On this episode of the STL Bucket List Show, we sit down with Nathan, the founder of Up Late, to talk about how a late-night food concept turned into one of St. Louis’ most recognizable community staples.

Nathan shares the story behind Up Late’s rapid growth — from early pop-ups and packed block parties to expanding locations, building a brand, and navigating the realities of restaurant ownership. We dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the moments that almost made him quit, and how creating experiences for the city became just as important as the food itself.

From late nights in the kitchen to building culture through events, collaborations, and community, this conversation gives a real look at what it takes to grow something meaningful in St. Louis.

They discuss:

- Starting Up Late from scratch

- Growing a restaurant brand in St. Louis

- The reality of running a late-night business

- Building community through food & events

- Expansion plans and future concepts


🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO

Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Is workplace culture just perks and pizza… or is it how your team feels on Sunday night before Monday morning?

In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas Farrell sits down with Jamal Cornelious — executive coach, leadership strategist, and host of Gateway to Growth — to talk about what it really takes to build meaningful careers and stronger workplace culture in St. Louis.

From navigating career pivots to launching Mission Defined, Jamal shares how leaders can create environments where people actually want to show up — and why culture isn’t a slogan, it’s a standard.

They discuss:

- Why “culture” is more than office perks and team happy hours

- The Sunday night test: how to measure if your workplace is healthy

- The reality behind career growth (and why social media isn’t real life)

- How St. Louis professionals can build influence in a relationship-driven city

- The Show-Me State mindset — and why credibility matters here

This conversation goes beyond business strategy — it’s about leadership, identity, accountability, and building something that lasts in St. Louis.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a mid-career professional, or leading a growing team, this episode challenges you to rethink what culture actually means.

Check out the Gateway to Growth Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5fnkGXd8OAH9GZjX3txQKl

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔

🎧 LISTEN ON:
Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO

Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

Support the show

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO

Is Energizer Park home to the best food hall in the country… that just happens to be inside a stadium?

In this episode of The STL Bucket List Show, Lucas Farrell sits down with STL CITY SC’s Matt Sebek (Chief Experience Officer) and Chef Gerard Craft (Flavor Officer) to break down how they’ve transformed match day into one of the most unique food and fan experiences in the country.

From launching the City Flavor program to generating over $7 million for local restaurants, this conversation dives into how STL CITY SC is redefining stadium dining, sustainability, and community impact.

They discuss:

- The 4 new 2025 food partners: Motor Town Pizza, Taco Buddha, Biscuit Town, and Goshen Coffee

- How fan feedback shapes the stadium menu (hello breakfast + NA options 👀)

- The strategy behind 100% local food vendors — and why it’s the “hardest way” to do stadium food

- Zero waste matches, composting, and eliminating single-use plastics

- How the stadium drives traffic back to local brick-and-mortar restaurants

This isn’t just about soccer — it’s about culture, community, and creating 17 massive parties a year in downtown St. Louis.

Whether you’re a diehard soccer fan or just here for the biscuits and Detroit-style pizza, this episode shows how STL CITY SC built a stadium experience that feels uniquely St. Louis.

🎙 New episodes drop every Wednesday.

Support the show

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
📍 Recorded at Bucket List Podcast Studio, St. Louis, MO