Kansas City LGBT Fountain Haus Kaput

This is probably the top story of the day for party people & progressives throughout the Midtown Kansas City corridor. 

There are many reasons the finances of this place probably didn't work out . . . Mostly it's bad parking. Previously, a doomed Starbucks at this location also earned a surprising FAIL. A trendy place with a tiki bar preceded the decline of this spot as well. Over the past decade a self-serve yogurt spot enjoyed the longest run at the troubled corner location.

Cynics might blame an alleged hate crime BB gun attack that garnered citywide attention, scorn & concern but not any revenue beyond what some clever drink coupons might have achieved. 

Also . . . Nightclubs aren't a great biz overall and years of violence at nearby establishments in Westport likely didn't help encourage more biz. 

For now here are some of the deets . . .

"Located on the corner of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, Fountain Haus was a multi-level LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub that took over the space of the former HopCat. Fountain Haus was the area’s “one-stop shop” for bar hopping, where patrons could enjoy four separate spaces and vibes under one roof, with areas to eat, drink, dance, and experience drag performances.

"On Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, they served their last drink and permanently closed their doors. With their grand opening in April of 2022, Fountain Haus had only been in business just shy of two years. The news of their permanent closure comes as a shock to the public, as little to no warning was offered."

The last message from the Fountain Haus FB: 

Fountain Haus served its last drink and had its last dance on Saturday night, closing its doors for good.

Owner David Brinkerhoff says, “It seems like just yesterday we were opening with excitement in April 2022. Time flies, and along the way, we encountered a few more challenges than we expected. Despite our team's hard work and dedication, we've reached a point where keeping Fountain Haus open is not possible any longer.”
The owners and management team, also go on to say “we can't thank everyone enough who was with us on this ride – our amazing team, every single person who walked through our doors, and our partners in the community. You were are the heartbeat of Fountain Haus. We are super proud of what we built together and are so grateful to have been a part of Kansas City's story.”

Fountain Haus recognizes it is also a time of transition for its valued team members. Ownership is providing severance for its team members for the month of February.

“Even though we're closing this chapter, the spirit of Fountain Haus isn't going anywhere. It's in the friendships we've made and the community we've built. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being on this journey with us. You've made it something special,” Brinkerhoff said.

Now, more than ever, it is important to support LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants. We ask that the LGBTQ+ community and allies support these spaces, including: Bistro 303, Cafe Trio, Gaels Public House & Sports,, Hamburger Mary's Kansas City!, Missie B's, Sidekicks Saloon, Sidestreet and Woody's KC.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Queer spaces in Kansas City take a hit with the sudden closing of Fountain Haus

Fountain Haus // Photo courtesy of Fountain Haus The availability of queer safe spaces in the U.S. is dwindling, and Kansas City took a hit this weekend with the sudden closing of Fountain Haus. Located on the corner of Westport Road and Broadway Boulevard, Fountain Haus was a multi-level LGBTQ+ bar and nightclub that took over the space of the...