Check out Nica's Cafe on Bistro 113!!! NICA'S CAFE - MISSION STATEMENT Our mission at Nica's cafe is to provide a unique dining experience of the highest quality with exceptional service in a fun, friendly and creative atmosphere. ABOUT BRYAN MERKER — One of the top 20 chefs of San Diego, CA while working @ * MIXX* restaurant — Attended chef school at Johnson County Community College. — Sliced his way into the local culinary scene at the much loved Fedora Café on the Country Club Plaza. — Joined the PB & J group assisting at Grand Street Café, YaYa's and Coyote Grill CREDENTIALS — Hereford House/ Pierpont's Kansas City — Seaport Café New Orleans — Rock Bottom Brewery Portland, OR — Leschi Café Seattle Wa — Vignette San Francisco, CA — Morton's Steakhouse Burbank, CA — Mixx San Diego, CA THE STORY Bryan has polished his skills through various concepts and travel. He mastered the art of true Creole cuisine in New Orleans. In the micro brew capital of the United States, Portland Oregon, Bryan learned the art of pairing food with beer. Bryan went back to his fine dining roots and catered to the elite of Seattle in the Port of Lake Washington's Leschi Cafe. Bryan received National recognition as the creative mastermind behind "Mixx" in San Diego, which had a rotating art gallery concept, and also featured an award winning menu that changed daily. Bryan served as the Executive Pastry Chef for Hereford House/Pierpont's, and also headed the catering division in the Kansas City area. Morton's of Chicago recruited Bryan as their West Coast traveling chef, where he would rescue and secure restaurants that were on the verge of crashing and burning. Morton's then solidified his position with them as the food and beverage director for their prestigious Burbank, CA location. This restaurant catered to the top executives as well as A-list celebrities in the entertainment industry in southern California. Bryan served as the Maitre de of Vignette Restaurant in San Francisco. This was the final chapter for gaining the wine knowledge and guest relations that has ignited this exciting homecoming and opening of "Nica's Café" in Overland Park, KS! THE CONCEPT — Bringing an urban feeling of eclectic food and art to the suburbs without the attitude. *Combining a coffee shop and bistro concept mixed with an array of amazing pastries and culinary delights that range from traditional French and Italian to Asian fusion. *Showcasing a rotating art collection spotlighting local artists. — In the spring, our patio will blossom with classic black and white silent film projections and live jazz. — The restaurant is named after Bryan's wife Monica, who has stood by his side for 11 years and counting. — Our Managing Partner is Phil Dunn, who has brought much insight and creative motion to our concept. We are your new neighborhood café and coffee house!