Johnson County bar owner says he’ll be forced to move: ‘It’s been a roller coaster’

Willie Vader opened his Vader’s Bar & Deli in downtown Olathe 12 years ago, sinking $200,000 into the space.

He sold his house in Colorado and took out loans to get it up and running.

Now, Vader says he’s scrambling to find a new spot.

Olathe is looking to redevelop its sleepy downtown into a lively entertainment district. Vader said he’s spoken with a potential developer who plans to put other businesses in the revamped building.

And those plans don’t include him.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions,” Vader said, adding that he’s about the cost of moving and whether he can find a new spot.

The city, however, which took possession of the building early last year, said it has not finalized any plans.

“We’ve had interviews, we’ve had applicants, but we haven’t selected anyone yet,” said Cody Kennedy, a spokesman for Olathe. “That’s an ongoing process.”

Vader’s is known for catering to patrons across the metro who must avoid gluten — his daughter has celiac disease. The menu has several gluten free options — like their chicken sandwich on a gluten free bun.

Vader recalled a time after opening when he discovered a gluten-free customer had driven from Grain Valley to try his food.

“I was just shocked,” he said.

It’s those customers he would feel most sorry for, should he have to close.

Vader’s, at 122 N. Cherry St., sits in a building with three other businesses. Kennedy said Vader and the other tenants were notified of their lease expiration in October.

Vader signed a lease at the beginning of the year that extended to July 15, Kennedy said. For now, he’s operating on a month-by-month basis.

“I answer questions all day every day … about our status,” Vader said. “I don’t know when we’re going to close.”

To cover the potential costs of relocating, Vader launched a GoFundMe . He’d like to move further north in Johnson County, more central to his customer base, and he seriously entertained a spot in Shawnee.

But he’s open to other locations, including any second-generation bar and restaurant space, cheaper than a new build-out.

After Vader’s shared the GoFundMe on social media, faithful customers began to voice their support.

“Well that stinks. Sorry that this is happening to you and hope you can get all of the funding needed. Hate to see you move further down the road, but you go where you can,” one user wrote.

“A horrible way to treat a business that, for me & my friends, has been a destination for a while,” another wrote.

More than $4,000 has been raised in the past few days. Vader’s fundraising goal was initially $250,000 for his Shawnee build-out, but he said that could change if he finds a different space.

“Reactions from people are extremely genuine and touching to me,” Vader told The Star. “I’ve been in this industry since I was a teenager, and it’s what I love to do.”

Kennedy said the timeline for redevelopment of the building is unclear and depends on the approval of a proposal.

The project to update Vader’s building is part of a broader effort by the city to revitalize its downtown.

In 2021, the $193 million Johnson County District Courthouse opened just north of Vader’s.

The city and county have been working to improve Johnson County Square , the public space between the Johnson County Administration Building and the courthouse.

A multipurpose stage and additional seating have been added in the past few years. Kennedy said the city and county have been working together to bring more events and businesses to the area.

“It presents a wonderful opportunity for people to gather and visit downtown Olathe,” Kennedy said.

For now, Vader’s is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Mondays through Thursdays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays. It is closed on Sundays.