NICHE FOOD GROUP HOSTS “HANDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH LUNCHEON” WITH NOTABLE ST. LOUIS CHEFS ON MONDAY, MAY 4
ST. LOUIS (April 17, 2026) — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Niche Food Group will host its first “Hands for Mental Health Luncheon” on Monday, May 4 at Pastaria in Clayton (7734 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton). The event aims to bring together leading voices in the St. Louis hospitality industry for an open and candid panel discussion centered on mental health. Featuring a moderated panel by Shannon Weber, the renowned St. Louis-based hospitality journalist and recipe developer, the event will focus on learning from the lived experiences of some of the most familiar faces in St. Louis’ culinary scene, including Gerard Craft, James Beard award-winning executive chef and CEO of Niche Food Group, JBF 2026 Finalist Nick Bognar, executive chef of indo, Sado, and Pavilion, JBF 2026 Finalist Loryn Nalic, executive chef of Balkan Treat Box and Tevla at the Ridge, and Kevin Nashan, James Beard award-winning
executive chef of Sidney Street Cafe, Peacemaker, and La Tertulia, and Brian Schuman, co-owner of Fox Park’s Press. Tickets can be purchased here.
The panel aims to foster open dialogue and peer support within an industry often marked by high pressure, long hours, and emotional strain. The ticketed ($40/person + tax & tip) event will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will offer lunch and networking, a panel discussion, and an opportunity for audience Q&A and discussion. The event is designed for hospitality professionals, community members, and supporters of mental health awareness within the industry. 20% of proceeds from the luncheon will benefit NAMI St. Louis, the St. Louis chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
The panel’s featured chefs will share personal experiences that have shaped their professional culinary journeys, both in and out of the kitchen. The name “Hands” refers to the often uttered phrase in kitchens to call for help to additional team members to execute service. Gerard Craft, executive chef and CEO of Niche Food Group, shares, “If you’ve worked in or with members of the hospitality industry, you’re familiar with how many of us are impacted by mental health struggles, and how rare it is openly discussed. At Niche Food Group, we want to bring people together to lean on one another and know it’s ok to ask for help. It’s important to us to help create a space where hospitality professionals can share their experiences. By starting with sharing our own stories, we hope to reduce stigma and encourage more open conversations across the industry in St. Louis.”
The chef panel for the events represents experienced professionals who have been open and honest about the hardships of owning a restaurant. The individuals will share stories of how they’ve overcome mental health struggles and resources to support. While Pastaria is normally closed for lunch service, the dining room will be open to guests to enjoy a meal of Pastaria catering at 11 a.m. with soup, salad, and a choice of pizza or pasta with a soft drink or coffee, before the panel discussion begins at noon.
About Niche Food Group: Niche Food Group is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and owned by executive chef Gerard Craft. As a Food & Wine Best New Chef, Food & Wine Innovator of the Year, 2015 James Beard Foundation Award-winning Best Chef: Midwest, and Inc. Magazine Star Entrepreneur, Chef Craft has pioneered the Midwest dining scene. Niche Food Group operates dining concepts in St. Louis of Brasserie by Niche, serving French bistro fare; Pastaria, offering approachable Italian cuisine; Pastaria Deli & Wine, an Italian-inspired deli, wine, and retail shop; The Kitchen Bar, serving wine, local beer, and craft cocktails at City Foundry STL Food Hall; Bowood by Niche, a neighborhood spot for brunch, lunch, and dinner; Fordo's Killer Pizza, a wood-fired pizza kitchen located inside St. Louis’ only food hall City Foundry STL as well Urban Chestnut Brewery & Bierhall in The Grove; and None of the Above, an underground speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden in the tunnels beneath City Foundry STL. Additionally, Niche Food Group operates two familiar food concepts, BrassBurger and Pastaria Deli & Wine, at St. Louis' soccer stadium, CITYPARK, where Chef Gerard Craft also serves as Chief Flavor Officer.
About the Featured Chefs:
Shannon Weber (Moderator): Shannon Weber is the former managing editor of Feast Magazine and an integral voice for St. Louis culinary media. She’s currently a freelance food journalist and recipe developer, and shares thoughtful storytelling features on her weekly Substack, A Periodic Table.
Gerard Craft: Gerard Craft is the executive chef and CEO of Niche Food Group and a leading culinary figure and mentor in St. Louis. He is a James Beard Foundation Award-Winning chef with over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
Nick Bogar: Nick Bognar is the executive chef and owner of indo, Sado, and Pavilion where he focuses on celebrating his Thai-Japanese heritage through contemporary and traditional cuisine. He is a multi-time James Beard Foundation Award finalist.
Loryn Nalic: Loryn Nalic is the executive chef and co-owner of Balkan Treat Box and Tevla at the Ridge, where she serves bold dishes inspired by street food from the Balkan region. She is a multi-time James Beard Foundation Award finalist.
Kevin Nashan: Kevin Nashan is an industry veteran and a James Beard Foundation Award-Winning chef. He owns and serves as executive chef to multiple St. Louis staples, including Sidney Street Cafe, Peacemaker, and La Tertulia.
Brian Schuman: Brian Schuman is the co-owner of Press, known for their stuffed pizzas and pastas. Brian has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and sobriety.