Wichita's Fantasy Complex re-opening as Fantasy South 40

Longtime friends and former Fantasy Complex employees will re-open part of the former Fantasy Complex in Wichita.

Michael Kasselman and Travis Bryson are proud to announce the Re-opening of Fantasy South 40. The “new” bar will open this fall with a new look, remodel, entertainment line-up and special events for the Wichita and surrounding gay community.

The establishment will open as “Fantasy South 40” in the former back edition of the complex, that was the pride and joy of its founder Linn Copeland. Copeland opened the legendary club in 1981.

Organizers say the Fantasy South 40 will open and operate at the property which is now known as The Venue. The space is owned by a local developer and hosts many receptions, and private events.

It was purchased after Fantasy Complex closed in January of 2015. The owner of the property was looking for a way the space can be used. The developer was amazed to hear about the long history and how the property met so much, to members of the LGBT+ community.

The Venue was rented for events for Wichita Pride, and a Pulse Nightclub victims fundraiser organized by LGBT+ groups and organizations in Wichita. The fundraiser was the first occasion for many members of the community to see the front portion of the former main bar and dance floor area, following the major renovations to transform the space.

The Venue also hosts Bingo games, benefiting a local youth boxing program, three times a week.

Kasselman & Bryson have a long history of working together in the Wichita bar & club scene. The two met in 2009 when Kasselman was working at the Fantasy Complex. A few months latter Bryson joined the Fantasy Complex staff. The two friends have worked at putting on other parties, events and DJ’ing together, since the closing of Fantasy Complex. They spent time working as the DJ’s at Rocky’s Bar, and the Port of Wichita, and 3B’s Bar & Grill.

The two “besties” say they are excited to bring back some traditions to Wichita’s LGBT+ community, along with new surprises, at a location that is familiar to many people. The design of the building will allow both business operations to function at the same time.

Renovations to the Fantasy South 40 are happening now. Kasselman & Bryson will be opening the bar & club, latter this fall. Look for more information on facebook at facebook.com/fantasysouth40 or here on The Gayly website.

Copyright The Gayly 8/28/2018 @11:03 a.m. CST.