Massive Johnson County beer garden with stage hopes to open for World Cup
Construction on KC Bier Co.’s new location in Lenexa has just begun — and the owners have big plans for the nearly 15,000-square-foot space.
With a stage for live music, outdoor games, private mezzanine space, the new spot at 98th Street and Ridgeview Road is a larger scale version of its spot in Waldo, 310 W. 79th St.
Steve Holle, founder of KC Bier Co., hopes to provide an authentic German experience at his upcoming location.
“It’s simply a good old-fashioned place in the Bavarian style where families and friends meet and enjoy food and a beer,” Holle said. “It’s the summer, especially spring and fall, when the weather is nice.”
A large LED video screen, perfect for sporting events, is part of the brewery’s plans. That’s why KC Bier Co. wants to open before the World Cup in June 2026, hopefully with a few months to spare.
More features of the new space include an indoor restaurant and beer hall, a beer garden partially covered by a patio and a designated family play area.
A separate, fenced section will allow dogs to play off leash. Beer will be brewed on site, and he plans to serve “an expansive” German and American menu of sandwiches, sausages, pizza and more.
Holle, a great-grandson of German immigrants, has developed a faithful following at his original location. The brewery first opened in 2014.
“We have fans who come here to Waldo who live over here in Johnson County, so I think they’re all excited to have a location like this a little closer to where they live,” he said.
Holle was initially approached by developer West Star Development a few years ago. As plans have developed, the business has shared several renderings of the project. He’s received an abundance of support since he first announced the project, which backs up to Mill Creek Steamway Park.
“I am excited,” he said. “I think there’s a lot of interest in the community. … The response on social media, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, has been quite encouraging.”
West Star is planning a broader mixed-use development around the area, called Vista Village. Those plans call for condos, restaurants, green space and more.