Number 399 October 23, 2026 St. Louis
French Frie Factory: Where the Fries Are the Star of the Show!
For most restaurants, French fries are simply a side dish. But for Pernell and Frantella Beasley, they saw an opportunity to make them the main attraction.
The husband-and-wife team behind the French Frie Factory will be celebrating the grand opening of their new location at 2825 N. Sarah St. in St. Louis this Saturday, October 24!
With experience in the food industry and a desire to build something of their own, the Beasleys recognized an opportunity to bring something different to St. Louis. Their restaurant specializes in fresh-cut gourmet French fries topped with everything from steak and chicken to shrimp, crab, and turkey ribs, along with their signature sauce.
But their vision goes beyond great food. The Beasleys want customers to feel like family, whether they’re stopping in for a meal, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a comfortable place to work.
Through an Ignite Missouri loan, Justine PETERSEN helped the Beasleys renovate their larger commercial space, purchase kitchen equipment and inventory, and pay off a high-interest lender. Working with JP Loan Counselor Travis Williams, the Beasleys were able to access financing that supports both their immediate business needs and their plans for growth.
Their new location will provide additional room for events, private parties, and customers who simply want to settle in with their laptops and enjoy some gourmet fries.
Photo courtesy of French Frie Factory
It’s an exciting next chapter for a family-owned business that continues to invest in its future and the St. Louis community.
Congratulations to Pernell and Frantella Beasley on their grand opening! Justine PETERSEN is proud to support their journey, and we cannot wait to see what comes next.
After all, who says french fries have to be a side dish?
Grand Opening: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Location: 2825 N. Sarah St., St. Louis, MO 63115
Justine PETERSEN Team Comes Together to Raise $4,287 for United Way!
When it comes to making a difference in our community, the Justine PETERSEN team knows how to show up!
This year’s United Way Campaign brought together Justine PETERSEN employees for a week filled with teamwork, friendly competition, creativity, and plenty of laughter. Most importantly, it brought everyone together for a shared purpose: supporting individuals and families throughout our community.
Through the generosity and participation of JP staff, Justine PETERSEN raised an impressive $4,287 for United Way!
Throughout the campaign, employees stepped outside their usual routines to participate in team challenges, create entertaining videos, make pledges, and encourage their coworkers to get involved.
Departments worked together, creativity was on full display, and a little friendly competition helped make the week even more memorable.
From the hilarious videos to the enthusiastic participation across departments, the campaign reminded us that supporting a good cause can also bring people closer together.
The success of this year’s campaign reflects the same commitment to community that drives Justine PETERSEN’s mission every day. While our organization works to connect individuals and families with opportunities to build credit, strengthen financial stability, and grow businesses, initiatives like the United Way Campaign allow our staff to support the community in another meaningful way.
Every pledge, every contribution, and every moment of participation helped make this campaign a success.
And while the $4,287 raised is certainly worth celebrating, the real success was seeing JP employees come together, support one another, and demonstrate what can happen when everyone contributes toward a common goal.
A special thank-you goes to everyone who donated, participated in the challenges, cheered on their coworkers, and helped make the campaign something worth remembering.
At Justine PETERSEN, community impact isn’t just part of our work. It’s part of who we are.
Congratulations, Team JP!
Fair Housing Tip: Fair Treatment Includes Financing
Fair housing protections do not stop at the front door. Mortgage lenders generally cannot deny information, charge different rates or fees, or offer less favorable loan terms because of someone’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or family status.
Before choosing a mortgage, compare the interest rate, fees, monthly payment, and loan terms. Ask questions and request important information in writing.
You deserve a clear and fair opportunity to finance a home. Learn more about fair lending from HUD.
Call 314-533-2411 or apply for Housing Counseling to begin your path toward homeownership.
Bring Your Car Loan To Us!
Drive Down Your Interest Rates with Our Drive Loan Program!
Do you have a car loan with an APR above 15%? You could qualify for our Drive Loan Program!
If you owe $20,000 or less, let us help you refinance to save money and reduce your monthly payments.
Take control of your finances today! Contact us to learn more about how we can help you drive into a better financial future.
Want to start your drive story? Contact LaTrisha Gandy
Looking For a Small Business Loan?
If you live in St. Louis City County and need capital to start or grow your business, contact LaTrisha Gandy or Franchot Cunningham today!
lgandy@justinepetersen.org | fcunningham@justinepetersen.org
Upcoming Events!
Lunch and Learns
Join Desiree Friedman for a Lunch & Learn on protecting your identity and understanding your credit. This session is ideal for anyone who wants to better safeguard personal information, recognize warning signs of identity theft, and take control of their financial health. Attendees will learn how identity theft happens, what to watch for, and practical steps to help prevent it, along with a clearer understanding of what affects a credit score and how to use that knowledge to make informed decisions with confidence.
Location: Zoom
Date: November 5th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Click HERE to register.
Join Justine PETERSEN as we welcome Steve Stinger, MBA, Certified SCORE Mentor, who brings over 40 years of experience owning and operating businesses across multiple industries.
Discover how SCORE can help you turn your business goals into reality through educational webinars, valuable resources, and free one-on-one mentoring. Whether you’re starting from scratch or working through challenges in your existing business, you’ll learn how experienced mentors can help you take the next step.
Great businesses don’t grow on ideas alone. They grow with knowledge, support, and the right connections.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from decades of experience and discover resources that can help your business succeed!
Join us and take the next step toward your business goals!
Location: Zoom
Date: November 12th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
To register, use this LINK.
Join JP as Marlene Elliott takes us through Understanding the Importance of Intellectual Property! We’ll cover steps to establish credit for your business, common mistakes to avoid, and ways to make the most of your digital presence. You’ll leave with ideas for finding your customers, measuring what works, and adjusting your marketing as your business grows.
Location: Zoom
Date: November 19th, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Click HERE to register
Community Resources
Ameren Missouri Offers Utility Bill Assistance for Small Businesses and Nonprofits
A little financial relief can make a big difference! Ameren Missouri has allocated $1 million to help small businesses and nonprofits manage their utility bills.
Eligible small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits with fewer than 50 employees may qualify for a one-time grant of up to $1,000. Applicants must have an active Ameren Missouri electric account, a principal office in Missouri, and be experiencing financial hardship.
Ameren is also offering one-time $275 energy relief grants to eligible residential customers in need.
These programs are available for a limited time, so eligible customers are encouraged to explore their options and apply directly through Ameren.
Learn more about eligibility and how to apply: www.ameren.com/bill/assistance
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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA
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