LADUE, Missouri – Dessert lovers can now have their favorite treats served decoratively in glass jars as a new store opened in Ladue on Friday.
JARS by Fabio Viviani is the first location in the St. Louis area where customers can enjoy signature sweets like 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 at 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 ice cream and sodas, the menu offers a wide variety of choices. Viviani began 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 make it something,” he said. “It’s a great business model. It’s easy to open and easy to run.”
Viviani said the desserts are very Instagrammable. His favorite dessert is the tiramisu, which reminds him of his mother.
Husband and wife Kit and Monica Crooks were looking for a business opportunity and learned online how to franchise a JARS location.
They met Viviani in Chicago last year and after falling in love with the concept, they wanted to bring it to the St. Louis area.
“We hope to open several throughout the city,” said Kit Crooks.
Dozens of people came to the opening on Friday afternoon.
St. Louis area residents Kelly Logan and Tessa Barra both tried the strawberry cannoli dessert.
“It’s really good,” said Barra, noting that she likes the pistachios on top of the dessert.
After taking the first bite, Logan said, “It’s not too sweet. It’s not too much.”
Barra said the dessert concept was cool.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” Barra.
Both said they will be repeat customers.
The grand opening will take place all weekend long, and visitors can enter drawings to win Cardinals tickets and other prizes, as well as a 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 website.
