Janelle King is opening her Workroom downtown on Saturday with a few changes
Janelle King, who not only was synonymous with Cleveland Corner but helped put the address on the map, is now preparing to open her Workroom shop in Eaton Place downtown on Saturday.
“It’s all set up and beautiful,” she said.
However, at this point, she’s planning what she’s calling a soft opening instead of a grand opening because she still doesn’t have the license for her champagne bar, Bubbles, within the space.
King decided to go ahead and open as planned because of the timing with Riverfest starting.
“There’s just going to be so many Wichitans coming downtown . . . it just seemed foolish not to open our doors.”
King’s space at the Eaton, at the southwest corner of Douglas and St. Francis across from Naftzger Park, also will be home to the incubator space she previously had at Cleveland Corner. It won’t be for former tenant Blackprint, though. That business found a permanent spot next to Espresso To Go Go across the street.
Applications are now open for a new incubator tenant.
That space is next to the new Planterior. Each has its own storefront but also is connected to the Workroom.
Along with champagne, Bubbles will have a traditional mix of drinks along with mocktails, sparking wine, Prosecco on tap and Miller High Life, which is known as “the champagne of beers.”
There will be themed drinks such as the Hatchet and Temperance Fizz as well.
Bubbles also will serve pastries and desserts along with espresso and weekend brunches.
It’ll all happen with “our lovely Carry Nation that’s peeking in on us,” King previously said of the statue of the temperance crusader sitting just outside her business.
Then there’s the Eaton’s former ballroom area, where King plans the Ballroom Collective.
She’s been taking applications for an assortment of vendors she’s selected for best fit and a diverse mix of product offerings.
King offered 3-, 6- and 12-month terms with “the idea being that there will be some rotation in the space.”
There’s been a bit of a shuffle with the vendors. Besos, which sells pinatas, party supplies and gifts with a Latin flair, will not open there as planned. Two new vendors are Chaos Culture, a children’s sensory boutique, and Autumn’s Basement Vintage.
Other vendors include:
- Nectar Republic for home and body fragrance
- The Loud Cicada Outdoors for outdoor products and gifts
- ICT Makers for local-themed gifts and merchandise
- Recycled Threads for upscale resale women’s clothing and accessories
- Bloke men’s products by Bungalow 26
- The Vintage Rabbit for vintage thrift items for homes and gifts
- Rug Studio for area rugs
- Trendz by Lusero Forever for rotating do-it-yourself accessories
- Lucky Pup for upscale pet products
King already has been hosting parties in her new space. She said if she’s not able to get the liquor license in time for Saturday’s opening, she’ll plan a grand opening later.