Brothers bringing Jerusalem Cafe, Chick-In Waffle, sober bar mashup to Power & Light

The Kansas City Power & Light District is getting a new flagship venue that will combine two popular local restaurant brands and a new mocktail bar/coffee shop concept.

Brothers and second-generation restaurateurs, Dennis and Adam Alazzeh, are taking a 6,300-square-foot space at 131 E. 14th St. and — after a major renovation — plan to open the three concepts in late August or early September. (Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que had once operated in the spot, between what is now Blue Sushi and Rally House.)

The brothers said the new venue will showcase the legacy of their family’s longtime Jerusalem Café, the vigor of their newer Chick-In Waffle concept, and the innovation of Virgin Rebel, making for “an incredibly exciting chapter for our family and a testament to our shared vision.”

“P&L approached us. They wanted local brands,” Adam Alazzeh said. “It’s the main stage of Kansas City. This is a way to get our name out there and showcase what we can do.”

Jerusalem Cafe

The Alazzehs’ father, Farid Alazzeh, founded Westport’s Jerusalem Cafe, an authentic Mediterranean and Greek restaurant, in about 1990. The brothers also have a location in Independence, and recently expanded with Jerusalem Cafe on the go inside World Fresh Market in Overland Park, as well as a new restaurant in Mission. They also are looking at possible locations in Belton, Raymore and south Kansas City.

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The menu includes gyros and shawarma sandwiches, hummus, manakeesh, Greek salads, curry chicken, vegetarian combo plates, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Chick-In Waffle

The chicken and waffle concept opened in early 2020 in the original Jerusalem Cafe spot in Westport. Now there are locations in south Kansas City, Independence, and Lawrence. Another location is scheduled to open by mid-May at 8667 W. 135th St. in Overland Park.

Chick-In Waffle fries and sauce

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It offers fresh-off-the-iron waffles ranging from savory to sweet, as well as a global spin with such flavors as Asian chili, tikka masala, and queso. It also has a dozen different options of loaded fries, along with milkshakes.

The new Power & Light location will not only offer customer favorites from the two brands, it will offer Jerusalem Cafe and Chick-In Waffle mashups such as chicken shawarma loaded fries, and chicken on a fresh Greek salad.

Virgin Rebel

A non-alcohol bar (also called a sober or dry bar) that will specialize in mocktails in the evening, and serve as a coffee bar with fresh pastries in the daytime.

Customers will be able to order from central kiosks and servers will deliver food to their tables. It will have a to-go section and offer delivery. The venue will have about 100 employees and hiring will start in late July.

“Whenever I go to another city — Austin, Nashville — in the tourist destinations you see the local brands shining bright,” Dennis Alazzeh said. “Power & Light is Kansas City’s statement piece. That’s where all our major events, concerts happen. And with the World Cup around the corner, it is important to highlight our local brands.”

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Locally owned Clockwork Architecture + Design plans a new look for the combined brands, one that will evolve the space from a relaxed daytime setting to high-energy environment for late-night bites and mocktails. But the design will include subtle nods to each brand’s heritage, and “playful accents.”

The Alazzehs also are opening a new headquarters in Independence for Culture Concepts, the parent-company of the brands.

In a statement, John Moncke, president of the district, said the new tenant underscores Power & Light’s commitment to offering diverse culinary experiences.

“The Power & Light District has become a place with everything you’d want in a city in one walkable neighborhood,” he said. “We are thrilled to welcome this innovative, local concept to the District.”

Other new tenants at Power & Light include The Yard Milkshake Bar, and Besos y Abrazos restaurant. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is opening in late May.

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Startland News contributor Joyce Smith covered local restaurants and retail for nearly 40 years with The Kansas City Star. Click here to follow her on Bluesky, here for X (formerly Twitter), here for Facebook, here for Instagram, and by following #joyceinkc on Threads.