Key Deal Facts
After a day of touring the Crossroads Arts District with a friend in 2017, we noticed a need for a classic neighborhood bar among the high-quality galleries, breweries, restaurants, and distilleries. The 'King G' concept was born!
Site selection for the perfect location took quite a while, culminating in a lease being signed in September of 2018, on a two-story, run-down, corner location, right in the heart of the East Crossroads.
After some construction and pandemic obstacles beset our A+ location, we finally hit our construction stride in the Fall/Winter of 2020.A passion for vibrant neighborhoods, premier drink offerings; and after a few conversations with Chef/Consultant Howard Hanna about our love (and need) for old-school delicatessens, the 'King G' concept was born.'King G' is slated to open in July of '21! We can't wait to join our neighbors in the East Crossroads.
Management Team / Advisory Board Bios
Eric Flanagan, Owner/Operator
Eric Flanagan has been an owner/operator (OFFKEY, Bridger's Bottle Shop) and general manager of multiple restaurants (Leinenkugel's), bars (Westport Ale House, 99 Hops House, McFadden's) over the last 15 years. Eric has experience in fundraising, site selection, lease negotiation, construction, accounting, training, and operations, for entities ranging from 800k-4m annual revenue.His experience in cost controls, marketing, and overall operations, has led to ROI's ranging from 10-38% (depending on the concept) for investors and corporations.Eric is also a brewer, experienced beer purchaser, Certified Cicerone, and Certified Beer Judge, with in-depth knowledge and passion in beer education and brewing. He currently works at Sandhills Brewing Company in Mission, KS as a brewer and bartender, when not working on this project.When not working, Eric is planning a wedding in October of 2021 to his long-time girlfriend/fiance, Jess. His hobbies, right now, are entertaining his 3-year-old named Madelyn and a needy chocolate labrador named Bernie.Eric is excited to lead his best project to date in the heart of the vibrant Kansas City Crossroads District, in downtown Kansas City, MO.
Howard Hanna, Chef/Consultant
Howard Hanna is an award-winning chef and restaurateur based in Kansas City, Missouri.He is known for establishing relationships with farmers, his commitment to sustainability, and promoting inclusive hospitality. Howard put down roots in KC after graduating first in his class from the Culinary Institute of America in New York in 2003 and garnering valuable experience in some of NYC’s great restaurants, including Union Square Cafe.Howard’s eclectic tastes and approachable midwestern style have earned him recognition by the James Beard Award Foundation as a two-time semifinalist for Best Chef: Midwest. He opened his first restaurant, The Rieger, in 2010 which became known as one of Kansas City’s landmark restaurants until closing in late 2020 amidst the Covid 19 pandemic. In 2014, Howard followed up on The Rieger’s success by opening Ça Va, champagne bar and bistro which has garnered national attention.
Danielle Lehman, Marketing Manager
With over 15 years of experience in marketing, Danielle spent the first decade of her career working on both the agency and client-side in industries including hospitality, eCommerce, software, and consumer packaged goods before launching her consulting firm. Having worked for clients including Johnny Rockets, Zpizza, and Yogurtland, she has built upon her experience to build a team of interdisciplinary digital experts, including brand strategists, marketers, designers, developers, and other specialists in the marketing and tech space.Outside of work, Danielle spends her time exploring America’s vibrant and diverse food scene by producing and hosting Open Belly, a podcast sharing the stories of immigrant chefs.
