About The Fuel House
A 100-year-old mill on the edge of downtown Bonner Springs, brought back to life as Kansas City’s automotive country club, with a coffee bar, BBQ, a speakeasy and more open to everyone.
From Tiblow Mill to The Fuel House
Bonner Springs wasn’t always called Bonner Springs. In the mid-1800s, as steamboats and then railroads brought people to this stretch of the Kansas River, the town was named Tiblow, after Henry Tiblow, a Delaware man who ran the ferry across the river. The big brick mill at 611 W 2nd Street carried that name: the Tiblow Mill.
By the time Hunter Saulsbury found it, the mill had sat empty for years. He, his father Wylie and his grandfather Jerry were on a motorcycle ride, missed a turn downtown, and followed the K-32 truck route straight to it. Wylie had spent his career in construction and saw what others had missed. Not a single toilet, light or HVAC unit worked, but the brickwork and the sheer size of the place were worth saving.
They restored it the way you’d restore a classic car: take something nearly forgotten and bring it back better than before. Wylie’s original idea was simple, a place to host meetings, entertain clients and hang out with people who love cars. It grew from there, adding an in-house mechanic, a detailer, a restaurant, a brewery, a golf simulator and a hobby shop. Today the Olde Mill Properties complex is home to more than a dozen businesses, with an 8,000-square-foot expansion planned for more member cars.
“It’s a classy yet industrial space where nothing is perfect, but that is what makes it great.”
Hunter Saulsbury, owner, to Johnson County City Lifestyle
- Built
- About 100 years ago
- Original name
- The Tiblow Mill
- Address
- 611 W 2nd St, Bonner Springs
- Cars & Coffee
- 2nd Saturday, through October
A private club, with a public front door
The private side
An automotive event space, gallery and co-op work area where members work on their cars, plus a 24/7 lounge, indoor car wash, cigar lounge, gym and pool table. Members range in age and background, united by the art of the car. Events include wine tastings, go-kart rentals, track days and private movie premieres.
The public side
You don’t need a membership to enjoy the mill. The coffee bar, restaurants, brewery, speakeasy, golf simulators and outdoor lawn games are all open to the public. Every second Saturday through October, Cars & Coffee opens the venue to everyone from 8 to 11 a.m. Learn more at thefuelhouse.com.
Grab a coffee, lunch or a cocktail while we work on your car
These are separate local businesses that work closely together under one roof. Drop your car off with us and make a day of it.
Ten & Two Coffee Bar
Espresso, pastries, breakfast burritos and cocktails, with classic arcade cabinets and a big room to hang out in. Home base for Cars & Coffee.
tenandtwocoffee.com ↗ BBQ & BurgersQuentin’s BBQ & Sides
Slow-smoked prime brisket, ribs and pork belly, plus burgers, pizza, homemade sides and catering.
quentinsbbq.com ↗ SpeakeasyThe Maintenance Room
A hidden cocktail bar with high-end spirits, a deep bourbon list and shareable plates. Check in at Ten & Two to find the way in. Reservations recommended.
Reserve on OpenTable ↗ Golf Sims & CardsGrip’N’Rip KC
Indoor golf simulators with 100+ courses, plus sports cards, Pokémon and collectibles.
gripnripkc.com ↗ Salon & WellnessThird Story Studios
Salon suites for independent pros: hair color and extensions, nails, skincare, waxing and massage.
thirdstorystudioskc.com ↗Outfield Beer Company
Craft beer brewed right in the mill, and a regular pairing with Quentin’s BBQ.
Inside the Olde MillOlde Mill Ice Cream
Scoops and sweets for the whole family after BBQ or a round of sim golf.
Inside the Olde MillWhere Ceramic Pro Fuel House fits in
We’re the Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer inside the mill, installing paint protection film, ceramic coatings and KAVACA window tint for the public and for Fuel House members. Members get their own perks, from discounted services to on-site detailing while the car is parked.