We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nick Fruend a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nick , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

“At The Little Bevo, we deeply believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to celebrate their special moments, no matter who they are or whom they love, while keeping the experience affordable for everyday people. As LGBTQ owners, Nick and Derek understand firsthand the pain of being treated differently because of who you love. We’ve had guests come to us after facing rejection or discrimination at other venues simply for being who they are. This is fundamentally wrong, and at The Little Bevo, we are committed to creating a safe and welcoming space that honors and celebrates the uniqueness in all of us. We treat every guest like family, and one of our owners is always personally involved in every event, ensuring that your special occasion is handled with the care and respect it deserves.”

Nick , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“The Little Bevo is more than just a venue; it’s a celebration of history, diversity, and community. Our journey began with the renovation of a stunning building, originally constructed by the Busch family in 1924. This space had been vacant for decades before we transformed it into a vibrant, welcoming event center that retains its historic charm with features like ornate woodwork, stained glass, and original iron chandeliers

As LGBTQ owners, Nick and Derek, we have personally experienced the challenges that can come with finding the right venue. This drives our passion for offering a space where everyone feels welcome and celebrated. We provide a range of services tailored to various events, from intimate weddings and receptions to corporate meetings and private parties. Each event is crafted with a unique touch, whether it’s in our main event space with its vintage elegance or the newly redesigned Laugerhaus for more intimate gatherings

We stand out in the industry by prioritizing affordability without compromising on the beauty or quality of our venue. Many people are priced out of hosting their events in elegant settings, but at The Little Bevo, we make it possible for everyone to create unforgettable memories in a stunning environment. Our approach is deeply personal; either Nick or Derek is always involved in the planning and execution of events, ensuring each one is special and tailored to the client’s needs

We’re most proud of the inclusive and supportive atmosphere we’ve cultivated. We’ve had guests choose us after facing rejection from other venues, and we’re committed to being a haven where all love stories are celebrated. Our core value is to provide a safe and unique space where diversity is embraced and every event reflects the individuality of our clients

For those learning about us for the first time, know that The Little Bevo is not just a venue, but a family. We invite you to experience the historic charm and heartfelt hospitality that set us apart from the rest.”

For more details about our services and venue, visit [The Little Bevo](https://thelittlebevo.com).

Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?

“Yes, we have had the experience of buying a business, and it has been quite an adventure! The Little Bevo was originally purchased by the Fruend family, including myself, Nick, at the beginning of 2021. We saw incredible potential in this historic venue and decided to undertake a massive renovation project. My father, Todd Fruend, and I oversaw the restoration, transforming it into the beautiful event space it is today. The initial acquisition was straightforward, thanks to financing from a private lender that covered both the purchase and renovation of the buildin

However, the journey took a more challenging turn in June 2024 when my fiancé Derek and I decided to buy out the other members of the Fruend family. This process was anything but simple. Despite my 13 years of experience in real estate, finding a lender to back our purchase in the post-COVID landscape proved extremely difficult. Many lenders were reluctant to finance business and commercial real estate deals in the city. Navigating the complexities of the Small Business Administration (SBA) added to the difficulty, requiring countless hours and a lot of perseverance to finally secure the deal

We were determined to push through these challenges because we believed in the mission of The Little Bevo and saw this acquisition as the beginning of our future together. This wasn’t just about owning a business; it was about creating a space where everyone feels welcome and celebrated, and laying the groundwork for our own family, as we plan to adopt children in the future

Despite the hurdles, we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved. Owning and running The Little Bevo has not only allowed us to realize our vision but also strengthened our commitment to serving our community and providing a beautiful, inclusive venue for all special moments.”

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

**How Derek and I Met**

Derek and I met in a way that might seem cliché but is perfectly fitting for our times—we connected through online dating in 2022. At the time, Derek was deep into his studies, preparing for his Critical Care Nurse Practitioner license. Despite his hectic schedule, we found a way to build a connection. For the next 11 days, we spent hours each evening FaceTiming, getting to know each other virtually before our first in-person date.

When we finally met, Derek picked me up from my house, and we headed to the St. Louis Aquarium. It was the perfect setting for a fun and engaging first date. After exploring the marine life, we decided to take a ride on the Ferris wheel. As we soared above the city, we shared our first kiss—a moment that felt like it came straight out of a movie.

The evening continued with a visit to Sasha’s on Shaw, a cozy spot where we enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine. It was the perfect ending to a magical day, and from that moment on, we knew we had something special.

From the very beginning, Derek was incredibly supportive of my work at The Little Bevo. He quickly became involved in the daily operations, always willing to lend a hand without being asked. Whether it was cleaning bathrooms, setting up for events, or tackling any other tasks that needed attention, Derek’s dedication was unwavering. His commitment to helping me pursue my dreams at The Little Bevo is one of the many things I love most about him.

Derek’s support, not just for his ambitions but also for mine, has been a cornerstone of our relationship. His willingness to be there for me in every way possible has deepened our bond and solidified our partnership, both personally and professionally.

The journey we started together at The Little Bevo is a testament to our shared values and the love we have for each other. As we continue to build our future, I look forward to many more adventures and cherished memories with Derek by my side.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.thelittlebevo.com
• Instagram: @thelittlebevo
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelittlebevo/