89-year-old Johnson County bar closed last year. Here’s what’s opened in its place
The Silver Wheel was perhaps one of the oldest — if not the oldest — bars in Johnson County.
It opened in the 1930s at 8385 Penner Ave. in De Soto, near a small filling station. At the time, it was a popular dancing spot and even hosted alcohol-free nights for teenagers.
It survived World War II, several recessions and the pandemic. Then, it closed last year after then-owner Richard Prater had a heart attack. (He renamed it Prater’s Silver Wheel Tavern when he took over roughly two years ago.)
Now a new restaurant has opened in its place.
Manny Garnun and his parents, Manuel and Christina Garcia, bought the place and reopened it as Leo’s Kitchen and Patio a few weeks ago.
The restaurant is a breakfast and lunch place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s open late for bar-goers.
Garnun himself has a hard time categorizing the space.
“I wanted it to be a sports bar that has good food, but it became a restaurant that serves really good drinks,” he said. “We want to say, girls night out, let’s do karaoke, but also the boys will be here tomorrow to watch the game.”
A few items on the breakfast menu: the country omelet (ham, sausage, bacon, green pepper, onion, tomato and cheddar cheese), and the sunrise (two eggs, two strips of bacon, ham or sausage links).
In the afternoon, patrons can order options like the fiesta burger (lettuce, tomato, pepper jack, chorizo, avocado, and mayo on a sesame bun, topped with a chile toreado), a fried chicken sandwich or wings.
Garnun noted that the burgers have been particularly popular.
He left a few elements of the bar the same. The old silver wheel hanging next to the sign out front. It still resembles an old house, its exterior is the same eggshell color.
The astute eye may notice the “L” in the Leo’s logo has a loop at the top — a nod to the wheel.
Inside, however, Garnun did a complete remodel of the bathrooms, floors, bar space and kitchen.
But Garnun’s favorite addition is, without question, the red brick patio. He has big visions for the outdoor space — live music, more televisions, an outside bar.
“I’m not done yet,” he said.
Before opening Leo’s, Garnun and his parents owned Don Manuel at 920 E. Old Highway in Olathe. They sold it before the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it’s El Saguaro Mexican Grill y Night Club.
But many remember Garnun from his former clothing store in downtown De Soto, Aventura. The spot was a joint venture between him and his mother that sold prom dresses, among other apparel. It closed a few years ago.
Still, many of his old customers visited right when Leo’s opened, bearing flowers, cards and other gifts.
“I wish I had recorded it, but it only lives in my head,” he said. “I still remember opening the door and seeing their big smiles.”
As for the name, Garnun said his father has always talked about wanting to open a restaurant called Leo’s. Plus, Garnun and his parents’ zodiac sign is Leo (the looped “L” also resembles the Leo symbol).
While Garnun is looking forward to what’s to come, he’s said he’s honored to be part of a place with such a legacy. Many of the Silver Wheel’s regulars were eager to return.
“We hear a lot of history, all the stories of this place,” he said. “I tell people, ‘Bring pictures.’”
Leo’s is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 8 a.m. to midnight Saturdays, and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Garnun said the hours could change.
