Downtown OP Development


On a quick trip over to Penzey's this evening to pick up some taco seasoning, I noticed that Tonic was out of business (Stella informed me it has been closed for a couple of months, but I rarely make it south of 75th Street so it's news to me). This is about the 4th nightclubby type place that has been in that spot, right across the street from Penzey's and the courtyard where the band plays on farmer's market days. None of them memorable, except for maybe the Schoolhouse place, I don't remember the exact name. I always imagined nuns in full habit gear carrying rulers as the waitresses, I didn't think I could go there without being completely turned on and I don't like walking into or out of places with a pitched tent. But, they had a kitchen fire or something and never reopened.

I've always thought that downtown Overland Park needed a brewpub. The Tonic spot is the perfect place. It even looks like a brewpub. Just get 6 or 50 gallon tanks, some sweet brew recipes (I'm looking at you Bad Ben) and spend a couple of grand on decor, including a sweet bar. I'll even pimp the place every chance I get. I'd be one of the best customers. Maybe we can figure out some sweet exemption to the stupid smoking ban in OP, surely a city councilman likes beer enough to sponsor something to exempt places that brew their own beer. Short of that I'm sure that plenty of other people would love a brewpub down there. I can think of nothing better than taking my bags of zuchinni, squash and fresh herbs just purchased from a local farmer on Saturday mornings and starting my afternoon off with a freshly brewed beer.

I can't think of anything better to make Downtown Overland Park work as something other than a daytime marketplace. With The Other Place, Papa Keno's, Penzey's, Big Dave's Liquor, Maloney's and that sweet empty spot that was ravaged by fire, which could be used a smoker's beer garden if my city councilman bribes don't work, Downtown OP could be a pretty cool place for families and a 30 somethings. I think this is a no lose proposition. Let's get this done Kansans!

Other Popular Posts on KC Beer Blog