KC Bier Co building new 30,000-square-foot urban beer garden; founder brewing a space for all

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