Kirkwood, MO October 2025 by City Lifestyle

What is the deal with Branzino?

I didn’t know Mediterranean seabass was something I needed... And yet, it kept coming up in the most unlikely places. I got into an Uber, and the driver was playing a song I had never heard, with lyrics in a language I didn’t know. I looked at the screen on the dashboard, and the title of the song was “Branzino”. I had never even heard of the word Branzino, so I thought it was a non-English word that could have meant anything. The next day, I was catching up on episodes of Fly On The Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade . Ten minutes into their interview with Adam Sandler, David recounts a story about trying to order Branzino at McDonald’s. Wait, what? Hey Siri, what is Branzino? Branzino is a Mediterranean white fish native to the waters of Europe’s western and southern coasts. That must be some kind of fish for someone to write a song about it and for David Spade to reference it in a joke. Still, I’d never heard of it. Then the next day, City Seafood posted an Instagram Reel announcing “You asked, we listened - our wildly popular Branzino is now a full-time star on the City Seafood menu!” What? What is the deal with Branzino? I immediately picked up a box of fresh, wild-caught Branzino from City Seafood. Sure, I could have had it delivered to my house, but then I wouldn’t have learned this bit of advice from Mike Vujević, co-owner of City Seafood. He suggested the best way to cook Branzino is on the grill. The Grilled Whole Branzino recipe can be found on the City Seafood website. It was so incredible that I said to Jay, “This is like something from a restaurant. We need to have people over to share this with them.” What followed next was a very impromptu “Frien-ner” (Friends-Dinner) with Mediterranean music playing throughout the house. After dinner, I created an Instagram Reel highlighting my Branzino experience, featuring clips of David Spade’s interview with Adam Sandler. Check it out on Instagram @KirkwoodCityLifestyle. It turns out that Mediterranean seabass was exactly something I needed. My favorite quote from this issue is from Sydney Taylor’s article, “Friendship to Flavor.” Like olive branches, people’s lives are often interwoven, stemming from friendships and communities, and the one thing that brings us all together is food.

RENEE MOORE, PUBLISHER

@KIRKWOODCITYLIFESTYLE

October 2025 Visit our Instagram

PUBLISHER

Renee Moore | renee.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kate Berry | kate.berry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Sydney Taylor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sydney Taylor, Katie Elizabeth, Cindy Roeser, Lucy Rogers, Josie Combs

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Danny Zofness, Carey Campbell

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY

Their kitchen or yours?

City Seafood delivers to kitchens in restaurants and in homes.

Raise your hand if you love ordering seafood at your favorite restaurant. Did you know that you can create a fine dining seafood experience in your own kitchen? It’s true. City Seafood delivers the finest fresh fish, seafood, and shellfish to St. Louis’ finest dining establishments, and now they offer that same great delivery experience directly to your home. Born from the legacy of Bob’s Seafood, a beloved St. Louis fish stand, City Seafood has decades of expertise in the seafood industry. And, it’s owned by two of the nicest guys who live right here in our community. Now, with online ordering and free local delivery, owners Brad Burns and Mike Vujević make it easier than ever to get the best seafood in the city right to your kitchen. Premium seafood, online ordering, custom packages, and free local delivery. What could be easier? Ohhhh... sure. Yes, going out to eat is easy too. Have you been to Napoli Kirkwood yet?

Tom Brockelmeyer, general manager at Napoli Kirkwood

At Napoli Kirkwood, the menu masterfully celebrates both traditional family favorites and inventive Italian cuisine. General Manager Tom Brockelmeyer, a veteran of Napoli restaurants, says the selections mirror the Kirkwood/Webster Groves community. The impressive menu offers a variety of options, ranging from steak and chicken to pasta and seafood.

Consider the pan-seared halibut over mascarpone whipped potatoes with black truffle goujon, or the crispy, seared ricotta gnocchi. These gnocchi are served in a creamy seafood broth with shrimp, creating a comforting and sophisticated dish.

For main courses, the prime eight-ounce filet mignon features pistachio-infused pecorino, an Italian cheese with pistachio nuts. For seafood fans, the sea bass ranks among the menu’s most popular items. A salad of heirloom cherry tomatoes, arugula, olives, and onions in honey Dijon vinaigrette provides a fresh counterpoint to rich dishes.

The menu is the culinary creation of Executive Chef John Burger, who has been with the Napoli family for over 20 years. Tom describes Chef Burger as patient and always willing to share his knowledge about cooking and the hospitality industry. Tom and Chef Burger first worked together when Tom was a chef at Napoli Two before he became a front-of-house manager.

Napoli Kirkwood feels like home to Tom. As a lifelong resident of Webster Groves, Tom is proud that his son, the fourth generation in the family to reside in Webster Groves, will grow up enjoying the long-standing community traditions, such as the “Chili Bowl,” and other local family events. Tom’s deep roots in the community make him a welcoming host for Napoli Kirkwood, where food, families, and communities are celebrated.

Napoli Kirkwood truly sets a high bar when it comes to a great dining experience, but you don’t have to be a professional chef to create restaurant-quality dishes right at home. Try this Shrimp Limon recipe from Napoli Kirkwood’s Executive Chef John Burger. You can achieve the same incredible taste by ordering the shrimp directly from City Seafood. With an expansive selection to choose from, including seasonal and featured products, and custom signature boxes perfect for large family get-togethers, you can trust City Seafood STL to bring the ocean’s best flavors straight to your table. Always fresh. Always on time.

Choose your own experience: dine out at your favorite restaurant, or call Mike at City Seafood and dine in.

CONTINUED >

Shrimp Limon

INGREDIENTS (1 SERVING)

• 3 thinly sliced pieces of pancetta

• 3 jumbo shrimp (U8 - U12 size) delivered directly to your door from City Seafood

• 1 tablespoon of garlic

• P inch of red pepper flakes

• S alt and pepper

• ½ cup of limoncello

• ½ cup clam stock

• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons of butter

DIRECTIONS

1. Start by wrapping your shrimp individually with pancetta.

2. In a non-stick skillet, heat the oil until almost smoking and sear the shrimp until the pancetta is crispy, about 1 minute per side. Then, set aside.

3. In a clean skillet, toast your garlic until it is almost brown.

4. Deglaze with limoncello and let it reduce until it reaches a nearly syrupy consistency.

5. Add butter, clam stock, lemon juice, and shrimp back to the skillet

6. Season with red pepper, salt, and pepper.

7. Continue cooking until the sauce is thickened and the shrimp is cooked through.

8. Finish with chopped parsley and serve.

Roasted Branzino with Lemon, Garlic, an d Herbs

INGREDIENTS

• 2 whole branzino, cleaned and scaled

• 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for zesting and juice)

• 4 g arlic cloves, smashed and peeled

• 1 bunch of fresh thyme or rosemary

• Oli ve oil

• S ea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Optional: A handful of cherry tomatoes, olives, or capers for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the branzino:

• Rinse fish under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

• Make a few diagonal slashes on both sides of each fish to help the flavors penetrate and to ensure even cooking.

• Season the cavity of each fish with sea salt, black pepper, and a couple of garlic cloves. Add a sprig of thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

3. Stuff and season the fish:

• In the slashes and the cavity, place a few slices of lemon, a couple of smashed garlic cloves, and a sprig of fresh thyme.

• Drizzle the fish with a generous amount of olive oil, then season the outside with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon zest for added fragrance.

4. Roast the fish:

• Place the prepared fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

• Roast for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the fish. The fish is done when the flesh is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. If you’re using smaller fish, check at 15-18 minutes.

5. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

For more seafood dinner inspiration and recipes, visit cityseafoodstl.com.

