Wichita’s Fantasy South 40 under new ownership

By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

As of Saturday, June 1, Wichita’s Fantasy South 40 will be under new ownership. Owner, Travis Bryson, has sold the newly reopened bar to Chad Porter and Jerry Nguyen.

“Travis is a good friend of ours, and it’s a deal that sort-of landed in our lap,” said Co-owner, Chad Porter. “It’s a good mix for us.”

Porter and his partner, Jerry Nguyen, have owned and operated Wichita’s popular XY Bar in Old Town since late 2016. Last summer, they purchased The Store in east Wichita.

“It really breaks my heart to have to sell it,” said Bryson. “We have done so much to bring the South 40 back to life.” With the change, Bryson have more time to focus more on his career.

The business owners have been ironing out the deal for nearly two weeks. Porter and Nguyen will take over operations on Saturday, June 1.

The South 40 name and brand will not change.

“It’s been here forever, and we’re not going to change that,” said Porter.

The three bars have similarities and differences.

“South 40 is more of a country bar where The Store is more like your neighborhood lesbian bar,” said Porter. “XY is more of a nightclub where people come to dance. Each of the bars have Drag Shows on various nights as well as Karaoke.

“We also have very friendly bartenders and staff,” he added. “We are all about customer service, cleanliness and good drinks!”

 South 40 will be open its regular hours through the transition: Thursday, 8 p.m. till 2 a.m., Friday, 4 p.m. till 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. till 2 a.m. The bar is located at 3201 E. 31st Street in Wichita.

Read more about The Store here: Cozy, local atmosphere at Wichita's The Store

Read more about XY Bar here: XY Bar: A new Wichita hotspot!

Copyright The Gayly. 5/30/2019 @3:57 p.m. CST.