By Pete Dulin
The Peanut’s newest location, 12921 State Line Rd., opened October 27th, rising out of the shell of the former Luther’s BBQ and Murray’s Tables and Tap.
Brent Sierks, Khalil Booshehri, and other business partners have led expansion of The Peanut’s footprint throughout the bi-state area over the past decade. The partners opened their first Peanut location in 2011 at 127th and Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park. Their partnership also owns and operates locations in Olathe, Mission, and the Northland of Kansas City, abiding by a business agreement with The Peanut’s original owner. Melinda Kenny retains ownership of The Peanut’s locations in Downtown Kansas City and at 50th and Main Streets.
The State Line location interested the partners primarily because of their history with the area. Two partners tended bar in the same location when it operated as a different bar years ago. Two other partners were former bartenders at another bar located on the opposite side of State Line.
“We’ve all been familiar with the neighborhood for years,” Sierks says.
The partners not only acquired the space which housed Murray’s Tables and Tap, but also secured additional square footage behind the business. Renovation involved a complete build-out. “The entire space is 5,900 square-feet,” Sierks says. “We took everything out. We replaced the plumbing. We do this with all of our locations.”
The interior layout features a large U-shaped bar as a central gathering spot with seating throughout the dining room. Neon signs and beer memorabilia provide modest decor. A side patio offers space to dine and drink outdoors in warm-weather months.
Practicality drove decisions behind the full-scale renovation. “We built it. If you keep equipment, then you might inherit problems. Everything is brand new. We know what we have. It’s under warranty,” Sierks says. “We invested a significant amount in the renovation. It’s the most we’ve spent on any location so far.”
The owner of the shopping strip also completed renovations that freshened up the exterior.
“They saw life coming back and did the same thing,” Sierks says. “They put in a new roof, new facade on the exterior, and repaved the parking lot.”
While the physical space of this long-time hangout will have a new look and feel, the food and experience at The Peanut will remain the same. The new location will serve The Peanut’s classic large-sized Buffalo chicken wings, BLT sandwiches, and other mainstay dishes on the menu.
“We do offer specials that cater to the neighborhood at each location, such as street tacos and fish and chips,” Sierks says. “The specials are driven by our kitchen manager’s specialties.”
Soon residents and workers will be able to enjoy beloved wings, BLTs, beers, and cocktails at a new neighborhood hangout.