport. We talk about how Enterprise Rent-a-Car wants a fix for that as part of the new terminal. | — | ||||||
| 11/13/25 | Mixed messages in Downtown St. Louis | Downtown St. Louis suffered a major loss last week when one of its highest-profile tenants announced it was leaving. But one of the leaders trying to turn the neighborhood around says everything is going just fine. This week, we go inside that story and some other mixed messages on the status of downtown St. Louis. The conversation explores the recent announcement of Peabody Energy's move from downtown St. Louis, the implications of corporate exits on the area, and the efforts of Kurt Weigel from Greater St. Louis, Inc. to revitalize downtown through residential development and community engagement. The discussion also touches on the mixed messages regarding the success of Ballpark Village as an entertainment hub amidst ongoing challenges in the downtown area. | — | ||||||
| 11/6/25 | Some context for developments at Cortex | Since it was established in 2002, the city’s Cortex innovation district has been home to more than $2 billion in construction. This week, the CEO of the district tells us whether to expect more projects in coming years. Episode Summary:The conversation explores the Cortex Innovation District's development, the importance of eminent domain, current projects, demand for lab space, community engagement, and funding strategies. Sam Fiorello discusses the challenges and opportunities within the district, emphasizing the need for continued growth and support for innovation in St. Louis.Takeaways:Cortex Innovation District has 42 buildings and 400 companies.Eminent domain is rarely used but is an important tool.90% of commercial space in Cortex is currently filled.There is a high demand for lab space post-pandemic.Cortex aims to accommodate growing life science companies.Community engagement has shifted post-COVID.Cortex is not just about real estate; it's about innovation.Funding and grants are crucial for workforce training.The Square One program supports local entrepreneurs.Cortex is focused on building a strong community identity. | — | ||||||
| 10/30/25 | What’s being done about St. Louis’ building bust? | St. Louis is again seeing fewer construction projects this year. The city for 2025 is roughly on target to match permit totals for last year, but those were down significantly from the past. The government’s development chief talks about why, and what’s being done to turn it around.Show SummaryIn this conversation, Otis Williams discusses the current state of development in St. Louis, highlighting the challenges faced in the building permit process and the need for more private development. He emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment for developers and the ongoing efforts to improve the permitting system. The conversation also touches on the North City grant program and the search for a permanent leader for the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC).TakeawaysSt. Louis is experiencing a decline in private development.The city aims to improve its development processes to attract more developers.There is a need for a more efficient permitting system.The North City grant program has faced scrutiny but is being re-evaluated.Otis Williams emphasizes the importance of personal relationships with developers.The city is looking to create new financial incentives for development.Mayor Spencer's administration is focused on revitalizing the central corridor.The SLDC is actively searching for a permanent leader with vision and experience.Community engagement is crucial for successful development projects.The city is committed to increasing the number of new businesses to boost economic growth. | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.
Chart Positions
2 placements across 2 markets.