Krokstrom Klubb & Market

Our newest local restaurant, Krokstrom Klubb & Market, provides traditional Scandinavian fare inside the late German beer hall, just across the street from The Ambassador apartments. They have a full-service bar, and restaurant, prepared by chef and co-owner, Katee McLean, and, Josh Rogers – respectfully. They use restaurant software to keep the place up and running and state that this is a great resource. Bringing Scandinavia to midtown, owners, Josh Rogers, and, Katee McLean, joined the bustling Broadway/Westport scene with hopes of highlighting their particular culture in an area devoid of authentic Scandinavian food. They have a trained and knowledgeable staff, ready to welcome and educate any who visit for food and drink. Swing by for their Fika Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. every day, and 10 – midnight, Friday’s and Saturday’s. They have $5 Bar snacks, aquavit, and beer specials as well. They are walking distance from Mac Properties!

Interview:

1. Who are the primary owners of the business?

“Krokstrom Klubb & Market

Katee McLean – Chef & Owner

Josh Rogers – General Manager & Owner”

2. Where are you from? If not from Kansas City, how did you end up here?

“We’re both from Platte City, just north of the airport. After college we both moved to Midtown working in the local restaurant scene.”

3. How long have you been in the restaurant business?

“We have both been in the restaurant business since high school. Between the both of us, we have probably held every position in a restaurant. Katee, attended the culinary program at JCCC – she was on the competition team and traveled to Hong Kong to compete with that team. Josh, has opened several restaurants – both independent and chain – and has managed several restaurants since then.”

4. Why did you decide to open this type of restaurant?

“We both love the restaurant industry and wanted to share our love of Scandinavian Culture and Food with Kansas City.”

5. Why did you choose this location?

“The architecture and the neighborhood both factored heavily into our decision. The look of the building matched the design elements we were going for; the building was originally a German beer hall, which had ties to the local Scandinavian community. We also saw the area as a neighborhood on the brink of change, and wanted to be a part of that. With the new apartment renovations – and many other new businesses moving into the area – we wanted to be part of helping the neighborhood grow and evolve. We also live in the area, and liked the idea of living close to our business.”

6. What are your goals for 2016 and beyond?

“To continue to grow and spread knowledge about Scandinavian food and culture. We will be starting Sunday Brunch on Mother’s day, and will begin weekend lunch Friday’s and Saturday’s – beginning the weekend of, May 13^th.”

7. Who are your primary customers?

“We are still figuring that out. We have a very wide range of guests who come through the restaurant. There are a lot of people from the neighborhood that come through, as well as many guests that travel from afar to dine with us. We want to be welcoming to everyone, and don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t come dine with us.”

8. What do you want people to know about you and the restaurant?

“We love to educate and welcome people who are unfamiliar with our aquavit, mead, and overall Scandinavian food, customs, and traditions. Our service staff is wonderful, regarding the educational aspect of our restaurant.”

9. Tell us one interesting story about your business.

“We have been open just over 2 months, and already have a solid group of regulars. The first week we were open, we had a customer come in 4 days straight, because he was so excited about trying everything. Once people come in once, they keep coming back.”

10. What are your hours of operation?

“Tuesday – Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m. with a limited bar menu, 10 – midnight)

Sunday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

We are starting Sunday brunch on Mother’s Day, and every Sunday going forward; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Weekend lunch, Friday’s and Saturday’s, starting, May 13^th”

11. Where can people find you online, or otherwise learn more about your business?
    

“www.klubbkrokstrom.com

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram”

12. Do you have any specials you are offering?

“Join us for Fika Happy Hour, 4-6 p.m. every day, and 10 – midnight, Friday’s and Saturday’s.

$5 Bar snacks, aquavit, and beer specials as well.”

12. What is your best/most liked dish? – highlight of your best.

Our Smorgasbord is a perfect sampling of the real taste of Scandinavia. The Smorgasbord goes perfect with a flight of Aquavit, and a glass of mead!

Welcome to the neighborhood!