This story is being published in partnership with the Missouri Historical Society. David Weber was a member of Congregation B’nai Amoona and was proud of his Jewish heritage and faith. Weber passed away on August 8, 2023.
It’s almost certain that David Weber was proud of his play on words when he opened the First Federal Frank and Crust Company in 1977.
The pizza company, which opened its first St. Louis location at 10th and Olive Streets, experienced great success, which can probably be attributed to its commitment to paying “the highest interest to your cravings daily.” The Olive Street location was quickly followed by a second location on Forsyth Boulevard in Clayton, thematically located in a former bank complete with a vault.
Patrons visiting either restaurant could make “withdrawals” from the Interest Statement (i.e., the menu). Diners could order New York-style or deep-dish pizza from the Pizza Department, Polish sausage or Italian beef from the Foreign Exchange, hot or cold sandwiches from Special Services, beverages from Drafts, and even breakfast items from Early Banking.
Those in a rush for a quick withdrawal could visit the Walk Up Teller for a “walkway” pizza while those with time to invest could visit the Forsyth location on Friday evenings to enjoy live music inside the vault. Each location offered a quality FDIC-backed product. In this case, the acronym stood for “Food Demands Impeccable Care.”
The First Federal Frank and Crust Company became a food supplier to Clarion Hotel in 1988. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that “Weber made his dough deal with innkeeper Gene Thissen, who said the pizza would be available by the slice or pie, at hotel functions or through room service.”
By 1994, the restaurant had also opened outlets in malls throughout the St. Louis area, including the Galleria and Crestwood Plaza. Following the success of the First Federal Frank and Crust Company, David Weber opened Flamers, Hot Diggity Dog, and Munchies food court restaurants.
Investing in the community
Along with his business affairs, Weber stayed involved with the St. Louis community and was an active volunteer and leader in numerous service efforts throughout the area. He served on the boards and volunteered for such organizations as FOCUS St. Louis, the National Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Bridges across Racial Polarization, Downtown Children’s Center, Metro Theater Company, The Next Step, St. Louis Ambassadors, and Kids in the Middle.
Additionally, he participated in the work of the Developmental Disabilities Resources Commission, Forest Park Forever Board and Master Plan Advisory Committee, Industrial Development Authority Board, Planning Commission Preservation Board, Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District Board, and was a Commissioner of Lambert St. Louis International Airport.
In 1986, David Weber was honored by the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office for providing more than 700 free meals to victims and witnesses who appeared on trial during the year.
In 1999, as the fast-food market became more competitive, Weber sold the company he had started 22 years earlier and became vice president of Grace Hill Settlement House, a social service agency in St. Louis that merged with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in 2020. Weber believed the career change revitalized his professional life, and in an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, he stated, “Doing something different keeps you young because you keep learning.”
Although he left the food industry, he continued to use food to bring people together through his trademark intimate dinner parties. His family and friends often referred to him as “The Connector” because of his unique ability to bring people together. David Weber passed away on August 8, 2023, but his contributions to the community will forever be a memorable slice of St. Louis history.
