Affton seems to be a popular name for eating establishments in the community of Affton – maybe too popular.
At least three of them, all on Gravois Road, contain "Affton" in the name, and it's causing some confusion.
In alaphabetical order, there's:
- Affton Breakfast and Dinner, 9416 Gravois Road
- Affton Diner, 10020 Gravois Road
- Cafe Affton Sports Grill & Bar, 8713 Gravois Road
The Cafe Affton Sports Bar & Grill has been in business eight years, and manager Julie Boyer said it hasn't been a problem for their customers.
"We're kind of established," she said. "I don't understand (why they're all named Affton), it's like a complete lack of creativity."
Affton Breakfast and Dinner opened in November, and manager Andy Sholla said there is confusion between his restaurant and Affton Diner, which opened its doors Jan. 15.
"It's a headache," he said. "I get to-go orders, and I've had three people already, then they go to the other location (Affton Diner) to pick it up," Sholla said. "I call them back, and they're like, 'I'm really sorry.' It's basically costing me money."
Affton Diner owner, Jonathan Aka, said he didn't know the Affton Breakfast and Dinner was so close and named similarly, and would have named his diner something else if he had known.
"Every day I'm getting more and more people in," Aka said. "I think my price is a little better than theirs. I'm charging $5.49 for an omlette. They're charging $8.99."
To make matters more challenging, a fourth "Affton" restaurant is set to open next door to Affton Diner. The newest is to be named Affton Breakfast and Burger.
"The other guy is Affton Breakfast and Dinner, and now there's Affton Breakfast and Burger, and we're side by side, huh? Isn't that something?" Aka said.
Aka said he doesn't know what Affton Breakfast and Burger's operating costs will be, but, "bottom line is we'll be exactly the same menu, exactly the same price. I don't know how that's going to work."
Aka said there's one thing he does know:
"The day they open I will know how much they're charging. Of course, I will adjust immediately."
See more in Patch:
- Affton Breakfast and Dinner Now Open
- Affton Diner Now Open
- Cafe Affton Sports Grill & Bar
