When most people go to a coffee shop, they get their drink, and when they walk out, that’s all they have, but at Picasso’s, people leave with much more.
Chris Schulte, owner of Picasso’s, opened the shop five years ago. Before this, Chris marketing manager for the Gallo Winery in Iowa, and an area sales manager for the Miller Brewing Co. for Kansas and Missouri.
“I always wanted to have my own business,” Chris said. “I just wanted to create something instead of just working for a paycheck in a corporate job.”
He chose to have his coffee shop on Main Street because of the historic district, and because there is no other coffee shop on Main Street. This gives many passersby by the chance to discover Picasso’s.
“I think one thing we focus on more than other coffee shops is the coffee,” Chris said.
Picasso’s says that they brew the freshest and best coffee possible, with plenty of friendly, well trained baristas.
Another unique thing about Picasso’s is the events that draw people in. Open Mic Night is every Thursday, a book club meets once a month and there are Bible Study groups in addition to music on Friday and Saturday nights.
This month’s featured artist at Picasso’s is Kim William Gordon, a landscape photographer who also builds “found object” sculptures. The name of the exhibit “River Bones” He got his inspiration from the massive accumulation of driftwood at the St. Charles Boat House Facility. Currently, Picasso’s is booked with artists wanting to rent out the space at least two years in advance. Each artist also gets a reception for the opening of their display, where the general public is welcome. Kim brought his additional prints and sculptures.
“It was fine-a good crowd,” Kim said.
Open Mic Night is definitely one of Picasso’s most popular events. Every Thursday, this event gives musicians a chance to play in front of a crowd. There are about 12-15 performers a week. “It’s a great social event, it’s a great place to meet people and hang out,” Chris said.
David Cattani is the host of Open Mic Night, and in charge of running it. It begins at seven and usually goes past midnight, as it’s usually the busiest night of the week. According to Chris, they have Open Mic Night as a way to engage the community. Cattani often performs at Picasso’s on his own and also with his dad. He plays a blend of his personal favorites, along with popular music.
“[My favorite part of performing is] the intimacy of a crowd, the place itself holds 30 people like sardines,” Cattani said. “Just having the feeling of the people listening.”
Another band that often performs is the Peaches Jazz Messengers.
Dennis Ellerbeck, a regular at Picasso’s who plays the tenor sax in Peaches says, “The culture, it’s almost like a social club culture.”
Picasso’s has such a strong group of regulars, that a group of them decided to name themselves the Main Street Rats. The members are all people who regularly come to Picasso’s, in addition to the motorcycle club for the regulars who own one.
“It’s a homey kind of place, all the people are nice,” Dennis said.
What makes Picasso’s unique is its friendly environment, how it draws the community in, and that it’s a place where people come in for coffee, but also leave with friends.
“The people really make the shop, it’s a community stop almost,” David said. “Coffee shops are about people.”
“It’s a community of familiar faces,” Kim William Gordon said.
Picasso’s focuses on its customers, and getting involved with the community, always looking to give back. They’re having a canned food drive for the Saint Louis Food Bank from now until Christmas with a box near the door for canned goods.
“I think what every coffee shop should try to do, some do it better than others, and it’s try to be a part of the community,” Chris said.
Michelle Mottin
