April 23, 2015
The Lone Elm Taproom
Yesterday, I stopped by The Lone Elm Taproom in the new Whole Foods store in Olathe. It was their Grand Opening and you could tell from the crowd. The store itself was extremely busy, but the taproom was slightly less busy. It’s a great concept – a taproom inside a grocery store with local beers and wines. The taproom’s opening on Earth Day is no coincidence. It’s an Earth-friendly store that used recycled materials such as reclaimed gym floor from Dekalb High School in DeKalb, Missouri, wood paneling from reclaimed beetle-kill ash trees from around Kansas City, and spring bar stools made from an oil rig in Kansas to create the environment.
There were several people on staff and they were quick to serve and clean up. You could also order food featuring local ingredients. It’s always a good idea to eat before you go grocery shopping!
I didn’t stay for KC Bier Company‘s tapping of a Bavarian barrel, but I’m sure it was a good time. If KC Bier knows anything (other than bier) it’s how to have a good time!
The taproom will have beer events every Saturday starting May 2nd with a Beer & Cheese pairing. May 9th Torn Label will have a tap takeover and May 23rd will be Meet the Maker with KC Bier.
Overall, it’s a great little spot if you live nearby. I appreciate the work that went into it to make it as green and local as possible. It’s even a great spot for out-of-towners to try most of Kansas City’s offerings for beer all in one place.
Here are some pictures of the taproom.