“We

The Cherry Dress

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

DANNY ZOFNESS, DTK STUDIOS

If you grew up in St. Louis, there’s a good chance a Cherry Dress still hangs in your family’s closet, tucked away with other childhood keepsakes. But just as memorable as those stitched cherries are the flavors that have defined generations inside the Woman’s Exchange of St. Louis. For more than 140 years, the Exchange has created heirlooms of every kind, from smocked dresses and secret-recipe dishes to traditions that weave themselves into both closets and kitchens. More than a boutique or tearoom, it’s a living thread in the city’s cultural fabric, where stitches meet sauces, gooey butter brownies meet baby showers, and every bite tells a story of connection and care.

FOR OVER 30 YEARS, ELANORA “ELLIE” DRESSEL STITCHED CHERRY DRESSES BY HAND.

Carley Koke and her daughter Lilly @thebabblingblonds

“THE CHERRY DRESS IS A CLASSIC STAPLE PIECE. YOU

CAN WEAR IT YEAR-ROUND,”

GLENDALE RESIDENT

CARLEY KOKE SAID.

The dress’s cultural legacy runs deep. Famously worn by Jackie Kennedy’s children on a magazine cover, it holds a place of honor in the Missouri History Museum’s Collected exhibit, showcased among more than 2,000 historic children’s garments.

“The Cherry Dress is a classic staple piece. You can wear it year-round,” Glendale resident Carley Koke said. “I was so excited because I’ve known about the Cherry Dress for so many years. One of the first things I thought when I found out my third child was a girl was, “I’m going to have a girl and I can put her in a Cherry Dress.”

For over 30 years, Elanora “Ellie” Dressel stitched Cherry Dresses by hand, her craftsmanship becoming part of countless St. Louis childhoods. Today, that same care lives on in every hand-smocked dress created by the Exchange’s network of more than 100 artisans—many of whom remain anonymous, continuing the organization’s founding mission as a haven for women to earn an income. “All the dresses you see are hand-smocked,” Donor Relations and Communications Coordinator Mollie Amburgey said. “The cherries on every Cherry Dress are stitched by hand by our artisans.”

From royal occasions to modern gender reveals, the Cherry Dress has found its place in family rituals. “We had three little girls wear our dresses during a presentation for Queen Elizabeth,” Mollie recalled. “And once, the Cherry Dress was the big reveal at a gender reveal party.”

See the Cherry Dress in Collected at the Missouri History Museum; “The Life of Kids’ Clothes” gallery through January 4, 2026.

Share your photos in the Cherry Dress by tagging Kirkwood City Lifestyle on Facebook and Instagram @KirkwoodCityLifestyle.

Friendship

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANNY ZOFNESS, DTK STUDIOS

Amy and Bobbi mix friendship and flavor at Cafe Amalia, blending Greek culture, cuisine, and community in the heart of Kirkwood.

to Flavor

Some friendships develop slowly — like a perfect Mediterranean stew — before becoming something extraordinary. For Amy Pappas Loli, a celebrated Greek chef, and Bobbi Baker, the entrepreneurial force behind Namaste Yoga, their decadeslong friendship has culminated in something truly special: Cafe Amalia, a sundrenched Mediterranean oasis located at 10907 Manchester Road in Kirkwood. Their story began long before either woman could have imagined they’d be business partners. Both Bobbi and her husband became friends with Amy

Bobbi Baker and Amy Pappas Loli

independently, crossing paths in the way that only happens in St. Louis. When Bobbi’s family adopted healthier eating habits, they turned to Amy, whose authentic Mediterranean cooking had garnered a devoted following through her private chef services and popular food blog, Amalia Culinary Arts.

“There is no one who does Greek food the way Amy does it,” Bobbi said. It’s clear this isn’t just a business partner talking; it’s a friend who has experienced Amy’s authentic recipes.

The origin story of Cafe Amalia began when the building next door to Namaste Yoga sat vacant for far too long.

“I’d come out of the yoga studio, and look at this building and say, ‘I’m gonna do something with that space,’” Bobbi recalled. “I wanted a place where people could go after yoga and continue to connect. North Kirkwood needed a place to congregate and socialize.”

Bobbi did what successful entrepreneurs do: she bought the building and called Amy to help bring her vision to life.

