The Kansas City cocktail scene is reeling from the tragic loss of two cherished individuals, Simone Mele and Justin Burnell, who were integral parts of two popular bars in the area. Their sudden passing has left family, friends, colleagues, and the local service community heartbroken.
Simone Mele was the operating partner and co-owner of Swordfish Tom’s, a beloved cocktail bar in the Crossroads district. She was known for her warmth, dedication, and commitment to the hospitality industry. Justin Burnell, who was a partner at Drastic Measures in Shawnee, also worked as a team member at Swordfish Tom’s, where he formed lasting connections with patrons and staff alike.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Drastic Measures honored Burnell and Mele’s legacy, calling them “undeniable forces for both progressivism and hospitality.” The post further emphasized the importance of kindness and leaving no words unspoken with those we care about.
“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,” said the Swordfish Tom’s team on social media, signaling the immense impact Mele and Burnell had on the establishment.
Mele was remembered by those who knew her as having “the kindest soul,” while Burnell’s friends described him as a loyal and devoted friend with a deep commitment to bettering the world around him.
Cate Root, a longtime friend of Burnell’s, shared her reflections on his legacy. Root, who met Burnell nearly 20 years ago in New Orleans while they both pursued their master’s degrees in fine arts, recalled Burnell’s brilliance and compassion. Burnell had moved to the Kansas City area in 2020, and since then, his work at Drastic Measures — a two-time James Beard Award Nominee for Most Outstanding Bar — stood as a testament to his talent and dedication.
“Justin made this world better, and it’s on all of us to make it better in their absence,” Root said. “He was devoted to human rights, and I think people saw that in them everywhere, from the warmth he brought to every conversation to the thoughtful creations behind the bar.”
Root also mentioned that Burnell’s creativity extended beyond cocktails, as he was a talented writer. During her visits to Kansas City, Root noted how Burnell’s artistic expression flourished not only in his work at Drastic Measures, but also in his novel-writing endeavors.
“Justin was extremely talented,” Root said. “They were also extremely brave.”
In honor of Burnell’s passion for social justice, Root has started a monthly donation to the Transgender Law Center, an organization Burnell had supported in the past. This gesture reflects Burnell’s commitment to human rights and his desire to make a positive difference in the world.
The Kansas City community is coming together to mourn the loss of two individuals who left an indelible mark on the hospitality industry and beyond. Their commitment to their craft, their compassion for others, and their unwavering dedication to making the world a better place will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing them.
As friends and colleagues remember them, the loss of Simone Mele and Justin Burnell serves as a reminder of the power of kindness, creativity, and the lasting impact we have on those around us.