Since 1917

Our History

For more than a century, Mound City Shelled Nut Co. has been roasting fresh nuts for St. Louis. Here’s how we got here.

  1. 1917

    Founded in St. Louis

    Ben Kessell Opens Mound City Shelled Nut Co. in the Delmar Loop neighborhood of St. Louis.

  2. 1973

    A new owner

    Byron Smyrniotis take over as owner and operator of Mound City, bringing new life and excitement into the business.

  3. 1980

    Chocolate joins the lineup

    With the help of his chocolatier grandfather, Byron introduces handcrafted chocolate-covered items to the Mound City product mix.

  4. 1990

    A local staple

    Stacy Smyrniotis joins Byron as Vice President, and together they grow Mound City into a staple of the St. Louis community.

  5. 2015

    Pure nut butters

    Mound City introduces its pure, small-batch nut butters.

  6. 2017

    100 years

    Mound City celebrates its 100th birthday.

  7. 2024

    A new chapter

    After 50 years of love and devotion to Mound City, Byron and Stacy retire

Through the years

6307 Delmar Blvd., 1976

Come see us

Visit our University City showroom for fresh-roasted nuts, chocolates and gifts.

Store hours & directions