Despite knowing Amy had a full-time job, Bobbi took a leap of faith. “I reached out to Amy and asked her if she had any interest in partnering on a cafe because she’s really good at food,” Bobbi said.

What happened next speaks to the power of shared vision between true friends. While others might have been put off by the building’s condition, Amy saw possibilities everywhere. “I could see the final products in my head; I could see the vision Bobbi had for this space.”

The transformation from the dark, old building into today’s stunning, sun-filled space makes Cafe Amalia is a testament to what happens when complementary talents meet unwavering mutual support. Every design element—from the Greek Key tiles that Bobbi helped design to the fig-andlemon wallpaper inspired by the Greek islands— reflects their shared aesthetic vision.

“We both have very similar tastes and styles,” Amy explained. “Everything that you see in Cafe Amalia, Bobbi and I either picked out or designed together. There was nothing that she presented that I did not fall in love with.”

What makes their partnership work isn’t just a shared vision; it’s the way their different strengths combine to create something incredible together. “Amy and I have different skill sets,” Bobbi explained with a laugh. “If I had to cook in the kitchen, we’d starve. There are other things not in her wheelhouse; that’s

“CAFE AMALIA IS A PLACE WHERE COMMUNITY PAIRS FLAWLESSLY WITH CULTURE. LIKE OLIVE BRANCHES, PEOPLE’S LIVES ARE OFTEN INTERWOVEN, STEMMING FROM FRIENDSHIPS AND COMMUNITIES, AND THE ONE THING THAT BRINGS US ALL TOGETHER IS FOOD.”

where I can step in. We definitely complement each other very well.”

The attention to detail extends beyond decoration. Amy wanted the space to mirror her culinary philosophy: “I wanted the cafe to be clean and fresh-looking to mimic my food.” The result is a bright, welcoming environment where Mediterranean culture comes alive through both atmosphere and authentic flavors.

For Amy, having Bobbi’s unwavering support has been essential through the inevitable challenges of opening a restaurant. “Bobbi is an amazing partner because she believes in me,” Amy said.

Perhaps the most touching moment in their partnership came when Bobbi made a decision that would honor not just Amy, but generations of family tradition. “Amy asked me if I had a name for the cafe, and I said, ‘Yeah. Your name,” Bobbi remembered. “I think it took a second for her to process, like, ‘Oh, this is actually gonna be mine.’”

For Amy, the gesture carried deep significance. “Bobbi really did honor me with that. I’m named after my grandmother, and that’s where the name comes from; I learned how to cook from my grandmother,” Amy said. In naming Cafe Amalia, they weren’t just creating a business; they were honoring the cultural traditions and family recipes that Amy carries forward.

At Cafe Amalia, Amy’s commitment to

grilled cheese that has already earned a devoted following. The farro bowls are Amy’s favorite. And no visit would be complete without trying the Freddo cappuccino, a Greek-inspired iced coffee drink that perfectly embodies the cafe’s blend of

Amy Pappas Loli and Bobbi Baker

Aesthetician

Amy Kuehnel

THE FOOD and FACE CONNECTION

You’ve tried every trending skincare product on TikTok. Your bathroom counter resembles a chemistry lab, complete with serums, acids, and treatments that promise glowing skin. Yet those stubborn breakouts keep appearing. What if the real culprit isn’t what you’re putting on your skin, but what you’re putting in your body?

The Method Aesthetics + Wellness integrates the science of skincare with the biology of food and nutrition. Located at 20 Allen Ave #130 in Webster Groves, The Method offers tailored aesthetic and wellness treatments to enhance confidence and overall quality of life.

Aesthetician Amy Kuehnel and Family Nurse Practitioner Liz Collins offer insights into The Method’s holistic, science-based approach to skincare, particularly in relation to acne.

“Clear, healthy skin isn’t about chasing every new product. It’s about understanding your body, identifying personal triggers, and nourishing your gut,” Liz said. Amy added, “Acne isn’t curable, but it’s manageable.”

