Fountain Haus: A Cherished LGBTQ-Friendly Nightlife Venue in Westport Closes Its Doors

Sad news for Kansas City’s nightlife scene – Fountain Haus, a popular LGBTQ-friendly spot in Westport, has shut down. This club, known for its three floors, multiple dance floors, and iconic rooftop “pool deck,” gave its patrons unforgettable memories. Sadly, the last night of business was on Saturday.

Challenges and Triumphs of Fountain Haus

Club owner David Brinkerhoff said that despite their hard work and dedication, the team faced more challenges than expected. As a result, keeping Fountain Haus open was no longer possible. However, Brinkerhoff and his partners, Dan Meiners and Ryan Overberg, can be proud of what they achieved since opening the club in 2022 at 401 Westport Road, previously home to HopCat and TikiCat.

An Unforgettable Venue

Fountain Haus was a 13,000-square-foot space with food, multiple bars, and a rooftop “pool deck” designed to look like an empty swimming pool, complete with ceramic tiles and a sign for the “deep end.” The club hosted drag shows, dance parties like Queer Terror, and served as a hub during Pride events. It billed itself as “one of the largest queer and ally spaces” in the Midwest.

Legal Matters and Employee Support

David Hollins, a former minority partner in the business, filed a lawsuit last August alleging that the owners had not paid back his $50,000 investment in the club, which amounted to a 2% stake in the business. The lawsuit was settled a few weeks ago, with Hollins’ attorney stating that the settlement was satisfactory to his client. It is unknown if the settlement was related to the club’s closure.

Brinkerhoff confirmed that employees would receive severance for the month of February. He encouraged Fountain Haus customers to support other LGBTQ establishments in the area, such as Bistro 303, Cafe Trio, Gaels Public House, Hamburger Mary’s, Missie B’s, Sidekicks, Sidestreet, and Woody’s.

Discover Your Dream Home Near Exciting Nightlife Options

If you’re looking to buy a home near exciting nightlife options like Fountain Haus, consider exploring the surrounding areas of Overland Park, Leawood, and Olathe Kansas. With the help of a real estate agent, you can find the perfect home in these vibrant communities that offer a variety of nightlife options.

Gratitude for the Fountain Haus Legacy

As the club closes its doors, Brinkerhoff expressed his gratitude to the Fountain Haus team, the customers, and the community partners who contributed to the club’s success. He stated, “You are the heartbeat of Fountain Haus. We are super proud of what we built together and are so grateful to have been a part of Kansas City’s story.”