St. Charles restaurant and lounge set to close Friday

By David Montgomery
Capital Journal staff
Published/Last Modified on Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009 - 01:04:07 am CST

PIERRE — A longtime Pierre institution is closing its doors this week.

The St. Charles Restaurant and Caucus lounge has served food and alcohol in walking distance of the Capitol and many state office buildings for decades, but owners Lonnie and Cindy Roth said the poor economy and increased competition leaves them no choice but to close the restaurant Friday.

“Four new restaurants opened up in the last year in town, causing more competition than the population can handle,” Lonnie Roth said.

David Montgomery | Capital Journal
Charles Restaurant co-owner Cindy Roth fills a glass of beer behind the restaurant’s bar. The longtime restaurant closes Friday due to a poor economy and increased competition from other restaurants.
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The closure is permanent, though the Roths said they might eventually open up a new restaurant elsewhere in town.

“We’ve got other options,” Cindy Roth said. “We’re not sure exactly what we’ll do. We just want to get our stuff out of this building, regroup and then decide what we’re going to do.”

The Roths have owned the St. Charles Restaurant for three and a half years. The restaurant serves food ranging from burgers to lamb, seafood and pasta. The St. Charles also included a bar and a to-go pasta shop called the St. Charles Noodle Company.

Representatives of Charisma Property Management Inc., which owns the St. Charles building, did not return calls for comment about the future of the restaurant’s space.

Lonnie Roth said he’s sad he is closing the restaurant but is relieved to no longer have to deal with falling revenues.

“We got to meet a lot of people,” Lonnie Roth said. “We enjoyed that more than anything.”

“That’ll be the hardest part, losing the contact with the people that we’ve met,” Cindy Roth said. “Some of them have been pretty loyal.”

Located just a block from the Capitol, the St. Charles Restaurant was a popular destination for legislators and state workers. Rep. Ryan Olson, R-Onida, said he’ll miss the restaurant.

“It’s a bummer, no doubt,” Olson said. “The food was always great. They had a little different menu, and it’s nice they had a bar where you could go after work. It was all good food and a nice atmosphere.”

The St. Charles Restaurant’s private rooms were frequently used by local groups for meetings. Carla Remmich, treasurer of Oahe Optimists, said her group has met there since it was founded five years ago.

“We’ll be greatly disappointed (with the closing),” Remmich said. “It’s convenient because it’s in the center of town, and they have good food there. Plus they have a room big enough to hold us.”

The closing will also mean the end of the Duos at the St. Charles weekly musical performances. The restaurant’s final event Friday will be a concluding Duos event.

Jodi Owen said she has performed at the St. Charles half a dozen times over the past three years.

“It’s been a great place to perform,” Owen said. “It’s a great smoke-free environment, the acoustics in there are great and the audiences are wonderful. It’s been a great opportunity for people to show their talent, and it’ll be sad to see it go.”

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Comments

37 comment(s)

former waitress wrote on Dec 14, 2009 1:09 PM:

" I worked at the St. Charles when Ron and Roy owned it. Since then the food and service had seriously declined. My new co-workers loved the Fire Salad and were told it was no longer an option. I don't know why Cindy changed so much but obviously it was the wrong move. Ron never would've allowed poor service either. Sure wish he would re-open it and bring it back to the 1st class standard it is capable of!! "

Former Customer wrote on Dec 3, 2009 2:59 PM:

" When the new owners took over, they deleted some of the best menu items and the service went to heck.

One time we had to wait for 15 minutes before anyone came to wait on us which really upset my husband. Then the next time I was able to persuade him to go there, there were several loud obnoxious people sitting at the bar which did not make for a pleasant dining experience. We have never been back.

It would be nice if the former owner re-opened the St. Charles. "

Saw it coming wrote on Dec 3, 2009 6:41 AM:

" The St Charles used to be a wonderful place to eat! My husband and I ate there numerous times when Ron and Roy owned it. We were loyal customers and were happy when an employee purchased the place. However you could tell that over time the place was declining. The food was no longer the high quality it used to be and service was not as good either. Tried St Charles a few times until we just couldn't go back anymore because the food was not worth the price anymore! "

Educated too wrote on Nov 30, 2009 9:17 AM:

" To Educated: I've supported Pierre with my dollars since moving here, but I wasn't impressed with the restaurant. I have noticed, though, that when anyone says something negative about Pierre, someone else accuses them of not supporting this city. While Pierre has a lot of good points, it has its minuses, too, just like anywhere else.

