Five years after being built, dream spot on streetcar line finally brewing opening date, tavern owner says

A never-opened space along the KC Streetcar line in the Crossroads — once planned as high-profile culinary destination — is expected to be remodeled by the owner of a popular brewery and restaurant chain with its long-awaited opening as soon as late summer.

Matt Moore, Martin City Brewing Company, Martin City Tavern

Matt Moore, the entrepreneur behind Martin City Brewing Company and Martin City Tavern, confirmed in-the-works plans to launch a new fast-casual concept serving his popular pizzas, along with burgers and sandwiches, at the corner of 20th and Main streets in the City Club Apartments complex. The development is part of the brands’ push into more urban areas, having built a following in the metro’s southern, outer ring.

“We love the Crossroads. It is where everything is happening,” Moore said. “I like the location, I like the space. It has a rooftop deck, I love that. We have been looking to get in the city for a while and this place makes sense.”

Nearly five years ago, two concepts — an upscale diner and wine bar with rooftop and street-level patio — were announced for the spot at 1989 Main St. in City Club. After legal issues, those plans fell through.

The City Club Apartments complex at the corner of 20th and Main streets in Kansas City’s Crossroads; photo by Joyce Smith

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In 2020, James Beard Award semifinalist Howard Hanna announced plans for two concepts in the spot: Afi, a wine bar with a worldview” featuring natural and sustainable wines and open fire cooking; and Small Axe, a lively venue offering a “modern, imaginative take on classic diner fare serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Hanna and his restaurant group Manaia Collective planned to open the venues in early 2021. The pandemic pushed back that date to late spring 2022. But when they still hadn’t opened by August 2023, City Club Apartments took court action (with a judge later finding in the landlord’s favor). Hanna couldn’t be reached for comment.

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Now, Moore is taking over both spaces, he said, with plans to develop a concept for the lounge at a later date. (The first phase is set to open in late summer or early fall.) City Club Apartment officials couldn’t be reached for comment.

Moore’s Martin City Tavern also is moving into a former Spin Pizza spot at 4950 Main St. with a scheduled June opening. With four other locations — Lee’s Summit, Lenexa, Martin City, and Overland Park — the new South Plaza spot will be “next generation,” offering much more than beer and pizza, including burgers, sandwiches, entrees and elevated pub favorites such as fish and chips, and pastrami Reubens, Moore said. It also will feature craft beers from sister company Martin City Brewing Company.

“We want to bring it into the city,” Moore said. “We’re excited to introduce a tavern-style menu and bring a new experience to one of Kansas City’s most beloved areas.”

Founded in 2011, Martin City Brewing Company started as a microbrewery. The family of businesses now boasts the standalone Martin City Taverns locations — along with spots within Kansas City’s airport terminal and CPKC Stadium. It also has Station 7 Tavern and Love, Coffee in Lee’s Summit.

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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.