The Kansas City cocktail scene is reeling from the devastating loss of two beloved figures, Simone Mele and Justin Burnell, whose sudden deaths have left an indelible mark on their friends, family, and the local service community. Both were pillars of the hospitality industry, known not only for their professional excellence but also for their personal warmth, creativity, and dedication to their craft. Their untimely passing has left a profound sense of grief in the Kansas City community, as people reflect on the contributions they made to the vibrant bar and restaurant scene.
Simone Mele, the operating partner and co-owner of Swordfish Tom’s, was a central figure in the Crossroads district, a part of Kansas City known for its rich cultural and culinary offerings. Swordfish Tom’s, under Mele’s leadership, became a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike, known for its impeccable cocktails and intimate, welcoming atmosphere. Mele’s commitment to excellence, her unwavering dedication to the craft, and her nurturing spirit helped build the bar into a cornerstone of the city’s cocktail culture. Her friends, colleagues, and patrons described her as a person who made everyone feel valued and cared for.
Justin Burnell, a partner at Drastic Measures in Shawnee and a key team member at Swordfish Tom’s, was equally well-regarded in the local hospitality scene. Known for his creativity behind the bar and his ability to craft unique and memorable experiences for guests, Burnell was a fixture at both bars. His work at Drastic Measures, which had earned accolades including a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Most Outstanding Bar, showcased his deep knowledge of cocktails and his ability to push boundaries within the industry. But beyond his professional accomplishments, Burnell’s friends described him as a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to human rights and creating positive change in the world.
The news of their deaths sent shockwaves through Kansas City, with many immediately taking to social media to express their shock and sorrow. Drastic Measures, where Burnell had made a lasting impact, shared a tribute on their social media platforms, calling him and Mele “undeniable forces for both progressivism and hospitality.” The post highlighted the importance of kindness and reminded everyone to cherish the moments they have with loved ones, a sentiment that resonated with so many.
“We are devastated to communicate that Swordfish Tom’s will be closed for the next week, as we process the catastrophic loss of two of our own,” the team at Swordfish Tom’s posted, signaling just how deeply Mele and Burnell’s passing had affected those who worked with them. Their deaths left a void not only in the physical space of the bars but also in the hearts of the people who had been touched by their kindness, dedication, and passion for the hospitality industry.
Mele was remembered by her colleagues and friends as having “the kindest soul,” someone who could always be counted on for support, guidance, and encouragement. Her leadership style was marked by a rare blend of professionalism and warmth, and she had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel seen and heard. Her colleagues at Swordfish Tom’s have shared stories of her constant willingness to mentor those around her, whether it was helping new bartenders perfect their craft or offering a kind word to someone in need.
Burnell, meanwhile, was described by those who knew him best as a loyal and devoted friend, whose commitment to bettering the world around him was evident in everything he did. Cate Root, a longtime friend of Burnell’s, shared a reflection on his legacy, recounting their first meeting nearly 20 years ago in New Orleans, where they were both pursuing their master’s degrees in fine arts. Root recalled how Burnell’s brilliance was matched only by his deep compassion for others. Burnell’s move to Kansas City in 2020 marked a new chapter in his career, one in which his artistic expression flourished not only in his work behind the bar but also through his writing. Root described Burnell as someone who always went the extra mile to ensure that others felt valued, and his support for social justice issues was unwavering.
Root also shared that in honor of Burnell’s passion for human rights, she had started a monthly donation to the Transgender Law Center, an organization Burnell had supported in the past. This tribute is just one example of how Burnell’s life and values continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. Burnell’s legacy extends beyond his contributions to the world of mixology; it is rooted in his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
As the Kansas City community comes together to mourn the loss of these two extraordinary individuals, there is a collective recognition of the profound impact they had on the local bar scene and the many lives they touched. Friends, colleagues, and patrons have shared memories of their time with Mele and Burnell, recalling the joy they brought to every gathering and the sense of camaraderie they fostered in every space they inhabited. Their deaths serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Kansas City community has rallied around the families of Mele and Burnell, offering support in any way possible. Memorial services and gatherings are being planned to honor their memory, and local organizations have pledged their assistance to help cover funeral costs and offer emotional support to those affected by the loss.
Kansas City’s bar and restaurant scene will never be the same without Mele and Burnell. Their legacy lives on not just in the drinks they crafted and the bars they helped build, but in the relationships they nurtured, the communities they supported, and the lives they touched. They will be remembered not just for their exceptional work in the hospitality industry but for their kindness, creativity, and commitment to making the world a better place.
As the community processes this devastating loss, it is clear that the impact of Simone Mele and Justin Burnell will continue to resonate for years to come. Their memories will live on in the bars they built, the friendships they cultivated, and the lessons they taught to all who had the privilege of knowing them. The Kansas City cocktail scene has lost two of its brightest stars, but their legacy will shine on, inspiring the next generation of hospitality professionals to carry on their work with the same passion, dedication, and compassion that they so selflessly embodied.
