St. Louis' Iconic Bevo Mill Restaurant Shuts Doors

Rhode said the city is considering its options, including finding another restaurateur to run the Bevo.

"We'd like to see someone in there for the stability of the neighborhood," he said.

The closure has left couples who booked wedding receptions at the Bevo scrambling to find another venue.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Cameron and Patricia Sparks were hoping to renew their marriage vows at a ceremony at the restaurant on Saturday, but are settling for the bride's parents backyard. They've been unable to get a refund on the $3,000 they've already paid the restaurant.

The restaurant was completed in 1916. August A. Busch Sr. used to entertain business associates at the Flemish-inspired spot and used its Mill Room as his private dining room.

The restaurant is halfway between the brewery and Grant's Farm, which was then Busch's home and is now a family attraction open to the public.

The German-inspired restaurant was closed to all but private parties from 2001 through 2006, when Gilbert and a partner reopened it as a restaurant.