Hudgens has been bartending for years and said that's how she met Mecker back in the 1980s. Sidestreet Bar is another popular gay bar in Kansas City. 'It's been a part of Kansas City gay history for a very long time.' 'It's very hard to see Buddies close, you know?' Sidestreet Bar manager Melinda Hudgens said. A 'For Lease' sign is posted on the front of the building.įriends and family told 41 Action News the owner of the bar, Melvin 'Lee' Mecker, was the man killed in the home explosion.
Nearly three months after a man was killed when his home exploded in northeast Kansas City, friends and family are working to keep his memory and business alive.īuddies KC, located at 3715 Main Street, is permanently closed.
