Ben Poremba, a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist, plans to open the The Benevolent King restaurant at 7268 Manchester Road, the location of Water Street Cafe, closing at the end of January.

There will be a public hearing at the February 13 city council meeting on a request by Poremba for a full liquor license by the drink at the location.

Acording to Ben Poremba’s website: he’s “the Chef/Owner of Bengelina Hospitality Group, the St. Louis-based, award-winning operator of Nixta and Bar Limón, Elaia, Olio, Parigi, and La Patisserie Chouquette. Poremba is a three-time James Beard Award semifinalist in the category of Best Chef-Midwest, and he continues taking the St. Louis dining scene by storm.”