New dining concept coming to former home of popular Johnson County restaurant
After more than five years of vacancy for the former Houlihan’s in Fairway, a new restaurant is hoping to move in.
W. VinZant Restaurants — the group that owns Gram & Dun, Louie’s Wine Dive, Waldo Pizza and several other local brands — is looking to open a new upscale concept at 2820 W. 53rd St.
Nathan Nogelmeier, city administrator for the city of Fairway, said the restaurant proposal submitted to the city calls the concept “The Fairway,” though that’s subject to change.
An updated outdoor patio is part of the plan.
“We’re looking at an upscale restaurant with an upscale menu that would go along with it,” Nogelmeier said. “We’ve been hoping to get a restaurant back into the space, and it appears as though the concept would be a good fit for us.”
The restaurant group is seeking public incentives for the space. A formal development agreement could come before the city council in June, Nogelmeier said.
Whitney VinZant, owner of W. VinZant Restaurants, confirmed that the group was looking into the Johnson County space, though he said he had no specific details about the concept to share.
The building itself is owned by a third party.
Houlihan’s still has locations at 4900 W. 119th St. in Leawood, 11851 W. 95th St. in Overland Park, and 625 NW Murray Road in Lee’s Summit.
The Fairway spot closed in late 2019 after then-ownership group HRI Holding Corporation filed for bankruptcy.
Its 16411 W. 119th St. location in Olathe closed alongside it. It’s now home to Anejo Modern Mexican Cuisine.