In 2015, Beau and Madonna (Mo) Wallace opened the doors to their new restaurant at 2924 Fifth Ave. N. Beginning as an Italian-only venue, Beau & Mo’s soon added steaks, and the combination of Italian fare and Chicago-style steaks was a winner.
Finding Their Florida Home
Looking back, the concept makes perfect sense. Originally from Chicago, Beau and Mo both grew up around the food. Madonna was working at a pizza place by the time she was 12, and Beau was learning to cook at the side of his Sicilian grandmother. As a couple, they were successful owners/operators of numerous Italian and steakhouse restaurants in the Chicago area. When they got an offer to re-concept a restaurant and hotel in Marathon, Madonna said, they were looking to make a change (and maybe escape those Chicago winters. They “jumped off the bridge,” she said, sold almost everything, and arrived at Mile Marker 52 with their remaining belongings in a U-Haul, eager to get started. The deal didn’t work out, but they decided to remain in Florida and searched for another opportunity. Soon after, they saw an advertisement for an available restaurant space in the Kenwood neighborhood. One visit convinced them that this could be their new home.
“There is no love more sincere than the love of food.”
The family-run restaurant quickly found its winning formula as it became a beloved part of the Kenwood neighborhood family. The steaks are always cooked to perfection and Chef Beau still uses his Sicilian grandmother’s recipes for the Italian dishes, which are prepared with the freshest ingredients from scratch. The food is delicious, and the welcoming ambiance and people keep customers coming back. Nick (St. Pete’s “most beloved waiter” according to Madonna!) will be out front serving and entertaining regulars and newcomers with his charm. And don’t be surprised if Madonna stops by the table to say hello.
When talk turns to hurricanes, as it often does in Florida, invariably someone will tell the story of eating at Beau & Mo’s patio dining room (i.e., parking lot) after the restaurant and most of Kenwood lost power for nearly a week after Irma in 2017. That same sense of community support also prevailed during the past year as friends and neighbors ordered takeout until they could return to in-person dining in the beautifully redecorated interior or the new and charming outdoor dining space.
Some Fun & Important Facts
Beau & Mo’s repeatedly has been voted the area’s Best Steakhouse and Best Italian Restaurant. The restaurant is the St. Petersburg Foodies Awards 2021 recipient for Best Steakhouse, Best Overall Restaurant, and Best Upscale Restaurant. Situated at 29th Street N and Fifth Avenue, a few blocks from the Grand Central District, Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse is open for dinner service from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and for takeout from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Visit www.beaunmo.com for more information, online ordering, and reservations.
