Square Bar and the McMenemy Family
In 1981, Ron and Judy McMenemy moved to Las Vegas with only their clothes and an old radio. Together over the next 35 years, they built a family business buying, managing, and selling commercial real estate. Properties the family has previously owned in Las Vegas and Reno include The Tilted Kilt, The Lighthouse Restaurant, The Frog Lodge, among many others. Currently, the family owns and manages New Orleans Square, invested (in every sense) in revitalizing the area, and curating a creative, vibrant tenant mix.
Square Bar’s theme was inspired by Ron and Judy to be a hip, fun, cool new hangout of all ages dressed in a 70’s captivating theme. Their love for that era was captured throughout the space with the help and support of Chelsey, Owner/Manager Eric, and the famous artist Nancy Good who has her gallery and studio located in New Orleans Square called Core Contemporary. The Southwest Airline logo is a tribute by Nancy Good to Judy McMenemy for her service of 32 years. Judy was called, “Mrs. Southwest” for being a wonderful agent, smiling always, a great supervisor and friend to many. Sadly, Judy passed away in July 2021 and Ron passed in May 2022. The space continues to grow and thrive in honor of their vision, and we welcome you to join us on our journey!
Meet Our Team
Chelsey Kelly
Owner/ Operator
Chelsey started the Square Bar adventure with her father Ron McMenemy before his passing in May 2022. Her love for New Orleans Square was sparked by her parents, Ron & Judy McMenemy, and the vision they saw years ago. Chelsey has helped curate the center with her father to be full of creative minds of all kinds and to be part of a community. Chelsey is frequently seen doing work in and around the property. Her devotion to the Square, and her hard working spirit was instilled by her father Ron. He was loved by many in the center for being a hands on owner. Chelsey continues to hold up to his mantle and continues to fill the shoes passed down to her.
Eric Hendricks
General Manager
Having grown up in the hospitality industry, Eric Hendricks brings decades of hospitality experience to the table. He watched as his dad operated several Andre Rochat restaurants, and at age 16 started as a line cook with Jacques Van Staden at Rochat’s Alize atop the Palms. Hendricks then spent nearly the next decade learning all front of house duties while working at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Marche Bacchus. In 2013 he joined the team at Drai’s and where he spent five years growing with the venue, ultimately leaving as VIP Sales/Operations Manager.
Shane Kelly
Owner/ Operator
Shane is a true Nevada native, born and raised in Winnemucca, NV. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno. His background is as a Wild Land Firefighter and Engine Captain for the US Department of the Interior for 15 years. He brings the same commitment to preserving nature as he does to preserving the vision Ron & Judy McMenemy had for the Square Bar. Shane has a great love and appreciation of supporting local businesses, but specifically local breweries and tap houses. He is dedicated to the success of the New Orleans Square Complex, and also to see Square Bar continue to thrive!
Phil Kotler
Entertainment Director
Kotler brings with him more than a decade of experience producing shows in Las Vegas. Having formally studied at Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles, The Vegas Theatre Hub, and ComedySportz, Kotler has applied his experiences to book shows at venues all around Vegas. Along the way, he has built an extensive rolodex of performers and top talent, which he looks forward to bringing to Square Bar.