A New Captain Set To Arrive In Grain Valley

​     The list of places to grab a bite to eat and enjoy your favorite libation is set grow in Grain Valley by the end of 2020. Captain’s Sports Bar and Lounge will be opening at 301 SW Eagles Parkway under the ownership of Jake Dickey and Josh Walruff. Both Dickey and Walruff grew up in Eastern Jackson County and are excited to expand their business past its original location in Lake Lotawana.
     “There’s a need in Grain Valley for more restaurants and we want to help fill that void. Josh and I grew up in Oak Grove and we have heard from numerous family and friends over recent years that they would like what we offer in Grain Valley,” Dickey said.
     “I have been in the restaurant business for what feels like all of my life. One of the first jobs I ever had was cooking at Stables in Grain Valley. Josh cooked there as well. I worked my way through college serving and bartending. I am 37 now and have been in restaurant ownership since I was 24 years of age.”
     Captain’s menu claims to have their competitors walking the plank. A variety of comfort foods and Americana style dishes round out the offerings. Appetizers from Bacon Torpedoes to Pretzel Sticks can be had, along with greens such as the Buffalo Salad, and burgers featuring fresh ingredients such as the Cowboy Burger.
     You also have the option at Captain’s to build your own 7 or 14 inch pizza with toppings of your choice. Pork Tenderloin is among the sandwich options as well as the Fish & Chips Entrée for those with a healthy appetite. Not to mention, Captain’s famous Chicken Wings that range from mild to hot with several dry rub and sauce options to ignite your craving. The wings come highly recommended from Dickey and Walruff as they are proclaimed to be the best in Kansas City on Captain’s menu.
     “Definitely our wings would be our signature item. We also prepare 8 ounce burgers. They are big and juicy. We were using Valley Oaks beef and plan to do that again as they prepare to open in Blue Springs. Freshness matters. We hand patty our own burger,” Walruff said.
     “Our wings are never frozen and we offer unique sauce options. A lot of places have them already cooked, drop them in a fryer, sauce them up, and that’s your wings.”
     Courtney Cline is the office manager for Captain’s Sports Lounge. Her goal is to make you feel like a local, even if you are not one when you visit the restaurant. Cline believes that promotion of a family atmosphere, a relaxed social setting, and good food help to make you feel like you are at home.
     Cline highlighted that one of Captain’s biggest gatherings are baby showers and gender reveal parties. The non-smoking environment is intended to be inviting for guests of all ages.
     Live music, dart tournaments, wine and whiskey tasting nights are also special events offered at the current Captain’s location in Lake Lotawana (27909 E Colbern Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO. 64086).
     Hospitality can be defined in many ways for those in the restaurant business. It’s also a sign of how those in the industry value their customers. Dickey and Walruff offered their thoughts on why hospitality is important.
     “To me hospitality is about showing people a good time so that they want to come back. Creating a connection with them through communication and a positive relationship,” Dickey said.
     Walruff added, “We want to offer influences that we enjoy. We don’t offer things that we don’t enjoy. It’s showing a bit of yourself. The enjoyment you have comes through in the service you provide.”
     “We encourage our staff to take the time to have conversations and get to know people when they come visit. Many of our loyal customers are on a first name basis. Captain’s Sports Lounge embraces people from all walks of life.”
     A full menu and customer reviews of Captain’s Sport Lounge may be found at www.captainssportspub.com.