Sidestreet Bar is another popular gay bar in Kansas City. Hudgens has been bartending for years and said that's how she met Mecker back in the 1980s. Hudgens said Mecker worked his way up to opening his own bar. Now that Buddies KC has closed, she said there's only a handful of gay bars left in the metro.
"It's a big hit, it's a real bit hit for the community," Hudgens said.
On April 10, a home near East 15th Terrace and Fremont Avenue exploded. Kansas City Police have not formally identified the person who was killed or a cause of death. Property records indicate the home belonged to Mecker, and friends, including Hudgens, say they have an idea of what happened. Hudgens said many people believe it was an acquaintance of Mecker's who set the home on fire. Mecker liked to grill and had propane tanks at home that Hudgens said could have caused the explosion. "You know, we want justice, we want justice for him and his family," Hudgens said. Missie Bs 111 reviews Gay Bars Volker 805 W 39th St, Ste 100 Kansas City, MO So I was at home on the couch last night and I asked my wife: 'Hey, do you want to go to a drag show'. While fighting for justice, Hudgens said they are also hoping for a new owner to bring Buddies KC back. "We're hoping, fingers crossed, that you know the person who tries to reestablish a business there, we're hoping that you know it's going to be another gay bar because you know, we really need it," Hudgens said.Įach July, Hudgens said Mecker would throw a luau party at Buddies KC.