Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Youssef.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always loved hospitality and creating memorable experiences. I started in real estate, then expanded into short-term rentals, where I discovered how much I enjoyed creating places people genuinely loved staying in.
For years, I’d drive by the old church that is now Melrose Abbey. I always thought it was one of the most beautiful buildings in Kansas City, but it saddened me to see it continue to deteriorate. So when it finally came on the market, I knew I had to at least try to pursue it.
The timing was a little crazy—we bought the building just before my wife and I got married. It became the perfect partnership: I focused on bringing the building back to life through the construction and renovation, while my wife, who’s an incredibly talented interior designer, created the vision for the interiors and guest experience.
Melrose Abbey became an opportunity to take our passion for hospitality to a whole new level—not just providing a place to stay, but creating a place where people celebrate some of the most meaningful moments of their lives. That’s what makes the project so special to us.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all. Looking back, I was probably a little ignorantly optimistic—which, honestly, was probably a good thing because I’m not sure I would’ve taken it on if I’d known everything ahead of time.
This was my first commercial project, and our final cost ended up being more than four times my original estimate. Along the way we faced challenge after challenge: discovering after closing that the building required a full sprinkler system, multiple thefts on the job site, rising material costs, supply chain issues, and permitting and licensing delays that constantly pushed our timeline.
The craziest part is that we literally finished construction about 24 hours before our very first wedding. We spent the final day deep cleaning, moving furniture into place, and getting everything ready just in time. It was one of the most stressful seasons of our lives—but looking back, it makes the story that much more meaningful.
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?
At the core, I’m a real estate investor and entrepreneur, but what I really love is creating places where people experience connection. Whether it’s a short term rental, a wedding venue, or another hospitality project, I’m always asking, “How can we make this feel unforgettable?”
I think what sets us apart is that we focus on creating timeless spaces instead of chasing trends. We want our properties to feel just as beautiful twenty years from now as they do today.
My wife and I also make a great team. I love the challenge of bringing a vision to life through construction, renovation, and problem solving. She has an incredible eye for interior design and creating spaces that feel warm, beautiful, and inviting. Combining those two strengths allows us to create an experience that people remember long after they leave.
What I’m most proud of isn’t just the buildings we’ve restored. It’s knowing that they become the backdrop for some of life’s most meaningful moments. Whether it’s a wedding, a family getaway, or a weekend with friends, creating places where lasting memories are made is what inspires us the most.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the standard is only going to continue to rise. Expectations for what a venue offers and what a wedding looks and feels like have changed dramatically. Simple finishes, basic decorations, and outdated buildings are going to have a harder time competing. The game is on, and couples expect more than just a room. They want an experience.
At the same time, I think we’re going to see a revival of classic, timeless design. People are getting tired of chasing trends and are longing for spaces with character and permanence. Rich colors, crown molding, luxury drapery, timeless tile, beautiful craftsmanship, and details upon details.
I think the best venues of the next decade will create photographs that are hard to place in time. They could have been taken today, or they could feel like images from a royal wedding 150 years ago. That’s the kind of timelessness I think people are craving.
Pricing:
- 5000 Monday-Thursday
- 7500 Friday, Sunday
- 8500 Saturday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://melroseabbeykc.com
- Instagram: @melroseabbeykc or @johnnyyou
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/melroseabbeykc
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/johnnyyou
