Update: Columbus Park Ramen Shop surpasses its Kickstarter goal
Josh and Abbey-Jo Eans have raised the Kickstarter funds they need to open their second Columbus Park food operation.
The campaign, for Columbus Park Ramen Shop - Kansas City’s First Ramen Shop, hoped to raise $37,000 by April 19. It raised $41,100 from 349 backers.
Kickstarter projects like the ramen shop must reach their funding goals to receive any money.
Pledgers receive something in return. For example, 30 people who pledged $50 will get to attend a free kimchi fermentation class and take home a quart of smoked chili kimchi, while people pledging $250 or more get two invitations to a pre-opening party.
Josh Eans said the concept for the ramen shop is a simple one — a menu offering several types of ramen (perhaps tonkotsu, chicken, dashi and vegetarian) and bone broth, as well as canned beer and specialty sodas. It will open in the garage next to their Happy Gillis Cafe & Hangout at 549 Gillis St.
He also liked the idea of the community supporting his business idea.
“We are very excited and pretty overwhelmed by the support and we are very grateful,” he said Sunday.
Happy Gillis will continue to serve breakfast and lunch, with the ramen shop open dinner-only Thursday through Sunday. The two venues would share a kitchen. But the couple have to put in a new bathroom for the garage to meet codes, as well as heating and cooling units, and fixtures and furnishings. A local potter will make the bowls.
They are waiting for contractors to submit bids but hope to open the shop in July. The Columbus Park location will seat only 12 to 16 people, serving food hot and fast for the “eat it & beat it” ramen shop style popular in Japan.
They have been doing several ramen pop-ups to test out recipes and generate interest in the concept and they plan several more.
The couple took over Happy Gillis in late 2013 and now live in an apartment above the restaurant.
To reach Joyce Smith, call 816-234-4692 or send email to jsmith@kcstar.com. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter at JoyceKC
This story was originally published April 19, 2015 at 7:53 PM with the headline "Update: Columbus Park Ramen Shop surpasses its Kickstarter goal."