ST. LOUIS – Chef Rob Connolly is a James Beard Award finalist and his Midtown restaurant Bullrush is rated the number one restaurant in St. Louis. But now fans are dismayed to learn he’s planning to leave Missouri, citing the state’s anti-LGBTQ+ politics.
Bulllash has become known for his creative dishes inspired by traditional Ozark cuisine, and Connolly was even invited by the Missouri Tourism Board to visit London to promote Missouri cuisine.
“It was a really great event,” he said.
It was around this time that Connolly began considering moving his business out of Missouri, where he believes the state legislature is targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
“I’ve really struggled with how to run a business in a state that’s tilting from conservative to radical,” he said.
Connolly considers efforts by Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to obtain medical records related to transgender care to be disturbing.
“Anti-LGBTQ+ legislative policies are now impacting the state’s economy,” said Robert Fisher, communications director for PROMO, an organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
He said residents, health care workers and business owners have left the state because of efforts to pass laws they believe are harmful to the LGBTQ+ community.
Fisher couldn’t quantify the economic impact felt in Missouri, but added that evidence shows states with greater LGBTQ+ representation see greater economic growth.
Connolly said he loved his time in St. Louis and understands why some feel like they’re running away from their problems, but he stressed that he’s been an activist for years and feels like he can make a difference by moving.
“I thought I’d go out on top,” Connolly said, “make a statement and hope the state can rewrite course.”
