New restaurants set to open in St. Charles in next few months

ST. CHARLES – Even as the ban on indoor dining and bar service continues because of a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, new restaurants are planning to open their doors in St. Charles in the coming months.

Knead Urban Eatery is planning to move into the space at 131 S. 1st Street in downtown St. Charles that was formerly occupied by Isacco’s restaurant. Chef and owner Anthony Gargano also owns Osteria Bigolaro in Geneva.

According to a business plan, Knead Urban Eatery will specialize in gourmet sandwiches built with daily fresh baked bread.

"The sandwiches that we will offer have influences from all over the world," the business plan stated. "Those sandwiches will include, but not be limited to Korea, India, Italy, and, of course, some staples from the United States."

The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. A market inside Knead will sell fresh baked bread, homemade pastas provided by Osteria Bigolaro and other options.

Gargano has said that he hopes to open by the end of November or the first week of December. In addition to Knead Urban Eatery, Mod Pizza plans to open in January at 845 S. Randall Road, next to the Wahlburgers restaurant that opened in July.

According to its website, Mod Pizza sells Artisan-style pizzas and salads. Both Knead Urban Eatery and Mod Pizza – part of a national chain – are applying for liquor licenses and will be before the city's liquor control commission on Monday as well as in front of aldermen at the City Council's Government Operations Committee on Monday.