For Ali and Dan Bauer, Cherry Street Cellar isn’t just a restaurant; it’s the cornerstone of their love story. This charming Columbia, Missouri eatery is where their journey began, with Ali honing her culinary skills in the kitchen and Dan mastering the art of front-of-house service. Ali fondly recalls childhood dinners at this very location, describing it as “one of her first exposures to more elevated dining.”
Life has beautifully circled back for the Bauers. Today, they are the proud owners of Cherry Street Cellar, having taken the reins from Sarah and Craig Cyr, who previously graced the space as The Wine Cellar & Bistro.
“It’s incredibly special for us,” shares Ali, now the executive chef, her voice filled with warmth. “It felt like an opportunity to not only continue the restaurant’s legacy but also to nurture it into an exciting future.”
Ali and Dan Bauer, owners of Cherry Street Cellar in Columbia Missouri, stand together in their restaurant.
From Chicago’s Michelin Stars to Columbia’s Cherry Street Cellar
Both Missouri natives, Ali and Dan’s paths led them away from Columbia to Chicago, where they immersed themselves in the vibrant restaurant industry for twelve formative years. Ali’s culinary prowess flourished as sous chef at the Michelin-starred NAHA, working alongside the acclaimed James Beard Award-winning chef Carrie Nahabedian. She further refined her expertise as opening chef de cuisine at Carrie’s French fine-dining gem, Brindille. Dan’s career thrived in front-of-house management, specializing in exceptional service, team training, and customer satisfaction.
Chicago witnessed their relationship blossom from dating to marriage and the joy of starting a family. However, the pull of community and family ties back in Missouri grew stronger. The dream of entrepreneurship also took root. “We reached a point where we had to decide whether to settle into our current roles or venture out on our own,” Dan explains. “Columbia’s strong community support made returning feel like the ideal step towards realizing our entrepreneurial aspirations.”
Upon returning to Columbia, fate intervened. They rejoined The Wine Cellar & Bistro, and when the Cyrs decided to pursue new horizons, they offered Ali and Dan the chance to purchase the restaurant. “It was truly a ‘right time, right place’ moment,” Dan reflects.
In July 2019, they officially became the custodians of this beloved establishment. Their vision was clear: to honor the restaurant’s commitment to local ingredients while infusing their unique culinary and hospitality philosophy. “We aimed to maintain the spirit of the restaurant in many ways,” Ali emphasizes. “Our menu is deeply rooted in seasonal ingredients, celebrating the incredible farmers and producers within our community.”
With remarkable speed, they undertook a five-week revitalization of the restaurant’s interior, creating a brighter, more open ambiance within the cellar space. Dan, now general manager, streamlined the wine list and curated a cocktail-forward drink menu. Ali crafted a compelling “land-and-sea” menu concept, featuring signature dishes like branzino and oysters that quickly became guest favorites.
A close-up of a perfectly cooked fish dish at Cherry Street Cellar in Columbia Missouri, showcasing their land and sea menu concept.
Navigating the Pandemic and Innovating with Chef Share
Just seven months into their ownership journey, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the restaurant landscape, forcing an overnight pivot. “Every day felt like uncharted territory,” Ali recalls, reflecting on the onset of stay-at-home orders in March. “The situation evolved so rapidly; we were constantly adapting to new challenges.”
Fortuitously, the Bauers had already been developing “Chef Share,” a forward-thinking business model offering weekly home delivery of three fully-prepared meals. This program, featuring weekly subscriptions, includes three delectable entrees, a generous seasonal salad, and a delightful sweet treat. Kid-friendly and à la carte options provide further flexibility. The ever-changing weekly menu in May showcased enticing entrees such as green mole-braised Patchwork Farms pork shoulder, comforting chicken pot pie with spring vegetables, and vibrant Korean bo ssam noodle bowls. The convenience of direct doorstep delivery quickly resonated with the community.
Alongside Chef Share, Cherry Street Cellar continued to offer carry-out service. “Many of our original menu items weren’t ideal for takeout, so we adapted our offerings,” Ali explains. The curbside to-go menu featured beloved appetizers like whipped ricotta and entrees such as branzino, filet mignon with blue cheese creamed greens and bordelaise, and a new addition – a Covered-L Farms grass-fed burger accompanied by house chips. Saturday nights became synonymous with fried chicken night. “Fried chicken and champagne were served at our wedding,” Ali shares with a smile. “It’s a dish close to our hearts, and it’s been incredibly popular.”
Looking ahead to a post-pandemic future, Ali and Dan express deep gratitude for the unwavering community support. “Columbia’s culinary scene is incredibly dynamic and continues to flourish,” Ali observes. “We are thrilled to be an integral part of its exciting growth and evolution at Cherry Street Cellar.”
An artful presentation of a fish dish with wheat berries and herbs at Cherry Street Cellar restaurant in Columbia Missouri, highlighting fresh ingredients.
Cherry Street Cellar: A Columbia Culinary Landmark
505 Cherry St.
573-442-7281
Cherry Street Cellar Website
A Taste of History:
1995: Cherry Street Wine Cellar opens its doors at 707 Cherry St., founded by Paul Vernon.
1999: Expansion and relocation to its current, more spacious location at 505 Cherry St.
2003: Sarah and Craig Cyr acquire the restaurant from Paul, rebranding it as The Wine Cellar & Bistro.
2013: The Wine Cellar & Bistro celebrates a decade of culinary excellence.
2019: Ali and Daniel Bauer become the new owners, returning the name to Cherry Street Cellar.
2020: Cherry Street Cellar marks its one-year anniversary under the Bauers’ stewardship.
