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
New Lawrence Blade & Timber just the edge of Swell Spark’s ongoing brand evolution
A newly opened Lawrence Blade & Timber — well-positioned on the college town’s popular Massachusetts Street — features the axe-throwing brand’s first “retailtainment” concept. It’s a reflection of parent company Swell Spark’s ongoing push to keep Blade & Timber (as well as the Choir Bar and Breakout businesses) fresh amid an increasingly crowded experience-based entertainment…
25th anniversary: Roasterie founder Danny O’Neill recalls humble start with just ‘nickels and pickles’
Brewed in a recession, Danny O’Neill wasn’t sure The Roasterie would sell a single cup of coffee, let alone percolate into an iconic Kansas City brand, the founder said as he reflected on the regional coffee titan’s 25th anniversary. “The only idea I had was coffee,” O’Neill said of his decision to jump ship from…
KC Crew’s fall leagues set to be first players in overhauled Hy-Vee Arena
The newly renovated Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City’s West Bottoms is like a giant sports coworking space, said Luke Wade. Coffee shops, restaurants, chiropractors, physical therapists, and other offerings are joining his adult sports and events company in the revamped former Kemper Arena facility, said Wade, founder of KC Crew. And although the arena officially…
KCMO provides welcoming spot for NY-based high-tech kennel startup, DogSpot
Kansas City stands out among 30 different DogSpot partner cities for cutting through bureaucracy to help startups grow, said Chelsea Brownridge. DogSpot — a service that delivers internet-connected, air-conditioned, standalone dog kennels for pet owners to “park” their dogs while, for example, shopping or running errands — teamed with the City of Kansas City, Missouri,…