Law firms take former Starker’s space on the Plaza

The late John McClure’s beloved Starker’s is about to get a new life, but not as a restaurant.

The Nail Law Firm and the Brad Bradshaw law firm are taking over the nearly 4,000-square-foot space at the corner of 47th and Wyandotte streets. They hope to open their offices in May. The space has a first floor entryway with stairs and an elevator to the second floor.

“I think that is the best office space in Kansas City — the view of the Plaza and all the Plaza has to offer,” said Roger Nail.

The upscale Starker's restaurant, at 201 W. 47th St., closed in fall 2013 after more than four decades. It was founded in 1972 by Cliff Bath and he sold the restaurant to his executive chef John McClure in late 2006.

Starker's had one of the region's most extensive wine lists and received many awards from Wine Spectator Magazine. The menu included almond crusted rainbow trout and fresh ground steak burgers stuffed with brown sugar bacon.

McClure, a popular figure in the local restaurant community, was planning another restaurant in Westport. But in October 2011 he committed suicide.

Highwoods Realty Limited Partnership had filed suit on Dec. 9, 2013, against McClure’s estate, saying $779,284.66 was due stemming from the breach of lease by John C. McClure, deceased, and Starker’s for the “failure to pay rent and the failure to operate a business on the leased premises,” pursuant to a personal guaranty executed by McClure. The estate filed an opposition to the claim on Dec. 13, 2013.

In January 2014, according to probate court records, Highwoods acknowledged receiving a payment of $24,561.48 from the estate and forfeiture of the security deposit it held for $21,740.37 in full satisfaction of the claim.

Highwoods issued this statement: “Our policy does not allow us to comment on legal matters.”

This story was originally published April 20, 2015 at 11:59 AM with the headline "Law firms take former Starker’s space on the Plaza."