BenchWarmers Tavern & Grill CEO arrested; fate of planned Wichita sites is unclear

Aug. 2, 201011:13 a.m.

WICHITA — In June, a BenchWarmers Tavern & Grill spokeswoman told Have You Heard? that CEO Kevin Foote helps set the business apart because he’s an executive chef.

He’s setting BenchWarmers apart for a new reason now.

According to newspapers in Colorado, where the chain is based, Foote was arrested last week on suspicion of a parole violation.

BenchWarmers signed a lease for the former Highlands Gastropub and Cardroom at 3731 N. Rock Road and had at least one more site planned for Wichita.

The Boulder Daily Camera quoted a Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman as saying Foote, 47, was arrested Wednesday for not telling his parole officers that he works around liquor and financial records.

The newspaper reports that for a 10-year period ending in 2003, Foote was arrested in Colorado about a dozen times on suspicions of various crimes, such as larceny, theft and fraud.

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By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , , , Filed under Bars, Legal, Real estate, Restaurants | Comments

BenchWarmers Tavern & Grill to open in former Highlands Gastropub space

June 7, 20104:49 p.m.

WICHITA — The almost 7,500-square-foot building at 3731 N. Rock Road has been home to several restaurants in recent years.

Highlands Gastropub and Cardroom was the most recent short-lived tenant. Serengeti Grill was briefly there before that, and Black Canyon Grille had a longer existence there before that.

Now, BenchWarmers Tavern & Grill, an upscale sports bar, has a 10-year lease on the space.

“We’re very serious and plan on being there a long time,” says Pamela Tauman, marketing manager and department head for the Erie, Colo.-based BenchWarmers International. “It’s a great spot.”

Nathan Farha of Grubb & Ellis/Martens Commercial Group represented BenchWarmers in the deal.

BenchWarmers is looking for a second Wichita site but doesn’t have it finalized yet.

The first BenchWarmers opened in Aurora, Colo., near Denver in January. There are only a couple of sites so far, but the company is in a huge growth mode.

After a planned opening in Centennial, Colo., on July 8, BenchWarmers plans to open a new site every other week for a year.

“They just feel very confident about their business plan and about the model we have in place,” Tauman says. “Since they have the funds to make it happen at that rate, they’re just ready to go.

“They’re very eager to make their mark.”

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By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Filed under Bars, East side, Leases, Real estate, Restaurants | Comments

Highlands Gastropub and Cardroom closes

Nov. 6, 20091:40 p.m.

WICHITA — After losing its legal battle to keep its Kandu Challenge card game and facing financial struggles, Highlands Gastropub and Cardroom has closed.

“At some point, you gotta know when you’re beat,” says operations coordinator Shane McCullough.

Last month, Highlands representatives said they hoped to fight a Sedgwick County District Court ruling that Kandu is a game of chance and thus prohibited by Kansas law. They are still planning to appeal the decision.

In the meantime, though, financial problems have been mounting.

McCullough says he doesn’t blame the media, but he says news reports made it sound like when Highlands lost Kandu, the business closed.

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By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , Filed under Restaurants | Comments

Skillz restaurant, lounge and betting parlor to open next to Club Rodeo

June 18, 20094:09 p.m.

holdemjgpWICHITA — So, think you’ve got some mad betting skillz?

There’s going to be a new restaurant and lounge next to Club Rodeo on East Kellogg where you can try your luck.

The new Skillz opens Monday.

“You can wager on your skill,” says owner Daven Flax.

Like other bars in town, such as Highlands Gastropub & Cardroom, Skillz will offer a version of Texas hold ‘em where players get a brief look at cards before playing “so it becomes a game of skill.”

“We’re not gambling,” Flax says.

There also will be a Bet the Races room with things like horse and dog racing from across the country. Flax says the races are live and have an advanced deposit wagering system.

Flax says there will be inexpensive food and drinks, too.

“We’d like to be open 24/7, but we obviously will follow the law as far as liquor goes,” Flax says.

That means the liquor stops flowing at 2 a.m., but the cards will keep going.

By Carrie Rengers | Tags: , , , Filed under Bars, Games, Restaurants | Comments