Kansas City group has bought longtime Lawrence restaurant. Here’s what to know
Kansas City’s W. VinZant Restaurants has added another to its growing stable: Merchants Pub & Plate.
The downtown Lawrence gastropub (746 Massachusetts St.) has been sold to Whitney VinZant’s Kansas City-based restaurant group.
“It’s been an incredible honor and labor of love to build this restaurant alongside our team, and to become part of the fabric of downtown Lawrence,” Emily and T.K. Peterson, who opened Merchants in 2013, said in a release. “We are excited to have such a talented group of people leading Merchants into the future.”
W. VinZant Restaurants, which recently took over operations at Bo Lings on the Country Club Plaza, also owns Gram & Dun, BRGR Kitchen + Bar, Taco Republic and Louie’s Wine Dive.
Not much will change at the Lawrence restaurant, both parties said. Staff is staying on, hours will not change and the Petersons will remain with the company to help temporarily with the changeover.
“The things you know and love about Merchants will carry on — our seasoned team will continue leading the daily operations with a commitment to local and seasonal food, warm hospitality and supporting the Lawrence community, “ said longtime Merchants manager Nathan Desetti.