BEYOND DERMATOLOGY

Unlike traditional dermatology, which often relies on antibiotics or medications like Accutane, The Method emphasizes personalization.

“I treat the individual; it’s not one size fits all,” Amy said. “Those medications have their place, but I focus on finding triggers, adjusting routines, and supporting gut health.”

Liz agreed. “We do a deep dive into your blood work using hundreds of different biomarkers. We’re also not restricted by insurance, so we can take time to really listen to your unique situation and order what we need.”

“Clear, healthy skin isn’t about chasing every new product. It’s about understanding your body, identifying personal triggers, and nourishing your gut,” said Liz Collins, nurse practitioner at The Method Aesthetics + Wellness in Webster Groves.

ARTICLE BY SYDNEY TAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The secret to clear skin begins in the kitchen.

SURPRISING FOOD TRIGGERS

Everyday staples can sabotage skin: dairy, peanut butter, whey protein powders, and even certain seafood or eggs.

“I give clients a list of possible triggers and acceptable substitutes,” Amy explained. “Acne isn’t something we can cure, but it can absolutely be managed once we identify your personal triggers.”

The frustrating part? Triggers aren’t the same for everyone. Your friend may enjoy a pizza with no consequences, while you wake up with red bumps. That’s why food-skin detective work is key.

THE GUT-SKIN CONNECTION

Here’s where science gets fascinating: your gut and skin are constantly “talking.”

“True wellness begins in the gut,” said Liz Collins, The Method’s nurse practitioner. “What we put in our body and on our body determines how we feel from the inside out. Inflammation and chronic stress can disrupt the gut, and that can affect your skin.”

Think of your gut as headquarters. When it’s struggling—whether due to stress, a poor diet, or antibiotics—it often sends distress signals directly to your skin.

When most people hear “hormones,” they think of estrogen and testosterone. But there’s another powerful player: insulin.

“If you’re eating a high-sugar diet, it can lead to inflammation,” said Amy, who has specialized in treating acne for over a decade. “When this inflammation occurs in the skin, you may experience reactions such as rosacea, acne, and pigmentation.”

That means the cookie or glass of wine you enjoy at night could be quietly fueling your breakouts. Instead of treating only surface symptoms, Amy looks deeper, often finding the culprits in her clients’ kitchens, not their medicine cabinets.

HEALING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

So how do you improve gut health? Liz recommends food sensitivity testing for common triggers, such as gluten, dairy, seafood, peanuts, and eggs. This helps patients eliminate problem foods and allows the gut and skin to heal.

She also highlights the role of supplements:

• Probiotics with live active cultures, no fillers, and no sugar.

• Collagen peptides to support gut lining repair, joints, hair, skin, and nails.

• Vitamin D with K2 for mental clarity, hormone balance, and bone density.

“Antibiotics wipe the good and bad flora from your gut,” Liz explained. “Gut health and food are tied closely. If you’re eating a poor diet, more often than not, you’re gonna have a poor gut.”

SKIN CHANGES AT MIDLIFE

Acne isn’t just a teenage problem. Women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond may notice new breakouts thanks to perimenopause and menopause.

“Acne can absolutely start later in life,” Amy explained. “We can run labs, check hormone levels, and address imbalances, along with prescribing topical treatments to support overall well-being.”

These hormonal shifts also explain why what worked for your skin in your 20s may suddenly stop working in midlife.

THE POWER OF CONSISTENCY

With skincare trends changing daily, it’s easy to feel pressured to try everything. But both experts agree: less is more.

“Consistency is key,” Amy said. “Stick to a personalized routine that is right for you.”

Liz added, “Start with your gut; what you put in your body is what you get out of it.”

For more information about The Method Aesthetics + Wellness, visit themethodstl.com or follow on Instagram @themethod_stl

Nurse Practitioner Liz Collins

Dreaming of a Home with a Gourmet Kitchen?

Or are you looking for the perfect location close to

and restaurants?

Whether you're searching in Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Des Peres, or anywhere in the greater St. Louis area, I'm here to help you ﬁnd a home that checks ALL the boxes.

