Jaudon Public House creates a family-friendly destination in Cass County

By Pete Dulin

Southern Jackson County and northeastern Cass County residents now have Jaudon Public House as a local fast-casual spot for a bite to eat and a drink to wet their whistle. Guests celebrated the grand opening on October 25th of the 85-seat restaurant and bar with a spacious landscaped patio.

Located at 203rd and Holmes, a few miles south of Loch Lloyd, Jaudon Public House is a welcome family-friendly addition to the area.

Friends and co-owners Curtis Stroud, Mike Peltier, and Gary Weidenbach, who worked together at Rosehill Gardens in Martin City, acquired the building and property with roots dating back to the 1800s. Peltier led the renovation as a major overhaul commenced two years ago.

“We stripped the building down to studs and bare floors. I reused materials like the exterior blocks that date between 1895-1910,” said Peltier, directing attention to a wall by the wooden bar.

Now part of the interior, the umber-colored blocks are inscribed “W.S. Dickey Kansas City, MO USA.” Pioneering businessman Walter S. Dickey acquired an 1899 clay manufacturing plant, once the largest producer of burnt clay products in the world, and produced drainage pipes and clay blocks for construction. What’s old is renewed again.

The Public House and unincorporated community of Jaudon – pronounced “Joe-Don” by Peltier – owes its name to James A. Jaudon, who lived in the area for twenty years in the late 1800s. Jaudon acquired acreage in Union Township in anticipation of a forthcoming Kansas City Southern Railroad rail line. Jaudon’s property was slightly west of the actual route that was built. A hoped-for town never manifested but the community was named after him. A post office also operated from 1892-1914 on Jaudon’s land.

Peltier and his partners sought to maintain a historic feel for the new business. On his phone, he showed a photograph of an 1890s-period train station. He modeled the Public House after the spirit and look of yesteryear establishments like the station. Wooden walls with chipped white paint, a rusted Ford truck grill mounted on a wall, and other memorabilia pay homage to the rural area’s heritage.

Speaking of heritage, first-time visitors may hear stories of the building’s past if a long-time local resident sits nearby. For decades, the building was home to a rotation of biker bars, bar and grills, and watering holes with names that left little to imagination, such as Jaudon Roadhouse and Jaudon Hideout. Reputedly, bikers once ran their bikes inside one establishment during a rougher, rowdier time.

Times change, for better or worse. Today, life seems better at Jaudon Public House, a promising fast-casual destination for weary travelers eager for respite and a full belly on a crisp fall day. The kitchen prepares several burgers, a pork tenderloin sandwich, and appetizers like campfire nachos during their initial soft opening phase. Their more expansive menu featuring pizza, steak, and other dishes will roll out once their kitchen team is fully trained.

Burger prices, one side included, ran $12.99 for the Original eight-ouncer with trimmings to a whopping $24.99 for the Double Down with two patties adding up to a pound of beef.

Most of the menu is reasonably-priced with a selection to appease meat-lovers. Save room for bourbon pecan pie.

Some guests have balked at prices on social media. Undoubtedly, the cost to eat out has risen everywhere. A local restaurant and bar won’t compete on price with corporate-owned steakhouse chains and fast food franchises. Jaudon Public House’s owners and staff exhibit friendly attentive service. They are intent on making guests feel like the place is home away from home. Cheap thrills and booze on this site rode into the sunset years ago.

The bar serves a mix of local craft beer and classic light beers on tap, spirits, and cocktails with fanciful names – City Slicker, Wobblin’ Jaw, and Flannelmouth. Pick your poison and perhaps your newfound persona for the night.

High-definition screens mounted throughout the bar, dining area, and patio enable guests to keep an eye on sporting events. A garage door connects the bar to the patio, lending the space a casual indoor-outdoor vibe.

Peltier elaborated on why he and his partners chose to revive a building and property with a storied history reputed to trace back to the Civil War.

“All of the owners live nearby. We wanted a place that’s different from others. A nice dive, a nice place for people to go,” said Peltier.

Tucked near the Kansas-Missouri line and a short hop from Belton, folks have a cozy destination at Jaudon Public House to call their own in an area that’ll likely attract more residential and commercial growth in years to come. James Jaudon’s wish still might come true one day.