Alex Pope is the owner and operator of the the Local Pig in the East Bottoms and the Chef at Local Pig – Westport. He moved to Kansas City in 2005 from northern Wisconsin. The building in which the Local Pig operates is an old saloon dating from the late 1800’s. When scouting spots for his business, Alex he knew he wanted a building that would give legitimacy to the operation by the age and the authenticity of the space. Pope has been an instrumental catalyst in the renaissance of the East Bottoms, now with three local businesses occupying his building, an active dining patio, and the future rehabilitation of the Heim Bottle Shop across the street.

 

Q: What does preservation mean to you?

 

A: Save the things that are interesting. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s worth saving. Work on the things that make your community interesting.