Every big city deserves a great Irish pub: KC Hooley House set to fill P&L vacancy before March Madness, NFL Draft
December 8, 2022 | Startland News Staff
A quartet of entrepreneurs plans to bring a traditional Irish pub with a modern twist back to the Power & Light District in early 2023 — hinting at a made-from-scratch kitchen menu, alongside handcrafted vintage and new mixologist inspired cocktails.
“Every big city nationally and internationally has a great Irish pub, the city’s pub, a place to be proud of, we look forward to making KC Hooley House that destination for locals and tourists alike,” said Ryan Haverty, co-owner of KC Hooley House, 170 E. 14th St., in downtown Kansas City.
The 9,774-square-foot space is the former home of the Dubliner, which closed in March. Haverty previously operated the Dubliner and teased changes ahead for the venue, which first debuted as an Irish Pub called Raglan Road.
RELATED: Dubliner bids farewell after 10 years in Power & Light District
“Our team is hard at work refreshing the space and we look forward to sharing more details about the concept in the near future,” said Haverty.
KC Hooley House is the vision of four local entrepreneurs: Haverty, Ryan Weekley, Jamie Bethke, and James Eddy, who collectively have more than 50 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
The new pub is expected to serve elevated American classics, as well as a modern approach to traditional Irish favorites, according to Haverty.
The space will feature a large dining area where local and regional acts will perform. A second bar and lounge area will showcase a unique small plate menu with an extensive and entertaining craft cocktail experience giving guests two completely different concepts to enjoy under one roof.
KC Hooley House — along with the neighboring, soon-to-launch Blue Sushi Sake Grill — is set to open to the public as the entertainment district continues to ramp up as it prepares for March Madness and the NFL Draft in Kansas City, according to Power & Light officials.
And the venue is well-positioned within the KC Live! Block at Power & Light — recently the scene of watch parties for the FIFA World Cup and Kansas City Chiefs games, said John Moncke, president of Power & Light District.
“KC Hooley House will add to the Kansas City Power & Light District experience,” he added. “Throughout the last several months I’ve gotten to know the amazing local team behind this concept, and I cannot wait to help their vision come to life next year.”
Featured Business

2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Techstars Spotlight: Ampogee ‘gamifies’ manufacturing work
Measure. Assemble. Test. Repeat. The monotony of manufacturing jobs might make it difficult for workers to feel appreciated and recognize their impact. Ampogee’s solution: Game on. The Greensboro, North Carolina-based startup — which earned a spot on the inaugural Techstars KC cohort last month — has developed a software-as-a service platform, which “gamifies” employee performance.…
CityShape offers KC’s fitness-minded variety, exercise exploration
Variety is key to connecting a diverse fitness community, Shannon McGinley said. Her company, CityShape Fitness, aims to bridge the gaps by offering web-based monthly memberships that give users access to a range of gyms and studios across the metro. “It’s about building community in Kansas City, and connecting people to all the tools…
Deadlines loom for funding, educational and fellowship opportunities
Opportunities abound, Kansas City. Whether you’re an early stage entrepreneur looking for some extra cash, representing an organization aiming to double down on its efforts, or someone seeking mentorship, the Kansas City entrepreneurial community has options available — if you take the initiative. To lend a hand, we’ve gathered some timely opportunities. Act quickly! Deadlines are…
CPR alert! KC Fire adopting tech to notify bystanders of cardiac arrest
Embracing innovation and collaboration, the Kansas City Fire Department is expected to launch technology this month that is designed to notify residents trained in CPR when a person in their vicinity experiences sudden cardiac arrest and is awaiting first responders. Sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for about 350,000 deaths a year, according to the American…

