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 (13)

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 (5)