The Delta Queen Steamboat Company has officially opened its corporate offices and Port of Call Restaurant, Lounge and Gift Shop in downtown Kimmswick, marking an important milestone in the vessels homeport city. This opening expects to impact the St. Louis region economically by more than $4.5 million annually. Employment opportunities associated with the Port of Call Restaurant, Lounge and Gift Shop and corporate headquarters have created approximately 185 new positions for residents of Jefferson County as well as portions of St.
Louis County.
“It is deeply gratifying to us that throughout this process the City of Kimmswick, Jefferson County and many others have been tremendous partners, we thank you for your support!” said Leah Ann Ingram, chief operating officer at Delta Queen Steamboat Co. “Moving forward we are completely committed to doing our part in supporting the economic development including the creation of quality jobs for the city and the region.”
The Delta Queen was recently named to National Trust’s 2016 11 Most Endangered List, which helps raise awareness of the threats facing some of the nation's greatest treasures. The steamboat, which began service as an overnight passenger vessel in 1927, is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and classified as a National Historic Landmark. The Delta Queen was purchased by the current owners in February 2015 with the goal to restore the vessel and return it to overnight cruise service. It is expected that the Delta Queen will begin and end a number of its cruises each year in Kimmswick and will visit more than 80 other ports in the United States.
“The opening of the Delta Queen offices and Port of Call Restaurant & Lounge in Kimmswick is deepening the positive impact the Delta Queen has already had on our historic riverboat town by creating more jobs for our residents and greater experiences for our visitors,” said Kimmswick Mayor Philip Stang.
The new Port of Call Restaurant & Lounge serves French-inspired American fare with a continental twist in a refurbished historic home built in 1772. Dining rooms throughout the restaurant are themed to coincide with the history of the Delta Queenas the establishment’s presence is helping preserve the historic vessel.
“Our overall goal is to offer visitors the full Delta Queen experience which will help preserve the history of this national treasure,” said Delta Queen Steamboat Company President and CEO Cornel Martin. “The interior beautifully represents the history and nostalgia of America’s last authentic steamboat, showcasing the elegance of her cabins and public spaces.”
In order for the iconic Delta Queen to cruise again, officials must first secure a Congressional Exemption to allow the vessel to return to the overnight cruise trade. The community may take action by urging lawmakers through the National Trust for Historic Preservation to support House Bill HR 1248, and Senate Bill S 1717. If congress fails to pass this legislation, a remarkable piece of the Nation’s maritime history will be lost.
Delta Queen Port Of Call Restaurant, Lounge and Gift Shop is located at 6035 Second Street Kimmswick, MO 63053.
Lunch 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Dinner hours: 4:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Lounge & Hours: 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Closed Mondays.
For more information, go to www.DQSteamboat.com or visit the Delta QueenSteamboat Port of Call Restaurant & Lounge on Facebook.