Russo Family - Piazza Messina

A Family Business Grows Roots in Cottleville with a Special Blend of Food and Fun

“This is a word of mouth business,” stresses Mark Russo. “People put their trust in us to provide a perfect, memorable experience for them. It doesn’t matter the size of the event; every plate, every detail is our reputation. Families coming back to us year after year is the greatest compliment.”

Anyone who knows the Russo family (and boy, do a lot of people know a Russo), can attest that the hardworking owners never sit still. Ever. The brothers who run the expanding Russo’s organization likely get that trait from the 93-year-old matriarch, Fran (nee Messina) Russo as well as being raised around the back-breaking catering business founded by their late dad, Matteo Russo.

Digging into their latest project in quaint Cottleville, the winery-like property they named Piazza Messina (in honor of their mom), was a task the Russo boys were ready to tackle. Brothers Mark, Tom, and Mike had often dreamt of owning a property, adding to their portfolio of over 50 event spaces and a large catering operation they already managed. The idea of a place to call “home” was appealing through, and they had been eyeing the 14 acres on Highway N for several years.

In January 2016, the Russos met with a consulting firm to see if the site was even feasible for their build. “The first company said they would run away,” Mike Russo laughed. “Turns out there would be some extremely challenging excavation needed.” They eventually settled on a firm to help bring the vision to life, knowing they would continue to expand over time.

When the Piazza Messina project began, Mike was assigned the lead, working with contractors on the interior/exterior design, and with the help of architects and plenty of family chiming in, they watched the Tuscan-inspired main building take shape. The build meant all three brothers were going to have to juggle even more than they were already handling. “We met constantly throughout 2016 and ‘17, daily pouring over the plans, and talking through every decision” Mike recalls. “I will always be proud of the way we collaborated to make this happen. This property was a dream for us.”

Where it all Began

The Russo family got its start in the ’50s when Matteo and Frances Russo ran an iconic spot in North County called Greenlee’s. It was a favorite hangout that featured ice cream, burgers, and family-recipe sweets. A move to Clayton came in 1961 when the couple started Meramec Catering.“My dad’s philosophy was the catering business was more solid than a restaurant because you always knew how many plates you were going to serve that night,” explained owner Mark Russo. They operated out of the old Creve Coeur Country Club, where they worked countless weddings and banquets. When Matt Russo died in 1979, Fran and oldest son, John Russo (since retired), took the reins.

During the early years, it was all hands on deck. Then 19-year-old Mark worked while going to night school. Linda Russo, the only sister, was a customer-favorite bartender. The family changed the name to Russo’s to honor their dad, and having all been raised with an admirable work ethic, slowing down was never an option.” Everybody was in the kitchen,” Mark explained. “We used dad’s recipes and worked events everywhere we could.”

Soon after, Tom and Mike joined, and in ‘89 Russo’s Gourmet Express division was added to make eating in the office more like a restaurant; now hundreds of daily deliveries of box lunches and hot buffets arrive at businesses across the area. Over the last 20 years, the company continued to hone its solid reputation, earning top recognition and awards from St. Louis Magazine, The Knot, Wedding Wire, St. Louis Business Journal, The Riverfront Times, and many more. Russo’s will celebrate their 60th anniversary next year.

Piazza Messina is the New Hot Spot

In July 2018, Piazza Messina hosted its first event, and has been booked solid ever since. News of the site spread quickly and brides were immediately drawn to the open-air feel of the spacious main building, pretty grounds, and the homey “brides” cottage; so much so that many booked their wed-

ding after just eyeing the renderings. “Everything about the response proved we chose the right spot, and we could not be happier to be a part of the Cottleville community,” Mark said. Soon Executive Chef, Tom Russo, was looking toward the vast lawn with its newly finished four-acre lake (complete with a pair of swans named Franceso and Matteo) and envisioning more. “We had just built a stellar commercial kitchen to augment our catering operation,” Tom said. “But I knew we could be a dynamite destination for a retail (restaurant) operation on the days we weren’t holding weddings,” he added. “That’s how Sunday Sips, and later Sunset Sips, came to be.”

A pergola with the lake and fountain backdrop was an addition that quickly became popular with brides, but on plenty of afternoons and evenings, it doubles as a stage for local bands. “We’ve created a winery vibe, without the drive,” explained Tom. “These events have allowed us to get creative with our culinary offerings. We’re constantly adding fresh selections, we’re growing herbs, and sourcing ingredients from local growers. We’re expanding our wine

and beer selections, adding weekly signature drinks, and customers are loving it,” Tom added. When you visit now, you’ll see the large outdoor bar, spacious patios, and colorful planters. What you won’t see are the extended family pitching in to build a new pergola, or owner Mark Russo manning the weed-whacker in between directing his event planning team during set-up. Or the spouses pitching in; the wives all lend their talents, whether it’s décor or customer service, and you’ll often see Russo offspring behind the bar or busing a table.

The Russos haven’t let this past year slow them down; in fact, the Covid crisis pushed them to create new experiences for their customers. “We were glad to have the chance to offer a safe place to dine out,” Tom said. “We had already implemented an easy, online ordering system to take food orders and payment, which proved to be a natural progression to Covid-safe food delivery,” Tom added. Most importantly, they were able to keep their employees working by opening up Piazza Messina for all kinds of events, from Family Fun Nights to Piazza Palooza music festivals, all with unique menus and spread out across the lawn and three-season patios. The list of special events is always expanding, with Mark, Mike & Tom Russo family-friendly entertainment topping the list. “By trying out new concepts, we’ve discovered an amazing following who love it here as much as we do,” Tom said. “Our Sunday and weeknight business has helped us connect with the community in a whole new way because we’re meeting them one-onone instead of at a large event,” he added. When businesses are ready to host teams or clients again, Piazza Messina will provide a welcome space for retreats, with lake and lawn games, customized food, and entertainment options beyond what a standard event space can offer.

“We love that people know us for fantastic food and service, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that our customers rarely see,” Mike explained. “We try to make it look simple, but this is a business of a thousand moving parts. We all agree, our 100+ employees are family too, and every day we’re working alongside each other. It truly is a big family with a huge job to do,” he added.

One constant is Mama Russo, Fran. “I get excited telling her about our projects and improvements we’re making,” said Mark. “But she’s brutally honest,” added Tom. “She’ll tell you what she likes and you never know when she’ll pop in the kitchen to critique my cooking.”

“Being out here feels so much like the old days in North County,” Mark reminisces. “Everybody knows each other and it’s just become our home.” They all seem to be waxing nostalgic. Chef Tom has resurrected the old candy recipes and enjoys treating guests to the ‘50s era sweet treats (hint: watch for Fran & Matt’s candies to make an appearance at a Sips event soon!)

“Sometimes I’m out there at night with nobody around, noticing the different pieces Mark or Tom or I added,” Mike said. “I just pinch myself that our dream is a reality and we did it together.”