By David Miller
Downtown Olathe’s newest entertainment destination is almost ready to open, but finding the entrance might be part of the experience.
The Office Lounge, a basement-level cocktail and live-music venue at 110 S. Cherry St., has announced it will open Wednesday, Oct. 21, bringing a new option for cocktails, conversation and live entertainment to downtown Olathe.
The announcement comes just days after the city of Olathe issued a temporary certificate of occupancy for the establishment, an important milestone following months of construction.
Unlike a traditional downtown bar with a street-level entrance, customers will enter an existing office building near Cherry and Park streets, then take an elevator directly into the lounge.
“The elevator opens up right into the lounge,” co-owner Brandon Blum said.
Blum, who spent more than three decades helping operate Austin’s Bar & Grill in Olathe, is developing the concept with business partner Chris Scrivo, who has experience opening restaurants and bars throughout the Kansas City area.
For Blum, the venture represents an opportunity to create something different from the traditional sports bar environment, with an emphasis on hospitality, carefully prepared cocktails and live entertainment.
The idea began taking shape after Blum connected with downtown building owner Andrew Carroll, who had available basement space in the building. Rather than opening another conventional restaurant, Blum envisioned a comfortable gathering place that could become a destination for people looking for a night out.
A LOUNGE WITH AN OFFICE PERSONALITY
The name The Office Lounge reflects both its location and the atmosphere its owners hope to create.
Blum has described a concept that incorporates elements of office culture into a relaxed social setting, allowing customers to stop by after work or even bring a laptop during quieter afternoon hours.
Earlier plans included playful office-themed touches, including supplies, workspaces and a printer available for customers to use.
The interior is expected to feature an industrial-style design with exposed ceilings, comfortable lounge seating, a full bar and a stage for musicians.
Although its basement location might suggest a traditional speakeasy, Blum has emphasized that the business is intended to be welcoming rather than exclusive.
“It’s not a speakeasy,” he said.
The drink menu is expected to emphasize craft cocktails, accompanied by a limited selection of food rather than full restaurant service. Earlier plans included charcuterie, desserts and other small plates.
LIVE MUSIC A BIG PART OF THE PLAN
Live entertainment is expected to play a significant role in the business.
Blum has discussed featuring local musicians performing acoustic music, blues, jazz, country and other styles, with the possibility of expanding performances as the lounge becomes established.
He wants the venue to become “a destination spot for music,” offering an intimate environment where guests can enjoy performances without the atmosphere of a large nightclub.
The owners also hope the lounge will complement downtown Olathe’s expanding restaurant scene by giving visitors somewhere to go before or after dinner.
Located just south of Johnson County Square, The Office Lounge will be within walking distance of several restaurants and downtown attractions.
Its opening comes amid continued restaurant and entertainment development in the historic downtown area.
Third Street Social and Pizza 51 have opened locations along Kansas Avenue, while additional projects, including the planned Char Bar restaurant and entertainment complex, are expected to bring more activity downtown.
The Office Lounge will offer a different kind of experience, particularly for customers interested in cocktails and live entertainment in a smaller setting.
The business originally targeted a summer completion, but renovations continued into the fall. Its newly issued temporary certificate of occupancy allows occupancy while certain non-life-safety construction items may remain unfinished.
The Office Lounge’s opening announcement promotes live music, crafted cocktails and hospitality as its central attractions. An exact opening time for Wednesday and the initial entertainment schedule have not yet been confirmed.
For Blum, the opening marks a new chapter after more than 30 years in Olathe’s restaurant industry, this time with a concept focused on creating a comfortable social atmosphere rather than operating a traditional restaurant.
The Office Lounge is located at 110 S. Cherry St., Unit A, in downtown Olathe.
Olathe Today hopes to provide a closer look inside the new lounge as the business gets underway.
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