A Little Bit
About Where We Came From . . .

In October 1954, the Shamrock Tavern was purchased from owners and operators "Slim" and Marie redecker. Later that same year, former K-State basketball and baseball player Keith "Kite" Thomas opened what would turn into a 40 year tradition for K-State students and alumni. During Keith's professional career he played for the POhiladelphia Athletics, New York Yankees and Washington Senators. He was a Kansas City native and had just retired from professional baseball when he decided to open "Kite's Bar and Grille" which quickly became a second home for many K-State Fans.

In 1969 Kite's was purchased by Terry and Jan Ray from Keith "Kite" Thomas. The Rays kept the tradition alive for many years with expansions and new menu items. For almost 40 years, Kite's only sold beer. That all changed in 1986. A young bartender by the name of Rusty (Does that name ring a bell?) served Kite's first hard liquor drink. It was a J&B Scotch and water that was served to a good friend, John Koch. the business continued to thrive until we took a long deserved vacation when Kite's slipped away in 1994. Rusty purchased the name "Kite's" that same year when the business was liquidated. After hundreds and hundreds of requests, Rusty has decided to bring Kite's back to life.

We all know you can never duplicate the real thing, but we hope to give the next generation the same great memories and you just can't do that without a place in Aggieville called "Kite's." We hope you make Kite's your new tradition and follow the suggestion that has been in our logo for over 40 years. . . . MEET YOUR FRIENDS AT KITES!