In today’s fast-moving real estate market, you deserve a knowledgeable, local professional by your side. As both a buyer and seller’s agent, I’m committed to making your experience smooth, successful, and stress-free — all the way to the closing table.

As a proud Glendale resident, I’d be honored to be your trusted partner. Whether you’re ready to move now or in the future, let’s create the best plan for you and your family.

eat local, live stronger

Every time you choose to buy local, you’re saying yes to your health and community.

We’ve all heard it before: eat local. Most of the time, this advice is tied to fresh produce. Eating local goes beyond the health benefits of fresh food. When you buy local, you are supporting neighbors, strengthening community ties, and discovering flavors and products that make healthy living easier and more fun.

One of my favorite places to take advantage of this is at Dierbergs. They have built numerous partnerships with local businesses that give us, as customers, the opportunity to support our community while filling our carts with incredible foods. These partnerships enable us to try new things, choose foods that are more minimally processed, and feel good about where our dollars are going. It’s wellness and connection rolled into one.

Here are a few of my local must-haves that you can feel good about adding to your cart on your next shopping trip.

CHAM BAKERY

Bread has received a bad reputation over the years. I get it; so many processed breads are packed with ingredients we can’t even pronounce. But Cham Bakery flips the script.

ARTICLE BY KATIE ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY BY STRONG BY INTENTION

Baked right here in St. Louis, their pita bread is as fresh and simple as it gets: only five ingredients you can actually read and understand. That’s it. No fillers, no mystery additives—just wholesome pita bread that tastes amazing. At my house, Cham is a staple. It’s proof that when food is made simply and thoughtfully, it earns its place on your table.

ROOTBERRY

I’ll be honest, I don’t eat a fully plant-based diet. However, I also know (and Rootberry agrees!) that there are significant benefits to incorporating more plants into our diets. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Rootberry excels at crafting products that are both enjoyable and flavorful. Their dishes make plant-based eating approachable without sacrificing taste. My personal recommendation? The Peanut Stir Fry. It’s the perfect balance of fresh, filling, and delicious with no side of guilt.

AMY’S CAKE POPS

Confession: I have a sweet tooth. And if you’re like me, you know how easy it is to slide into “too much” territory. That’s why Amy’s Cake Pops feel like such a win. First, they’re adorable and almost too cute to eat (almost). But the real beauty is in the built-in portion control. You get to enjoy something sweet, fun, and delicious without overthinking it. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your cravings in a way that feels balanced and intentional.

Eating local isn’t about being “perfect” with your food; it’s about creating a lifestyle that feels both nourishing and connected. Every time you choose local, you’re saying yes to your health, yes to your taste buds, and yes to your community. And that’s a choice worth making again and again.

Next time you’re at Dierbergs, grab one (or all!) of these favorites. You’ll leave not just with groceries, but also with a little piece of St. Louis in your cart, and the knowledge that every bite is helping you live stronger by intention.

For healthy recipes using local ingredients, follow me on Instagram @ktelizabethwellness.

RECIPE for SUCCESS

ARTICLE BY JOSIE COMBS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Trust, hard work, family values, and community connection: the “ingredients” that make a successful third-generation family business are simultaneously utterly simple and remarkably complex, much like a family recipe passed down through generations.

Since opening its doors in 1985, Combs Auto Service and Tire Center has built its reputation on fairness, trust, and neighborly service. Thankfully, these values continue to resonate with community members who return year after year.

Founder Bill Combs launched the shop in the mid-80s, running a fully handwritten, pre-computerized operation. Drawing on his experience as an accountant for the St. Louis Blues, Bill transformed his honest, detail-oriented work ethic into a thriving business that quickly became a go-to for Kirkwood residents. It was an era of handwritten job tickets, paper receipts, and printed labor manuals. Scott Combs (second-generation owner) was watching Ally McBeal on television, and his soon-to-be wife Wendy rocked a mullet. Anything was possible.

COMBS AUTO SERVICE AND TIRE CENTER CELEBRATES 40 YEARS AS A KIRKWOOD STAPLE.

