The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, one of the earliest tenants at the Power & Light District, has closed its doors permanently, according to a company official in Dallas.
The establishment at the southeast corner of 13th and Walnut opened in 2008 and featured more than 240 beers along with pub food.
While its name evokes extraterrestrial vehicles, it also refers to the commemorative plates serious beer drinkers, members of the UFO Club, could earn as well as the wide assortment of plates decorating the interior.
The Kansas City Flying Saucer location was operated by the Cordish Co., the owner of the Power & Light District, according to the Texas representative.
Attempts to reach Cordish officials for comment were unsuccessful, but the Flying Saucer was not among the businesses listed as reopening in the Power & Light District following the lift of some Covid-19 restrictions in a release issued by Cordish in May.
Members of the UFO Club could earn a commemorative plate by drinking 200 different beers. (Image from Flying Saucer website)
In a text to members of the UFO Club, aka Beerknurds, Flying Saucer said the Power & Light District owner was working on a plan to open up the place to allow members to retrieve their “well-earned plates.”
“It’s a crazy time and they have much to juggle,” the text stated. “We appreciate your patience and–even more so–your years of Beerknurd loyalty.
“We asked them to notify us as soon as they have a plan. We greatly appreciate your years of loyalty.”
The closing of the Kansas City operation is the end of Flying Saucer’s presence in Missouri. The St. Louis outlet closed in September 2018. The company still operates 14 locations in Arkansas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
This is the second beer-oriented business to close in the Power & Light District. Gordon Biersch left in 2017 and was replaced by the County Line Ice House barbecue restaurant.
Since the Power & Light District opened, the greater downtown beer scene has become much more crowded with almost a dozen microbreweries opening.
In other Power & Light District news, a business called “District Tan” is slated to occupy the space at 11 E. 12th St. formerly occupied by GNC Live Well, according to documents filed with the city.
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