The Sports Bra's First Franchise Location Will Open In St. Louis

The Sports Bra, a women’s sports bar that opened in Portland in April 2022, will open its first franchise location in St. Louis on Friday, November 13. The new venue will be in the Maplewood neighborhood at 7344 Manchester Rd. The brand announced expansion plans in September 2024 and says additional franchises are planned for Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Maine later in 2026. The 2,950-square-foot bar and restaurant will feature 13 screens, including programming from St. Louis-area leagues and schools such as Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis, and others. It will seat up to 120 indoors and about 30 outside, and will use an inclusive menu with vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Co-owners Heather Hill and Sara Pilsner previously co-founded the St. Louis site after a May 2026 crowdfunding effort raised $1.2 million.