Overland Park Tilted Kilt pub gets approval; Ranchmart improvements delayed
A sports bar featuring scantily clad waitresses is set to open in Overland Park, despite skepticism from two city councilmen.
The Celtic-themed Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery will be located at the former Will Jenny’s spot at 6700 W. 135th St.
At its meeting on Monday evening, the city council approved a special use permit to allow a three-year period of time for the drinking establishment.
A special use permit is required because the property is located within 200 feet of a residential area.
Councilmen John Skubal and John Thompson were opposed to the three-year time period, saying there were too many nearby residents leery of the franchise.
Skubal told the council he heard some neighbors were worried the sports bar would need additional security because of possible disturbances.
City staff pointed out, however, that the Overland Park Police Department reviewed police activity at other Tilted Kilt locations and similar establishments in the city, such as Hooters. It concluded there shouldn’t be a problem.
Skubal also said some neighbors were unhappy about the provocative image represented by Tilted Kilt.
“On their website, it shows a waitress laying across the bar,” he pointed out. “Is that what we’re going to see when we go to the restaurant?”
Kristin Cronhardt, vice president of marketing for Tilted Kilt, told him absolutely not.
“We’re a themed restaurant where waitresses and waiters wear kilts,” she replied. “We’re not what you think. We’re a fun place to watch sports and we have great food.”
Unmoved by her response, Skubal told the council he would approve a one-year special use permit, but not anything more than that.
Wail Nessim, the Olathe businessman who applied for the special use permit, pleaded with the council to give his latest franchised venture a chance.
“I will do whatever it takes to be in compliance with the city,” he told them. “I believe in a clean, quality environment where a family can eat. Give me a chance to show the community what we can do. We’re not bad or evil people.”
Several of the council members were happy to give him that opportunity.
“I feel they deserve the benefit of the doubt,” said Councilman Terry Goodman. “If there’s a problem, the special use permit can be revoked at any time.”
Councilman David White agreed. After all, he pointed out, it’s not like Tilted Kilt would be the only establishment of its kind in the area.
“We’ve haven’t had any issues with Hooters at all and that restaurant is even located next to a senior living facility,” White said. “I’d like to give Tilted Kilt the chance to be successful.”
At its meeting, the council also postponed discussing and taking action on a proposed Community Improvement District intended for Ranchmart Shopping Center, located on the southeast corner of 95th and Mission. A CID allows developers to use money from an extra sales tax levied at the businesses in the district to pay for certain renovation costs.
The project includes the renovation of existing building facades, such as new tower elements, storefronts, building columns, and canopies. There would also be improvements related to hardscapes, amenities, curbs, parking lots and landscaping.
The council will address the item at its meeting on Oct. 20.
The Leawood City Council voted Monday night to send Ranchmart’s preliminary plan to renovate the original north side of the shopping center back the city Planning Commission.
The plan had languished before the Leawood council for more than a year, being continued from month to month. The applicant asked that it be sent to the Planning Commission’s Nov. 25 meeting.
City Administrator Scott Lambers said he rejected Ranchmart’s owner’s application for a Community Improvement District over the summer because it included a request to cover interest costs that the council had specifically ruled out while developing its CID policy. He said the renovation plan and the CID request were separate matters. The plan would have to be approved before the council would consider creating a CID.
This story was originally published October 7, 2014 at 11:01 AM with the headline "Overland Park Tilted Kilt pub gets approval; Ranchmart improvements delayed."