LADUE, Mo. — Dessert lovers now can get their favorite treats served decoratively in jars as a new shop opened Friday in Ladue.
JARS by Fabio Viviani is the first St. Louis-area location where customers can get signature sweets such as velvet cheesecake, banana cream pie, Tiramisu and more served in jars.
Viviani is a chef and restaurateur who developed the concept during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We were home, drinking good wine and eating the same desserts every day – cookies and cupcakes,” he said. “So we needed something different and that’s how we came up with JARS.”
From cakes and cheesecakes to soft serve and refreshers, the menu offers a variety of items. Viviani started franchising in the Chicago area where he lives and now there are two locations in Missouri: Kansas City and Ladue.
“I really wanted to open a dessert shop near my house and then turn it into something,” he said. “It’s a great business model. It’s easy to open, easy to operate.”
Viviani said the desserts are very Instagrammable. His favorite dessert is the Tiramisu, which reminds him of his mom.
Husband and wife Kit and Monica Crooks were seeking a business opportunity and learned about franchising a JARS location online.
They met Viviani last year in Chicago and after falling in love with the concept, they wanted to bring it to the St. Louis area.
“We’re hoping to open several throughout the metro area,” Kit Crooks said.
Dozens of people came out for the opening on Friday afternoon.
St. Louis-area residents Kelly Logan and Tessa Barra both tried the strawberry cannoli dessert.
“It’s really good,” Barra said, noting that she likes the pistachios on top of the dessert.
After taking her first bite, Logan said, “It’s not overly sweet. It’s not too much.”
Barra said the dessert concept is cool.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Barra said.
They both said they will be returning customers.
The grand opening is happening throughout the weekend. Attendees can take part in raffles to win Cardinals tickets and other prizes, as well as have the chance to meet Fabio, a celebrity chef from Chicago.
JARS by Fabio Vivani is located at 8853 Ladue Road.
For more information about JARS by Fabio Viviani, visit the company’s website.