Kansas City Blog

Angela C. Bond

One of the most sophisticated restaurant-nighclub venues in Kansas City, Seven, closed on Monday, February 23 after 22 months of operation. Owner Bill George -- who originally opened the restaurant in the historic Western Union Building at 7th and Walnut with legendary restaurateur Victor Fontana -- said it was a number of issues that led him to close Seven. The weak economy, of course, topped the list, but the decision by Kansas City, Missouri to ban smoking in restaurants and nightclubs was an even bigger blow.

"And because Seven is located in a historic building," George added, "we couldn't add an outdoor deck or patio to accommodate smokers. That was hard, because we had built up a very steady nightclub clientele." The addition of the new nightclubs in the Power & Light District also took its toll on Seven's cocktail crowd.

George and Fontana parted ways after Seven was about a year old and George operated the business himself. I asked him if he'd consider opening another restaurant someday.

"My background is in the transportation business," he laughed. "Let's just say that I've had my enjoyment. It was a lot of fun, but the restaurant and nightclub business is very hands-on. You need to be there all the time."

Not quite seven days a week, but you get the idea. George has the business up for sale. Maybe Seven will be a lucky number for someone else.