Shawnee’s new chef-driven sports bar serves retro with a side of Spam fries and banana ketchup

Serial Kansas City hotspot founder opens door to Hank’s Garage with chefs Howard Hanna, Zac Sachs

Eric Flanagan’s latest venture turns a former Shawnee auto shop into the resurrected downtown entertainment district’s newest destination — a casual neighborhood sports bar, complete with an innovative and elevated menu, classic beers, craft cocktails, and an outdoor patio and yard that pays homage to the space’s former life.

Hank’s Garage and Grill in downtown Shawnee; photo by Alyssa Broadus

“We weren’t actively looking for a space for a new concept,” said Flanagan, owner of the just-opened Hank’s Garage and Grill at 5801 Nieman. “But after a date night at Wild Child Libations [nearby at 11022 Johnson Dr.] with my wife, Jess, she noticed the auto shop with a sign stating it had been converted into restaurant/retail space. We thought it was an interesting building and were intrigued by the opportunity and neighborhood. So I called the number the next morning, and here we are.” 

Led by Flanagan and his team — also behind the King G and Jim’s Alley Bar concepts in the East Crossroads — Hank’s Garage and Grill is expected to be a great addition to an already growing historic downtown, just around the corner from Drastic Measures, Wild Child, Friction Beer Company, and Transport Brewing to name a few, he said. 

“It’s nerve-racking opening up our first suburban project, but the city of Shawnee has been beyond inviting,” Flanagan said. “It’s nice to hear that you’re wanted, and neighbors and future customers are excited about you investing in their community. We’re excited to join the other quality food and beverage operators in our little 1×1 block neighborhood.”

The wide range of menu items from Hank’s Garage and Grill in Shawnee; photo by Alyssa Broadus

The signature Hank’s and El Reno Smashburgers from Hank’s Garage and Grill; photo by Alyssa Broadus

The menu at Hank’s Garage and Grill offers a variety of chef-driven bar fare, including a tempura-battered pork tenderloin sandwich, shrimp po’ boy, and the signature Hank’s and El Reno Smashburgers. Guests can enjoy unique appetizers like Frito Pie, Spam Fries with Banana Ketchup.

“I’m excited about our menus,” Flanagan said. “We have two great chefs: Howard Hanna and Zac Sachs. They’ve been working on this program for months. Eric Simbeck and Chrisytna Sanchez have created a fantastic bar menu, on par with King G and Jim’s. I wanted a food and drink program of the highest quality and fit within the parameters of the concept.”

The restaurant features seven craft beer drafts, including Hank Lager from Alma Mader Brewing, as well as yard beer served on ice all day. The cocktail program is designed to be refreshing and approachable, with drinks tailored for the outdoor area, such as the Apricot Paloma, Zero to 60, and Pink Pegasus.

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“Hank’s leans into the vintage auto garage and sports concept, along with ample patio space,” Flanagan said. “Our menus have to match that. I try to create a vision for the space, and a box for the team to create within. Once that’s established, I let the pros do their job and get out of the way.”

Eric Flanagan, King G, 2021; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Flanagan has been an owner/operator (King G, Jim’s Alley Bar, OFFKEY, Bridger’s Bottle Shop) and general manager of multiple restaurants, bars (Westport Ale House, 99 Hops House, McFadden’s) over the past 15 years.

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Hank’s Garage and Grill is set to be open 11 a.m. to midnight Wednesday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday, and 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday.