Music, Martinis & Cigars

From his own personal love of martinis, cigars and live music, Morrie Sheets launched a unique destination location in Wichita that has made a name for itself as one of the area’s premier gathering places for thirsty adults. Mort’s Martini and Cigar Bar is celebrating 26 years in the area this month, delivering the same

great customer service and top-notch musical acts in an oasis-type environment that has endeared the establishment to its loyal customer base for more than a quarter century.

Meanwhile, Mort’s is celebrating another milestone: the 25th anniversary of general manager and part owner Emma Russell. She and her three long-time managers direct the staff of 23 employees. “They pretty much run the company, not me,” Morrie said.

Morrie and company recently surprised Emma with a party and the gift of an all-expense-paid trip to Hawaii for her and husband Jeremiah Johnsen. “I want to thank Emma for 25 years,” Morrie said during a touching tribute. “She does it every day and she does it with a smile. What a blessing she’s been to me and my family, and to all of you.”

Twenty-five-years ago, Emma was a recent high school graduate looking for work when she was hired by then-manager Darrin Hackney as the lunch girl. The job put her through college to earn a degree in criminal justice, but she continued to move up the ladder at Mort’s and stayed. “It doesn’t feel like it’s been 25 years,” she said. “I’ve got the best staff and the best customers. This place is awesome because everybody gets to be part of the family — and it’s the family you choose, not the one you have to be stuck with.”

Generations

Located where a gas station once owned by Morrie’s grandfather stood, Mort’s was founded by Morrie in 1996 in partnership with family friend Matt Carney, and continues to operate from an 800-square-foot building and adjacent 800-square-foot patio. After selling the bar for a brief spell, Morrie bought it back when the new owner passed away unexpectedly and has retained part ownership since, along with sister-in-law Sharon Sheets and Emma.

Hackney recalls the excitement of helping start the new cigar bar, and sitting down with pen and paper to invent new flavors of martinis. “It’s just a laid-back vibe with really good service, and they still embody what we started,” he said. Daily specials are a favorite for Mort’s customers, including half-price martinis on Mondays and Bloody Mary deals on Sundays.

Currently, Mort's is in conversation with several groups wanting to open additional locations in other cities, with plans of a new concept coming to Wichita in future months. While the original product line of gasoline pumped at his grandfather’s station is no longer on tap, people still line up to get their fill of spirits and socializing, set to a backdrop of memorable live music acts nightly, including a double dose of concert entertainment Friday and Saturday nights.

“We’re thankful to the city of Wichita for embracing us. We have the highest volume per square foot in the state of Kansas, especially in vodka. We support music and the arts and love to see new musicians come through town.” Customer input and involvement have made it easy for the owners to give the people what they want, a concept that has made the bar a welcome haven to its loyal regulars. “I want it to be their bar,” Morrie said. “I've put my stamp on it, now it's up to the girls as to how they want to run it. I just happen to own part of it. Without my dedicated staff, I'm nothing.”