A new restaurant with a private club is bringing a popular business model seen in larger cities to KC.
Privee Restaurant and Lounge (700 Southwest Blvd. KCMO) offers a fine dining restaurant, bar lounge and private members-only club in its massive nine thousand square foot space.
“Instead of having to go to the Capital Grille then leave and go to Monarch Bar, we put them all in the same place,” says Privee co-owner Tim Harris. “We wanted to give Kansas City a venue that they’re likely not ‘privy’ to.”
Harris is a KC native and met his business partner New York-born Marcus Easy while working together at Cerner in 2016. Inspired by the upscale venues in larger cities, Harris and Easy opened Privee in early August. The restaurant is open to the general public, but for $250 a month, Black Card members get to enjoy exclusive perks like valet parking, a wine club, access to the upstairs Jade Room and more. According to the owners, the private club is for collaborating and networking.
The new digs come with a dress code and security. Restaurant with private clubs are quickly gaining popularity in larger cities.
Executive Chef Jonathan Wilson’s from-scratch menu focuses on seafood and steaks. Entrees like jerked teriyaki salmon, grilled lamb chops and herb crusted chicken breasts stay in the $30 range but for those wanting to splurge, big ticket items like $130 seafood towers and $200 tomahawk steaks are offered.
The restaurant industry is a new venture for the two owners, so they’ve hired consultants to give them a helping hand, including Bryan Arri, who curated Privee’s entire bar program. Arri just recently won Kansas City magazine’s 2023 Best Mixologist and Best Pop-Up for his soon-to-be brick and mortar Fern Bar.
Music will be eclectic, ranging from a DJ to live music with a violinist, songstress or saxophonist. “We use music as our ambiance setter,” says Harris. “We’re all about creating a unique experience as you sit and enjoy the fine dining food.”
Operating hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 4pm-1am. The kitchen closes at 10pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 11pm Friday – Saturday.
Brunch offered 11am – 4pm every Saturday and Sunday.
The Privee building has sat vacant for nearly three years after housing several clubs, like Casa Grande and 7Hundred.
