Jim Watry of Vinino
Less than two years after opening, Vinino — in the Kansas City Power & Light District — will revamp its menu for the second time.
But while it went from a tapas menu to full meals the first time, this second change is more than a tweak.
It will shut down Saturday for two months, then reopen in October as Vinino’s Pizza Bar.
The remodel will include new pizza ovens for New York style pizza, along with a new bar along the front upper level, and draft beer.
Unfortunately, its 25 to 30 employees will not be on the payroll during the revamping.
The operation, at 1320 Grand Blvd., is next to its sister restaurant McFadden’s Sports Saloon.
Both are concepts of ECI Inc., a Cordish company that partners with bar and restaurant operators.
Previously, Famous Dave’s Legendary Pit Bar-B-Que in P&L had shut down to convert to an Old Chicago concept.
But then it couldn’t work out that deal with Cordish. Sources said Cordish wanted to limit the amount of beers, the amount of televisions, hours of operation - changes that don't sit well with the consistency driven chains.
Apparently Cordish did agree that a pizza operation would be good for Power & Light.
The Old Chicago deal died because Old Chicago's extensive beer selection would be in direct competition with Flying Saucer (which also boasts a giant beer menu). It didn't have anything to do with pizza.