Construction crews are hard at work at a low-lying shopping center at 103rd and Wornall. Meanwhile one Kansas City man contemplates re-opening a popular restaurant and bar.
The owners of Coach's Bar & Grill, Brian Darby and Chris Carle, were trapped inside their business while flash flood waters overtook the building. Now their concern has shifted from personal safety to the well-being of their employees.
On Monday night, they had a meeting with their staff of 35 and told the workers they'll have to do what's best for them. They will work to reopen in six months to a year, but there are no promises.
Darby said the whole place has to be gutted because the flood water seeped in everything from ceiling tiles to TVs. A layer of mud coats the floor.
He said the restaurant has flooded six or seven times before.
"This one is by far the most devastating. In the past, we were able to keep employees employed by helping. They could help clean up. We are having them do some of that stuff, but it's just too dangerous of work," said Darby.
He explained professionals are taking on the bulk of the restoration work.
Darby said the employees have been out of work for five days, but that many restaurants have stepped up to help them find employment during this transition time.
"They lost a weekend of wages. I pray, or at least I lie to myself, they're going to be OK. They're going to land on their feet and in six months, a year, hopefully they come back," Darby said.
Darby is meeting with the general contractor and insurance adjusters Tuesday. He hopes to have more concrete answers in a couple of months.
Darby also recently lost his father, Mike Darby, who had owned the bar. Mike Darby was murdered along Indian Creek Trail.
"My Dad. I'm trying to figure out what he would do if he was here. That's weighing heavily on me," said Darby.
Mike Darby's killer still has not been found. If you have any information, you're asked to call police or the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-8477.
