Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron Bredemeier.
Hi Ron, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
July 1st 1997 I purchased Helen’s from Helen Warren. Helen had been operating here since the early 70s. I had been working for Harrahs Casino and would stop in after my shifts. The lack of craft beer motivated me to make an offer to Helen. We now operate out of a 100 year old building with a Brunswick Bar & Back Bar circa 1895.
We added Guinness Stout, Boulevard Pale Ale, & Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat the first day. Helen’s JAD now offers around 30 beers and a few craft cocktails on draft. We also updated the liquor offerings and built out a kitchen.
Over the years I’ve developed our signature Sweet & Spicy wings and UBER hot wings with home grown Carolina Reapers, Ghost Peppers, & Scorpions bringing the heat. Our menu offers Wings, Burgers (with hand-cut fries), & Pizzas.
We’ve had the honor of being Kansas City’s Best of Late night food several times.
Helen’s JAD is a 3 am bar with the kitchen operating until 2 am most days. We remain an over 21 venue. Operating like a tavern with large tables and plenty of sports TVs and local camaraderie.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Covid was a problem. Ruined our food truck business.
We persevered and did everything we could. A lot of my friends businesses did not survive. The endless supply chain concerns are still with us. The rampant inflation. Hiring competent help is ongoing problem.
Yet we’re still hanging in there
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m self taught. We specialize in bar food done well. Burgers, Wings, Pizzas, Fried Goat Cheese, & hand crafted daily specials. Presently we offer smoked pork belly for PBLTs, Hand made pastrami for Ruebens & Pastrami on Rye, Cuban sandwiches, & a Smoked Pork Belly & Smoked Turkey Club.
We are known for our outstanding wings with our in house crafted sauces. Sweet & Spicy, UBER Hot, & Thai Chili.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was raised in a small farming community in Kansas. I enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on my grandfathers farm.
I particularly enjoyed helping my grandmothers garden and can vegetables.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helensjadbar.com
- Facebook: Helen’s JAD Bar & Grill
