Students are always looking for the new thing to do in Cape Girardeau. It’s easy to get tired of visiting the same restaurant or bar every Friday night, but a new restaurant opening in May could be the new “spot” for students.
Owner Stephanie Gardner is opening Le Lounge, a new business above the bakery and cafe Bon Bon’s of Cape Girardeau, on May 18. This date could change depending on contractors and finishing the decor, Gardner said.
There will be a soft opening that night with a full-service bar and food. The food options will include charcuterie boards, dessert boards, vegetables and appetizers.
Le Lounge will also host live performances and music, with local pure folk and blues artist Ivas John scheduled as the first performer.
There will also be auditions for River Campus students to play at Le Lounge.
“We’ve got fliers getting ready to go out at River Campus to solicit people who want to audition to play at Le Lounge. I want acoustic and soft lounge-style music,” Gardner said.
Opening multiple businesses can be a challenge but that isn’t the case with Gardner. Gardner said she didn’t want anyone to buy the space above Bon Bon’s and wanted to expand the business.
The layout is something Cape Girardeau hasn’t seen yet, Gardner said. In the restaurant, there will be a large open space with leather couches, swing chairs, high-top tables and a view of the river.
In addition to Bon Bon’s of Cape Girardeau and the upcoming Le Lounge, Water Street is also home to Many Good Things Brewery.
“I see this place being a successful stand-alone place. I just feel like it is going to take over Water Street and be a good addition to Water Street,” Gardner said.
SEMO junior Sophie Hancock, who works at Bon Bon’s of Cape Girardeau, believes Le Lounge could be the next big spot for students on campus.
“Grabbing some girls on a Saturday and sharing charcuterie boards or getting some drinks that we will have upstairs — I think it will be a great place for groups,” Hancock said.
Le Lounge will also incorporate students' artwork from campus.
“We’ve talked about incorporating SEMO into our business, such as adding artwork from students and putting them up on the wall and just really incorporating SEMO students as a whole,” Hancock said.
Grad student Amanda Nicholson said she’s looking forward to the opening of Le Lounge.
“I’m excited to be able to experience a new place to take my friends to enjoy some time this summer,” Nicholson said.
Le Lounge will be open from 3 to 10 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The space will also be open to rent for parties, birthdays and events.
Le Lounge is currently hiring cooks, bartenders and servers. To apply, visit Bon Bons at bonbonsofcape, or contact Gardner through an online link for an application.
