If you haven't met Robert McCain and Joseph Fulgenzi yet — they're well-known local real-estate agents and entrepreneurs — you'll be hearing about them soon enough. McCain, who owns the Blo Salon & Studio in Westport, told Fat City today that he and longtime partner Fulgenzi have purchased the troubled Jardine's Restaurant & Jazz Club at 4536 Main from owner Beena Raja.
"It will remain a jazz club," McCain says, "and Beena will continue on for a period to guide us through the change in operations."
Jardine's has been bombarded with negative publicity since Raja allegedly fired her entire staff — there have been more public versions of the story than in Rashomon — and no one seems to know if the servers and musicians stiffed by Beena have been paid. (Waiter, author and blogger David Hayden, who has been following this story in his blog, told Fat City this evening that only one of the former staff members has been paid.)
The telephone number for Jardine's has been "temporarily disconnected," and the Jardine's website, under the "Special Events" tab, lists the following under the December 31 date:
"Come and celebrate with us!!! Its gonna be a party. Come say hello to Robert,Joseph, Armida, Antonio, Pat and the entire gang!!! Beena is fired. Lets toast 2012 with a bang.
McCain says New Year's Eve will mark their debut as the new owners of Jardine's.
Are the new owners concerned about the negative publicity that Jardine's has received lately?
"Not at all," Fulgenzi says. "Jardine's is an institution. When we came to Beena with an offer, we were the only bidder who wanted to keep it as it is: a great jazz club. One potential buyer wanted to turn it into a sushi bar."
The New Year's Eve celebration will begin at 7 p.m. with a $5 cover. The $35 prix fixe dinner (which does not include tax or gratuity) includes a choice of bruschetta or shrimp cocktail; soup or salad; a choice of Kansas City strip, salmon or rosemary chicken; and a choice of cheesecake or chocolate cake with raspberry sauce.
Because the Jardine's phone number is no longer working, Fulgenzi suggests that patrons call 816-223-5249 for reservations.
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What's with the cheesy photo of these 2 schlubs?
That enough reason to believe they don't know sh*t about running a club...and a jazz club to boot! Maybe they'll try and book Kenny Geeeee.!
I give 'em 18 months----tops.
Are the new owners or just investors? Did Beena offer a contract for sale to another party as it has been reported?
Did the Skip Sleyster-ish KCC get the story right on FOX4 involvement?
Any truth to the rumor Jardine's has signed a contract with Pepsi?
There are a million stories in the naked city, many await the next detail to drop.
I sure hope that they realize that by taking over the Jardine's business they need to pay the 15 workers there that were, are, and continue to be unpaid by Beena Raja.
It would be a drop in the bucket for these guys. But it would really show everyone involved that this is indeed a new club that is turning over a new leaf.
Whoever photoshopped that photo should be slapped. They just look creepy.
Best of luck to Robert and Joseph. When I first moved to KC I lived temporarily just east of Jardines. I would go there almost every night I was in town. Mostly due to the fact that I did not have to drive. But the staff and Beena too treated me like family and always welcomed me. The food and drink was always good as was the vibe. One Sunday a friend of mine and I built the elevated stage to prepare for the upcoming Marilyn Maye show. So I feel like a piece of me is there. I would hate to see that die. Looking forward to going to an invigorated place and seeing old friends.
Best of luck to Robert and Joseph. When I first moved to KC I lived temporarily just east of Jardines. I would go there almost every night I was in town. Mostly due to the fact that I did not have to drive. But the staff and Beena too treated me like family and always welcomed me. The food and drink was always good as was the vibe. One Sunday a friend of mine and I built the elevated stage to prepare for the upcoming Marilyn Maye show. So I feel like a piece of me is there. I would hate to see that die. Looking forward to going to an invigorated place and seeing old friends.
I have a gift card for $50 and tried to use it when they were down, I am curious to know whether they will honor it now?
Oh Charles, thank you for providing an update so late on a holiday weekend Friday afternoon. Good to have some clear information after this whole debacle. Of course, my guess is that the Christopher braintrust is going to scoop you on the "this was Beena's plan the entire time" story.
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