I'm sure this isn't the last we'll hear from/about them (Lonnie and Cindy). "

agree with Educated wrote on Nov 28, 2009 12:11 PM:

" except for one thing - "gain pleasure from tearing down anyone who takes financial risk". I think they take pleasure in more than just tearing down financial risk takers. No matter what the story is about - there are those who feel the need to get on here and tear them down, bash them, etc... "

a shame wrote on Nov 27, 2009 7:55 AM:

" I loved going to the St. Charles--its menu always had something just a little different that the other restraunts in Pierre...Jakes, Mcllenands, Bubbas--all are burger/wing/steak joints.. Cindy had some pastas and a really nice filet mignon on the menu and the prices werent any higher than say Minestras or Marys.... I think Cindys mistake was getting rid of the staples like the awesome fried chicken, and chicken fried steak and speghetti night. "

mr bill wrote on Nov 26, 2009 12:39 PM:

" Resteraunt/lounge included, the st charles as listed with the state historical society has a history in pierre sd as one of its most notable landmarks.calvin coolidge, dale carnegie, bob hope,clark gable just some on the guest list.the rest/lounge needs to be run up to the standards of its history.maybe then it wont be compared to mesas diner. "

Just my opinion wrote on Nov 26, 2009 8:12 AM:

" I watched the decline of this restaurant and predicted that Cindy would run it into the ground shortly after they bought the St Chaz. She thought her recipes were superior to what was already in place - and they were definately NOT! Roy's lasagna was the best but her ego got in her way. I saw her run off groups that had met there for years because they were "too much trouble". Prices were constantly going up and the drinks were not a full shot. Cindy's motto? Order what you want, eat what you get. Bad business decision. "

never been there wrote on Nov 25, 2009 8:19 PM:

" I just never considered going there. I don't know why, maybe out of the way for me. I'd think tho if their food and service was good they would have made a killing during the legislative session and should have been full everyday with all the govt. employees. Almost all these people eat lunch everyday. I don't buy the notion that other competition drove them out of business. That seems like a cop-out to me. Judging from what I went thru to get lunch today, I think we could use a few more resaurants! "

Educated wrote on Nov 25, 2009 1:51 PM:

" It seems that its always those who do not support this town in anyway financially that always have the negative concluctions. Please if your going to speculate have the facts and give us an educated guess at least. Shocked at how many people in this town gain pleasure from tearing down anyone who takes financial risk to support Pierre's economy....Jealous? Shame on you! "

Wine Lover wrote on Nov 24, 2009 8:14 PM:

" I understand what Lonnie & Cindy had to do. Businesses go through ups and downs all the time. There is NO Restaraunt in Pierre that will please everyone, regardless of the issue. It would be a shame if that charming place isn't utilized for some kind of business! "

Sara wrote on Nov 24, 2009 3:47 PM:

" I have only eaten there a few times in the past few years and did not really understand what the hoopla was. The food was not so spectaculer that I desire to return. I'm sure the new management gave it their all...but the few times I ate there I was a guest and did not want to complain and insult my hosts poor taste. I do not return to many local businesses, due to poor service or quality. If I shope/eat small town, give me bang for my $, give me something unique and to come back for. "

out of towner wrote on Nov 24, 2009 2:01 PM:

" Could somebody please ask Ron Lutz to consider managing the ST. Charles again? The restaurant had a lot of class and great food when he was the manager/owner. It would be such a waste to have it sit empty. Often times, it was hard to find a table there when we were visiting Pierre. It's truly a landmark! "

- Past Employer wrote on Nov 24, 2009 1:04 PM:

" - i have worked at the st charles in the past and it was an amazing experience. i hate to see it closing because they had such great food and the owners are amazing people, i could probably talk and joke around with them anytime. I met a lot of people working there and I would sometimes run into old teachers that i had in the past and have some time to talk to them and let them know how i was doing..i am just finding this out about the st charles i am sad to hear. :( "

bob wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:51 AM:

" have to agree with not suprised on this one... it really is too bad, but the service was just not there in the last couple of years... the last time I ate there I wasn't sure my pasta got drained, there was so much water in the bottom of the plate. still liked the place though, hopefully it will re-open with the old menu... "

MG wrote on Nov 24, 2009 11:14 AM:

" Best Rasberry Lemonade in town! Love the food and atmosphere, will definatly miss it! "

customer wrote on Nov 24, 2009 8:14 AM:

" I have to agree with some of these comments...I went 4-6 times a year and each time it was a combination of poor service or not-so great food. Possibly bad location? maybe not enough parking? lack of entertainment? From a business perspective I can see it would be tough to run. 1 cook, 1 server, 1 bartender (minimum) However, wtih a little business creativity I think it could of been managed better. hire better cooks, servers and the business will come. Maybe only open certain days for certain hours? have a specialty? "

Past Customer wrote on Nov 23, 2009 4:12 PM:

" To LCB: I am pretty grown up, thank you. And I have had this happen in other restaurants and we did the same thing. One of them was Mesa's Diner. Guess they are in the same boat as the St. Charles, aren't they? Poor service will earn you a bad reputation. Sorry, that is just a fact. "

wit ya on that wrote on Nov 23, 2009 1:23 PM:

" Im with 15 pieces of flair! "

Ft. Pierre Res wrote on Nov 23, 2009 9:40 AM:

" lived here 25 yrs and ate there once, was not my kind of menu to choose from.Im a Buffet person , I liked the Golden Corral the best. "

LCB wrote on Nov 23, 2009 7:52 AM:

