Business & Tech

Hobo's Plans to Open Second Location in Former Ozella's Pizzeria

The O'Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request for a conditional use permit for 468 and 470 Highway P.

A St. Peters restaurant and bar is planning to open a second location in O'Fallon. 

Hobo’s Restaurant at the Tap, is located at the St. Peters American Legion at 200 Main St. The popular St. Peters establishment offers typical bar fare in addition to frog legs, catfish and fried chicken. Happy hour is from 3- 5 p.m. on Monday-Friday and the bar features live music every Saturday night.

Owners Brian and Rhonda Ward are planning on open new location in Dames Park Plaza at 468 and 470 Highway P, where the former Ozella's Pizzeria was located. 

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On Thursday, the O'Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission approved the request for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) subject to staff approval for 468 and 470 Highway P.

On the Hobo's website the owners state:  

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"We are trying to get another location that will be smoke free with a little twist of a NEW HOBO”S.

We will be serving, Noll’s Pizza with Rob joining our team, Fried Chicken, Fried Catfish, Sandwiches, Salads, Apps, Beer, Wine and Mixed Drinks." 

According to documents in the O'Fallon Planning and Zoning packet from the Thursday, Feb. 7 meeting, the O'Fallon location will be smaller and the owners will also use it to prepare meals for daily specials and catering. 

The owners have also requested to ammend the conditional use permit (CUP) to change the hours of operation to Monday-Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. 

According to a letter from the couple included in the planning and zoning packet, they plan to install a small bar area and hang several T.V.s. and use the front of the restaurant for dining and the large kitchen to accomodate their catering demands. 

"Hobo's has reached full capacity at our current location in St. Peters, and we are looking for a site that will allow us to pursue our catering business in a much larger capacity in the coming years," the letter states. "We feel that this site will allow us what we're looking for." 

Brian Ward spoke to the O'Fallon Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday evening. 

Ward said he and his wife have signed a lease on Highway P and were waiting for the city approval to move forward. They are aiming to open in early March. 

“I think this will be a thriving business for O’Fallon and for us,” Ward said. 

Some residents have already expressed their excitement for Hobo's expansion both on O'Fallon Patch and Facebook. 

  • Carolyn Webb Hendrix: "I wish you the Best!!! The North Side could sure use it. Parking would be the only issue."
  • Jody Allen: "Hobo's has something for everyone and their food is awesome. A great addition for O'Fallon."
  • Bonnie Heitman Roettger: "You are going to add soooo much to the north end of town, financially and socially."

You might also be interested in:

  • O'Fallon Residents React to Ozella's Pizzeria Closing
  • O'Fallon Businesses Host 'We Have a Heart For You' Ladies Luncheon Feb. 9 
  • O'Fallon Wedding Planner Shares Tips 


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