Profile: Fern Bar
At Fern Bar, Bryan Arri and his team tell the stories of those creating sugarcane and agave products
Photos courtesy of Fern Bar
Hola, que tal MIKC peeps! Hope y’all are off to an amazing New Year! I am so exited to kick off my first article of the year and tell y’all all about the Crossroad’s latest hot spot! Let’s give a round of applause to FERN BAR!
I remember years ago when Fern Bar was simply a sparkle in Bryan Arri’s eyes. Oh yeah– before I get a head of myself, Mr. Arri is the brains and talent behind Fern Bar. I have had the pleasure of knowing Bryan since 2017. I will admit that I was a bit enamored and stalked this handsome red head via Instagram. Now don’t go judging me– have you not seen his cherub handsome face and that beautiful head of hair that is always perfectly coiffed?!
Anyways, Arri was tending bar at one of my favorite restaurants, Rye on the Plaza when we officially met in person. He exuded such charm and warmth. We quickly became friends and invited me to check the cocktail menu at Manifesto (I so miss this spot) where he also worked his magic. I could see and feel the passion that Bryan had for the cocktail/hospitality industry. I was elated when I heard the news that Arri was going to start slinging his amazing cocktails at The Monarch Bar. Soon after starting at The Monarch Bar, Bryan was producing Spirit educational events at The Parlour (located inside The Monarch Bar). These events quickly became popular. Then the accolades starting flowing in! Did you know that Mr. Fern Bar has been nominated numerous times and won a few times as “Best Bartender” and “Best Mixologist” in Kansas City? So, it was no surprise when Bryan confided in me that he wanted to open up his own bar. The determination that I saw in his eyes told me that he would definitely make his dreams come true.
If I may, let me rewind a bit. Years ago, a younger version of Arri was convinced he was going to open a coffee shop. He invested a lot of time perfecting his latte art, mastering a pour-over and developing efficiency in a busy shop in Columbia MO, much as he does now with his cocktails. As he spent time in coffee, it was the stories behind the beans that enticed him and drew him deeper into the craft. In a coffee environment, service is quick: people need their caffeine and there is little time for storytelling.
When he transitioned to bartending, the joy of not having to wake up at 5am was far overshadowed by the opportunity to learn new stories– those of each bottle on the back-bar. Often, customers see brands and bottles that they are familiar with– but Bryan sees stories waiting to be told. Each bottle communicates a place in time, a person or team behind the creation, and a story of a long journey before it lands on bar shelves. Bryan genuinely cares about those stories. Those stories are what fueled Bryan to set things in motion with Fern Bar. I could not be more proud and happy for him.
At Fern Bar, Bryan and his team tell the stories of those creating sugarcane and agave products. They share the tales of the harsh conditions for the plants, the people behind the liquid in the bottles, and the joys and tribulations behind each product. Each sip is an invitation to savor and enjoy, while reflecting on the miracle that we all get to consume wonderful products from such far away places.
Along with sipping delicious cocktails we all get to immerse ourselves with a warm, welcoming bar that makes you feel right at a home. Fern Bar kept many historical elements of the building as possible, as Architectural Salvage used to occupy the space. They kept the original floors, ceiling and positioned the bar around a scar of the building exposing some beautiful historic brick. KEM Studio assisted Fern Bar design a clean warm space, paying homage to the historical elements of the building while adding and showcasing timeless curves and natural details to the building.
“I wanted to create a warm, vibrant and casual bar that serves world class level cocktails. Many of the cocktail bars here in the city are beautifully designed and cater to a high-end clientele. I wanted to open a bar for the people, where one can walk into the bar in their street clothes and feel right at home.” said Bryan Arri.
While you’re indulging on creative cocktails and relaxing in a warm environment, you will will ecstatic to know that Bryan and his peeps are working on a full service menu with Tacos Valentina! I mean what else could you ask for...creative and delicious cocktails, a relaxed and welcoming environment and soon, mouthwatering flavorful tacos! Now that you are done reading this article RUN don’t walk over to FERN BAR!
