A mocktail bar in Power & Light? New concept coming to the KC district
Where does one go in Power & Light to find mocktails?
What about chicken and waffles? Hummus?
After it opens in the fall, a quick Google search will take patrons looking for all three items to one spot.
Mediterranean restaurant Jerusalem Cafe, Chick-In Waffle and a new concept called Virgin Rebel will exist under one roof at 131 E. 14th St. The building was once home to Famous Dave’s.
Brothers Dennis and Adam Alazzeh are opening the family-friendly space together.
“I think we’re going to probably fight a lot, but we’ll also probably have a lot of fun,” older brother Dennis joked.
Dennis owns Chick-In Waffle, while Adam owns Jerusalem Cafe. Until now, the two concepts have been separate.
With their new concept, Virgin Rebel, the Alazzehs aim to provide a space for non-drinkers in a bar-heavy area. Dennis didn’t drink growing up and said he felt a social stigma around his decision, though now abstaining from alcohol is more common.
“Alcohol sales are down, and people are a lot more health-conscious,” he said. “We just want to create that space where people feel totally normal and comfortable to go in and hang out at a mocktail bar, meet new people and socialize.”
The brothers couldn’t share exact Virgin Rebel menu items yet but promised the spot would have all the other two concepts’ old favorites.
From Jerusalem Cafe: falafel, shawarma, tabouli and more. From Chick-In Waffle: loaded fries, chicken strips, boneless wings, etc.
Customers can order at kiosks or at front counters and purchase any item from the three concepts on the same ticket. Signage from each of the three concepts will be displayed equally outside and throughout the restaurant.
The concept will evolve throughout the day. Starting at 8 a.m., Virgin Rebel will sell coffee and pastries. At 11 a.m., the two food concepts will open. The space will be open late — closing at midnight on weekdays and 4 a.m. on the weekends.
“The Power & Light District has become a place with everything you’d want in a city in one walkable neighborhood,” John Moncke, president of the Kansas City Power & Light District said in a press release. “We look forward to more announcements soon fueling the exciting momentum in downtown Kansas City.”
Power & Light has seen major growth in the last few months.
Last year, the city announced a $10 million makeover to the Kansas City Live! District.
Latin restaurant Besos y Abrazos recently opened in the district, along with The Yard Milkshake Bar.
Jerusalem Cafe recently opened a spot in Mission’s former Tortilla Ranch space at 6029 Metcalf Ave. Chick-In Waffle is also looking to add a Johnson County spot, this one in Overland Park at 8667 W. 135th St.
This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 4:50 PM.