Bill Combs

Scott, Wendy, Cameron

Bill, Sunny, Scott, Wendy

As the world changed, so did Combs Tire, in more ways than one. Bill’s son, Scott, joined the family business, first helping out on breaks from high school and college, and eventually purchasing the shop in 2015. The transition coincided with the dawn of the digital age, when the internet reshaped how small businesses operate. Scott embraced these changes, modernizing the shop while keeping its focus on customer service. Like his father, Scott wasn’t a mechanic by trade, but he carried forward Bill’s vision: that Combs should be a trusted resource for the community and a shared legacy for the family. Father and son worked alongside each other for more than twenty years, something Scott refuses to take for granted, especially after Bill’s recent passing.

“I consider myself lucky,” Scott reflected. “Not many people get that opportunity.”

Today, Scott is continuing the tradition with his eldest son, Cameron. Similar to Scott, Cameron never envisioned himself in the industry, yet all along, he was sharpening his interpersonal skills. Ultimately patient and kind, Cameron spends the majority of his time listening to and fostering relationships with both long-standing and new visitors. Learning from both Bill and Scott, and growing up in the online era, Cameron’s unique perspective is paramount to the inevitable evolution of the shop.

Of course, no story of Combs would be complete without the women who made the dream possible. Bill’s second wife, Sunny Combs, encouraged him to take the entrepreneurship leap back in 1985, even agreeing to a second mortgage on their home to get the business started. Wendy Combs, Scott’s wife and partner-in-crime, now works at the shop in a catch-all role. With her background in insurance, she handles paperwork, scheduling, hiring,

“FATHER AND SON WORKED ALONGSIDE EACH OTHER FOR MORE THAN twenty years, SOMETHING SCOTT cherishes, ESPECIALLY AFTER BILL’S RECENT PASSING.”

parts runs, and even shuttling customers to and from their homes.

“I do everything Scott doesn’t want to do,” she joked. With her upbeat personality and quick wit, Wendy keeps things running smoothly with a smile.

Even if you aren’t familiar with Combs’ history, walking in feels like stepping into both a shop and a story. The walls are lined with local sports memorabilia, from Blues jerseys to Wendy’s St. Louis University Hall of Fame award in field hockey. A quarter still buys you a styrofoam cup of M&Ms, the parking lot sign keeps passersby smiling with silly tire puns, and the front desk is always staffed with friendly faces ready to help. After 40 years, Combs Auto Service and Tire Center isn’t just about cars. It’s about community, connection, and a tradition of trust that keeps Kirkwood drivers coming back.

Just like a good set of tires, Combs has proven to be built to last. Trends may come and go, but Combs Tire is here for the long haul. Scott, Wendy, and Cameron remind us that the main ingredient in a thriving third-generation family business is family.

Sunny and Bill Combs

Bill and Scott

“JUST LIKE A GOOD SET OF TIRES, Combs HAS PROVEN TO BE built to last. TRENDS MAY COME AND GO, BUT Combs Tire IS HERE FOR the long haul.”

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TALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

KIRKWOOD COMES OUT TO SEE THE DOG’S BREAKFAST.

ARTICLE BY CINDY ROESER

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Five years ago, we lost Ed Nestor to pancreatic cancer. Joe and I continue to bring his band to Kirkwood not only as a tribute to him, but also because we deeply love this community. This concert is our way of saying thank you. Three years ago, we began using the event to benefit the Kirkwood Historical Society because we believe it’s essential to remember our roots.

When Ed and his wife Cathy were growing up here, Kirkwood was a very different place. In fact, I used to work at Casey’s Sports, which is now the site of Station Plaza. By examining our history, we can hold onto the values that have always made Kirkwood special while also embracing change. It’s the people and small businesses that make this such a wonderful place to live and raise a family.

Our family has seen firsthand how this community supports its people. The last two years have shown us just how much our community is here for us, our family, and our business. We are so incredibly grateful. We hope to keep the music playing for as long as we can.