Kansas City Mourns: Remembering Justin Burnell & Simone Mele
Can the absence of a single person truly diminish the vibrancy of a community? The recent loss of Justin Burnell and Simone Mele, two pillars of Kansas City's hospitality scene, has left an undeniable void, a testament to their profound impact on those who knew them and the city they loved.
The Kansas City area, a city known for its rich cultural tapestry and burgeoning culinary landscape, is reeling from the loss of two individuals whose lives were interwoven with the very fabric of its social scene. Cate Root, reflecting on the profound impact of Justin Burnell, stated, "Justin made this world better, and it's on all of us to make it better in their absence." This sentiment underscores the shared grief and the collective responsibility felt by those who knew Burnell and Mele. Root, hailing from the Kansas City area, first crossed paths with Burnell approximately twenty years ago in the vibrant city of New Orleans, a connection that speaks to the far-reaching influence and the enduring bonds forged throughout their lives.
The news, reported by KCUR, has cast a pall over the local bar scene, with the staff at Drastic Measures in Shawnee, where Burnell was a partner, and at Swordfish Tom's, where he also contributed as a team member, left to grapple with the sudden and devastating loss. The couple had recently married and were returning from their honeymoon when the tragedy occurred, adding another layer of heartbreak to the already profound sense of loss. The community is also mourning the loss of Simone Mele. Their absence leaves a significant impact on the Kansas City area, which is known for its rich culture and hospitality.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Justin Burnell & Simone Mele |
| Known For | Influential figures in Kansas City's hospitality and service community |
| Professional Roles | Justin Burnell: Partner at Drastic Measures, Team Member at Swordfish Tom's, Queer writer and bartender |
| Education | Information not available |
| Places of Residence | Kansas City, New Orleans, New York, Iowa City, East Tennessee |
| Spouse | Simone Mele |
| Last Update | February 2025 |
| Associated Business | Drastic Measures, Swordfish Tom's |
| Writing Credits | Guernica, The Rumpus, Hotel and The Columbia Review |
| Reference Website | KCUR |
The impact of Burnell and Mele extended far beyond the confines of their professional lives. They were, as many in the community attest, forces for progressivism and hospitality, actively shaping the cultural landscape of Kansas City. Their presence enriched the lives of those around them, leaving an indelible mark on the bar and art community, as expressed by many of their peers.
Drastic Measures, the cocktail bar in Shawnee where Burnell was a partner, and Swordfish Tom's, a beloved establishment where he was a team member, have announced temporary closures and service adjustments as they mourn the loss of their teammates. The bar Drastic Measures, which opened in 2020, has been nominated for a national James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Hospitality Award, a testament to the bar's prominence within the industry. Drastic Measures was expecting takeovers from Jade Jaguar and Highball and was closed for the weekend. These closures underscore the depth of the grief felt within the hospitality community and the disruption caused by their absence. The staff at both establishments are grieving the loss of Justin Burnell and Simone Mele. The news of their passing has echoed through the Kansas City metro area, with many expressing their shock and sadness.
Jay Sanders, a colleague, and friend of Justin Burnell is also involved with the team behind Drastic Measures. Those who knew and loved Justin Burnell and Simone Mele are left to navigate a world that feels a little less bright. The couple's influence reached beyond their professional endeavors, touching the lives of countless individuals who were fortunate enough to cross their paths. The loss of Justin Burnell and Simone Mele serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we share with those we hold dear.
The news of their passing has sent shockwaves through the Kansas City community, particularly among those involved in the local bar and art scene. Friends, colleagues, and patrons alike are grappling with the sudden loss of two individuals who were integral to the fabric of their lives.
Justin Burnell, a queer writer and bartender originally from East Tennessee, lived a life marked by diverse experiences, having resided in New Orleans, New York, Iowa City, and, most recently, Kansas City. His writings have graced the pages of prestigious publications such as Guernica, The Rumpus, Hotel, and The Columbia Review. He was also an owner and operator of Drastic Measures, the cocktail bar that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Kansas City scene. Justin was a partner at Drastic Measures, and the impact they had on our bar can never be quantified.
The local media has been quick to acknowledge the loss, with various publications, including the Kansas City's independent source for news and culture, reporting on the tragedy. The community is also remembering Simone Mele, a figure known for her contributions to the local food and drink scene. The Pitch, a local publication, has also been covering the story, highlighting the impact of Burnell and Mele on the city.
The community is coming together to support one another, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of Justin Burnell and Simone Mele. The loss has prompted an outpouring of grief and a collective determination to honor their legacy by carrying forward their values of progressivism, hospitality, and community engagement. The memory of Justin Burnell and Simone Mele will continue to resonate within the Kansas City community, inspiring others to make a positive impact on the world.
The sudden loss of Justin Burnell and Simone Mele has left a void in the Kansas City community. Their contributions to the city's hospitality, art, and social landscape will not be forgotten. While the bars where they worked and the community they touched grapple with the immediate aftermath of their passing, their enduring influence will continue to shape the future of Kansas City.
