‘Employee crisis’ shuts Johnson County location of KC burger shack with cult following

North Kansas City’s cult favorite Tay’s Burger Shack ventured to south Overland Park for its second location.

It opened at 7724 W. 151st St., in a former Hardee’s building with a drive-thru, just days before Kansas City area restaurants had to close their dining rooms for the pandemic.

While owner Kent Harrison had planned to open the drive-thru later, he quickly pivoted to a carryout only format and saved the operation.

But it closed permanently on Friday.

“It’s sad. We couldn’t find any staff so we are going to focus on North Kansas City,” Harrison said. “We opened it six days before COVID so we didn’t have any adult employees. They left because they were getting unemployment. We have been running it with teenagers.”

He said he pays employees a minimum of $12 an hour for part-timers and they also get tips. He has found it easier to staff his North Kansas City operations.

“My labor costs are higher than the national average,” Harrison said. “I just want to serve burgers and fries. We’re just a small business. We’re grateful to be here.”

Tay’s keeps its menu small: organic, grass-fed beef burgers (standard toppings are lettuce, tomato, pickle and cheese), sauces on the side and a choice of add-ons — chili, cheese sauce, jalapenos, raw or grilled onions, bacon and mushrooms.

It also has Nathan’s hot dogs, chili dogs, hand-cut fries with house-made seasonings, and chili cheese fries, as well as its own Tay’s orange fountain drink.

Earlier this year, Harrison opened Tay’s Cheesesteaks, at 315 Armour Road in North Kansas City, near his original Tay’s Burger Shack. He previously owned and operated a Jersey Boyz Subs & Deli in the spot.

He had planned to add the cheesesteaks to the Tay’s menu in Overland Park.

“Last time I grew I had multiple Jersey Boyz and then ’08 hit and they crumbled,” he said. “This time it was the pandemic and an employee crisis.”

This story was originally published July 18, 2022 at 10:55 AM.