" To the past customers who waited till now to make their comments on poor service. Grow UP you can not tell me that you never have had this happen before in a resturant. Cat have your tongue you could not have simply gotten someone attention and let them know they overlooked you?? Blood swaet and tears went into this resturant you did not notice the owner/manager/cook was the same person?? Before you attack anyone on why it is closing remember this it was not lack of commitment by the owners but lack of beingpartofthegoodoldboyswithcash "

not surprised wrote on Nov 21, 2009 7:18 PM:

" Once a longtime diner, I stopped patronizing when their service, portions, and menu items quickly declined. When you purchase the business -- you do not drop the best selling items off the menu just because you got a new chef. That spot CAN earn a profit if the business is run correctly. The formerly run business will be missed...not the one it turned into. "

Past Customer wrote on Nov 20, 2009 2:49 PM:

" To Current Customer: Since the owner walked past our table more than once, I would have thought it was pretty obvious we had not been waited on. It wasn't like we were hiding from them. . .only about 2 tables from the bar. I guess I just don't like to go to a place you have to ask to be waited on so you can spend your money. "

supporters wrote on Nov 20, 2009 11:10 AM:

" we are so sorry to hear of st charles closing. We loved taking our family there! it was always such a pleasant environment, and great food and service. The menu had something for everybody. We will definately be missing it! "

sad wrote on Nov 20, 2009 9:24 AM:

" I am so bummed to hear of St Charles closing. We've always had terrific food and service. Cindy and Lonny are such kind hearted people. We didnt know them before we went there the first time, and yet they treated us like a friend, not just another customer. They did everything the best they could and it's sad to see this happen to such real people. As to all the hurtful comments I've read on this page... All I can say is some people are impossible to please. "

Dave wrote on Nov 20, 2009 8:57 AM:

" I'll probably be attacked for this, but I never cared for the place. I thought the food was overpriced for the quality you got. But that's just an opinion. I know others that LOVED the place. I find it interesting though that they are talking about opening up a place somewhere else in town...if there is to much competition, why would you consider this? They are holding onto the license and are planning something. This story just doesn't add up. "

Unhappy wrote on Nov 19, 2009 12:47 PM:

" We were just there last weekend. We wanted to have one more evening at the St. Charles. We have been very pleased in the past. However, this time was an excpetion. The service wasn't there and the food was slow and not the quality it is usually. We were very disappointed. It does make me wonder if the decline in service is the cause for closure. "

Current Customer wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:38 AM:

" ‘Past Customer’, I think you were probably overlooked by mistake and it’s too bad you never spoke up. Things like that happen. It’s too bad you never gave them a chance. The service was always good when I went there. "

ChrisP wrote on Nov 19, 2009 11:10 AM:

" I am sad to see it's closing too. It had great food and a good atmosphere. These owners were very hardworking and did a good job making people feel welcome. "

in-towner wrote on Nov 18, 2009 10:48 PM:

" I've lived in Pierre for over 9 yrs and never once stepped foot in the St. Charles. "

out of towner wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:50 PM:

" I am also sad to hear of the restaurant's closing. It was such a unique place to eat and had such charm. However, the last few years the service was not very hospitable. Sometimes, the manager acted as if it were a burden to accommodate large groups. Hopefully someone like the previous owner will step-up and re-open this landmark. It was a great place to eat and people watch when having a few drinks. Legislature people loved it!!! "

Customer wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:28 PM:

" " Sorry to see the St.Charles close. I have enjoyed eating there and the great service from the wait staff. The wait staff were always cheerful and smiling and seemed like they enjoyed their job. I will miss Cindy and Lonnie and staff. I wish them the best and I hope the owner and the company that manages the St.Charles realizes what they lost. "

Fletcher wrote on Nov 18, 2009 2:17 PM:

" When money is tight, people want the best for what they spend. The fine dining that was advertised was far from it. Meals and and service came no- where close to fiine. What a shame - such potential. It will rise again. "

R wrote on Nov 18, 2009 1:50 PM:

" Very sad it's closing, but I hope it will reopen in the future. It's a great location and a beautiful building, so it seems like it could really work. CJ, please follow up with the building owners to find out the plans! "

15 Pieces of Flair wrote on Nov 18, 2009 9:52 AM:

" I guess with a liquor license coming available, PEDCO can recruit a TG Ruby Apple Back Chilli restaurant to serve that great universal, middle of the road, generic, one size fits all menu that America craves. "

Past Customer wrote on Nov 18, 2009 8:37 AM:

" It is too bad the St. Charles is closing. I always had good food when I went there. I haven't been there for a couple of years because of a bad experience we had. We sat and waited and never did get anyone to wait on us. This was a Sat. at noon. What really frosted the cake was when several people came in long after us, and the owner ran right up and seated them. Perhaps poor service also had something to with the decline in business. "

hmr wrote on Nov 18, 2009 6:28 AM:

" Sorry to see the St. Charles close. When I visited in Pierre, I always enjoyed eating there. "

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