Anti-pride. That's the best way to describe this town's inferiority complex. It sounds like a bad thing, but consider this: Commiserating is probably the number-one way that people bond with each other. And though we're the first to complain amongst ourselves that Kansas City isn't a Boston, Chicago or Denver, let someone from out of town tell us that our town sucks and we're ready to brawl. It's like complaining about someone else's mother -- they can do it, but if you do, God help you, sucka.
That's what's great about The Bunker's best-selling T-shirt, which bears the slogan, "What happens in Kansas City ... doesn't matter." Store owner Kurt Scholla came up with the riff on Las Vegas' motto and the tee's design and gets them printed by Cleveland-based Jakprints. They go for $24.
"It's a lighthearted jab at how we're a very big small town," says Drew Barr, who's worked at The Bunker since the shirts first debuted in 2004. "I love it here. It's just that nothing big happens here very often."
Two other house-made tees are big sellers: "Don't Mess With Kansas, Either," and, "Put Me Outta My ... Missouri."
Shoes are The Bunker's bread and butter, but tees and accessories come in a close second. Obey and Rvca brands are probably the most popular of the zillion-and-a-half brands they carry, Barr says.
Barr answered a question that's been on my mind for years: Is there any relation between The Bunker and Belmont Army Surplus,
in Chicago? Yes, it turns out: Scholla's uncle, who opened The Bunker
in 1997, also started the Chicago store, which Scholla's brother now
runs. It's a family affair: Scholla's mom, who is Korean, helps out at
The Bunker sometimes, and is often mistaken for the store's owner.
Another fashion question answered. Now, let's bask in some Kansas City anti-pride.
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I thought the Jazzy Jeff incident was embarrassing for KC, but I'm not embarrassed of KC.
In defense of my hometown, Denver probably seems full of restaurant chains because so many of them started there (Chipotle, Noodles & Co., Quiznos, I think?). I'm not sure why that is. I'll ask Fat City.
So yeah, it's good that we're not Denver then! Have you ever met Nadia!? She's a super cool, super nice and down to earth lady who spends her life reporting about KC. I'm pretty sure she's got our back.
Plus, it's just a tee shirt. I've never seen anyone wearing any of those. All i see is "WELCOME TO KC, DUCK MOTHERFUCKER." Which I find depressing because I dont' really think gun violence is something to be proud of or ironically championing. But again, just a shirt.
I've lived in Chicago and I was very happy to come home to KC. =)
kc isn't "boston, chicago, or denver?"
everyone needs to remember this piece was written by nadia-- the same journalist that called kansas city "so embarrassing" when jazzy jeff got pulled out of the live block.
and nadia...denver is a hole with chain restaurants everywhere. please get higher standards.
If this is the bunkers number one tee then kc must agree! I give big ups to the bunker and any other independent biz that can survive in kcs mall based culture. I woundnt personally wear the shirt, but somebody must be wearing it! I buy all my shoes there and find their prices to be on par with the malls if not a bit cheaper. The owner lives in kc from what I hear.
Everytime I leave town to a larger city and tell people I am from Kansas City, they look at me with pity and concern and say, "hows that going for you?" Obviously they haven't been to Kansas City!!! Lets keep it our little secret. Cheers to the Bunker for poking fun at KC natives and The Bunker as well. I am one PROUD KC native that is not afraid to laugh at myself once in a while.
Personally, I love KC. I used to live in Chicago, as well as hick towns in Kansas and North Dakota.
I think Kansas City is one of the best places to live in comparison to other cities. It is easy to get around, yet we have the best restaurants, great theatre, the Plaza, a world class art museum and much more. Why the hell would anyone complain?! :p
This is an issue that should be discussed more often. It relates to all issues for this city. Light rail, public school, power & light, the royals record, etc. Self-esteem and whether people in KC see this city's potential. Time for a KCPT/pitch televised town hall meeting.
It's a dying trend that I'm glad you pointed out. Endearing at first but then becomes a self -fulfilling prophesy.
Very indicative of Bunker, actually. Carry's over-priced items that are "ALMOST" cool enough to like - besides the Sikenomics stuff, of course!
I'm dying to see the day when they get over that hump. Are the Schollas from KC?
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