Nestled into the Triad Center West Plaza on Mexico Road in O’Fallon, between Bryan Road and Highway K., hungry folks will find a diamond of a restaurant. Opened officially in 2016, Clayton’s history really dates back almost 17 years, when owner Kevin Kaegel and Chef Jim Thomas first met.
Kevin tells the story of when he and his wife would frequent Boccacio’s Restaurant on Main Street in St. Charles. Kevin says they continued to return to the restaurant because of the delicious steaks prepared by Boccacio’s chef, Jim Thomas. After a while, Jim left Boccacio’s and opened his own restaurant in St. Charles' Frenchtown area, called Premier. Eventually, Kevin and his wife visited Premier because of its reputation for fine steaks, not knowing Jim was the proprietor. Once they found out it was Jim Thomas, this restaurant, too, became their Friday hangout.
Flash forward several years, and Kevin found himself retired from his business career and one day, while at Sam's Club, he ran into Jim, who was buying supplies for his catering business. They started talking, which eventually led to the decision to become partners in opening their own restaurant...thus Clayton’s was born.
“I wouldn’t have opened this without Jim Thomas,” Kevin says.
When it first opened, Clayton’s catered to patrons like those Kevin remembered from Boccacio’s—those that would sometimes make an "evening" of their visit (weren't in a hurry)—savoring the sauces and Jim's creations. They didn’t mind a higher-priced meal and the slower prep time. Unfortunately, despite initial success, the number of Clayton's patrons began to wane, and Kevin and Jim saw the need this summer for a change in strategy. What came out of that is the current offerings at Clayton’s, introduced in early August.
Jim still creates some of the best steaks, seafood and desserts in the area, but prep times have been reduced, along with a more grill-oriented menu and lower prices.
“We wanted to address the tastes and lifestyle of our customers,” Kevin explains. "What customers will always find at Clayton’s are the high-quality food, premier meats, a warm, friendly atmosphere, a wonderful wait staff, and some of the best desserts anywhere."
Steaks, namely the filet, are what Clayton’s may be best known for, and are cooked perfectly to customers’ requests. Kevin says Jim has been famous for the steak offerings for such a long period of time, but seafood, mainly scallops and salmon, are also favorites and are delectable.
“What I want our restaurant to be known for most is our quality meats and our premier products,” Kevin adds.
The menu offers a wide variety of appetizers and main dishes including chicken, pork and pasta creations, in addition to the steaks, seafood and sides. Clayton’s also offers a renowned dessert menu including bananas foster, James’ Delight and pimp cheesecake, so named by Kevin’s daughter, for its numerous toppings.
Clayton’s is becoming famous for its $12 breakfast buffet, offered Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring a variety of breakfast favorites and an omelet station, along with unlimited mimosas or bloody marys for $9.
Reservations are accepted and recommended on weekends. The website, ClaytonsRestaurant.com, offers more information, including a members and birthday club, and catering offerings.