Kanza Hall is closed forever as owner says he won’t reopen after pandemic

The rumors are true: One of the most happening nightspots in Johnson County won’t re-open after the coronavirus pandemic.

Kanza Hall, a boot-scooting country bar we’ve recognized as one of the best places in Kansas City, is closed for good, the owner told the Kansas City Star.

Kanza Hall was one of four nightspots at south Overland Park’s One Block South, along with Fuel American Made Bar & Grill, Red 8 Billiards and Local Tap. The concepts together employed some sixty people and covered 25,000 square feet.

Even after the stay-at-home orders are lifted, owner Shawn McClenny expects to do at most half of the business he did before.

“There’s no way to make my overhead when you have those expenses,” McClenny told the Star. “I’m going to take some time off and recharge. My wife and I are talking about getting an RV and going to the Grand Canyon.”

One of the last posts on the Kaza Hall Facebook page, from March 14, encouraged patrons to come out to the bar despite the emerging pandemic which had already forced the cancelation of the Big 12 tournament and Snake Day parades.

“There is no reason to stay home!” Kanza Hall’s post read.

A torrent of angry comments followed.

“There is actually and this is bad public policy… do your part!!!” read one comment.