KC Bier Co building new 30,000-square-foot urban beer garden; founder brewing a space for all
February 13, 2025 | Taylor Wilmore
A Kansas City-built, German-style brewery is expanding to Lenexa — bringing an authentic Bavarian beer garden experience to Johnson County, said founder Steve Holle.
A rendering of the future KC Bier Co location in Lenexa; courtesy image
Developed in partnership with West Star Development, the new KC Bier Co. venue will feature a large outdoor space, an indoor restaurant, private event areas, and a stage for live music and community gatherings — together, nearly 30,000 square feet.
“In this new location, we’re building something that’s more than just a place to grab a drink,” said Holle. “It’s going to be a community hub, where people of all ages — families, pets, and beer lovers — can gather and enjoy themselves.”
The KC Bier Co. founder envisions the Lenexa location near 98th Street and Ridgeview, set to open by summer 2026, as a way to immerse Kansas City residents in the communal beer culture of Germany.
“I specifically wanted to have a beer garden in an urban environment so people could experience the communal gathering places that are so common and popular in European cities, especially in Bavaria,” he said.
A map of the Vista Village project by West Star Development; courtesy image
Expanding the bier experience
A highlight of the new venue will be its collaboration with West Star Development, which owns the land in Lenexa. The venue will feature a covered stage for live music, part of an amphitheater-style area that can host more than 600 guests.
Holle plans to host everything from local performances to large events like the World Cup or Kansas City Chiefs games.
“We’d been looking for a second retail location, and this opportunity just seemed like the perfect fit,” Holle shared from KC Bier Co.’s original spot at 79th Street and Wornall Road. “We’re already known for our beer garden here in Kansas City, and adding live music and larger event spaces just takes that to the next level.”
The Lenexa venue is expected to feature a kids’ play area, a staple in traditional German beer gardens, along with a small off-leash dog park, ensuring the entire family can enjoy the experience, he noted.
A rendering of the future KC Bier Co location in Lenexa; courtesy image
A taste of Germany in Lenexa
Staying true to its roots, the Johnson County location will offer a menu inspired by traditional German cuisine, Holle said. Expect classic German street foods like sausages and rotisserie chicken, as well as international flavors like the popular Döner kebab.
KC Bier Co.’s Kansas City location in the Waldo neighborhood; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“We’ll have a German menu, of course, but I want people to feel comfortable whether or not they’re familiar with German food,” Holle said. “There’ll be something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty sausage or a slice of pizza. It’s about creating a fun, welcoming environment for all.”
And, of course, beer will take center stage. KC Bier Co plans to brew its popular German-style beers on-site, offering the same varieties available at the flagship location in Kansas City.
Though the Lenexa opening is still a year away, Holle is excited about the potential growth of the brewery’s wholesale business by attracting a new customer base, he said.
“I think we have very loyal customers, and having another location in another part of the city will draw more people to try our beer,” said Holle, “and eventually make our brand more well-known among the people of Kansas City.”
From the archives: KC Bier Co. brewing regional expansion one tap handle at a time, founder says
Taylor Wilmore
Taylor Wilmore, hailing from Lee’s Summit, is a dedicated reporter and a recent graduate of the University of Missouri, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Taylor channels her deep-seated passion for writing and storytelling to create compelling narratives that shed light on the diverse residents of Kansas City.
Prior to her role at Startland News, Taylor made valuable contributions as a reporter for the Columbia Missourian newspaper, where she covered a wide range of community news and higher education stories.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Capital connector’s message to women: Your investor pool isn’t just sharks; dive in and learn to swim
When it comes to navigating the waters of capital and equity, Women’s Capital Connection angel investment network and the Women’s Business Center serve as a guide to both entrepreneurs and investors, Kelly Sievers shared. “All the education that we do and all the connections that we make, I would say that’s really the key,” explained…
Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side
Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said. “We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire…
Proptech startup Particle Space acquired by LA real estate marketing software firm
The acquisition of a Kansas City proptech startup by one of its first — and biggest — customers offers founder David Biga the opportunity to pivot back to his entrepreneurial roadmap, he said, reflecting on next steps once Particle Space’s technology is fully integrated into its new home. “Build, give back, build, give back,” Biga…
Speak easy and SprinkleSumSalt: Podcaster passes the mic to KC’s underground arts scene
Untold stories of creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit are raging beneath the surface of Kansas City’s mainstream, said Bump Jonas, who finds vibrant inspiration in musicians, chefs, and small business owners angling to reach a broader audience. “I wanted to bring something unique to Kansas City, a space where artists and entrepreneurs can connect and…