Wil Jenny’s closing in south Overland Park

After nearly eight years of operations, Wil Jenny’s is closing.

Kevin Timmons and Doug Watkins opened the restaurant in October 2006, next to their Nick & Jake’s restaurant in Overland Park. They describe it as having “Tex Mex, barbecue, coldest beers and cheapest margaritas north of the Red River.”

It was named after Watkins’ son Wil and Timmons’ daughter Jennifer. Timmons, a Texas native, included some home state favorites like hand-cut steaks grilled over hickory charcoal, brisket and burnt ends, Dr. Pepper baby back ribs, southern-fried pecan chicken and blue corn chicken nachos.

Timmons said sales were steady at the restaurant at 6700 W. 135th St. But the partners wanted to concentrate on their Nick & Jake’s brand.

“We want to take all of our energy and focus on the Nick & Jake’s. It’s more of an American grill, chef-driven with an upscale sports theme,” he said.

A Nick & Jake’s is scheduled to open at 5031 Main St. — in the former Beacon Tavern spot just south of the Country Club Plaza — in mid-to-late April. There also is a Nick & Jake’s in Parkville, as well as the Overland Park restaurant.

Wil Jenny’s will close after business tonight. The restaurant has nearly 50 employees.

“We just want to say thank you to the Overland Park community for their support over the last eight years,” Timmons said.

This story was originally published March 11, 2014 at 9:20 PM with the headline "Wil Jenny’s closing in south Overland Park."