Gordon Biersch Pulls Plug on Downtown Power & Light Location

One of the downtown Power & Light District’s original tenants, Gordon Biersch brewery and restaurant, is closing after anchoring a strategic corner at 14th and Walnut since 2008.

In a release, company officials described the departure as a “natural end at this location.

“We have enjoyed being a part of the renaissance of downtown Kansas City and continue to be committed to doing business in the Kansas City area,” according to the statement.

Gordon Biersch released this commemorative brew when it opened in the Power & Light District in 2008.

Gordon Biersch provided a big boost to the fledgling Power & Light District when it agreed to lease a high-profile 8,500 square-foot space at the northeast corner of 14th and Walnut. The brewery had access from both the street and the inner Kansas City Live courtyard, featuring a patio near the courtyard stage.

The Cordish Co., owner of the Power & Light District, released a statement recognizing the early role Gordon Biersch had in the launch of the entertainment district.

“Gordon Biersch has had a great run through the end of its lease term in the Power & Light District, and we would like to thank them for the role they have played in the revitalization of downtown Kansas City,” Nick Benjamin, executive director, said in a statement.

“Tenant transitions are a healthy part of the evolution of a neighborhood and we take a great deal of pride in the fact that we have taken advantage of transition opportunities over the years to continually update and diversify the Power & Light District’s tenant mix.”

Since the opening of Gordon Biersch, the competition for fresh-brewed craft beer in downtown Kansas City has taken off with at least a half-dozen microbreweries opening plus a major expansion of the Boulevard Brewing visitor center and beer hall.

The Power & Light District also has added a beer-oriented Yard House franchise plus another original beer-oriented tenant, The Flying Saucer.

Gordon Biersch will continue to operate its brewery and restaurant in Leawood. It’s parent company, and its parent company, CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries Group, also operates Old Chicago Pizza & Taprooms in Independence, Shoal Creek, and one under construction in Overland Park.