Mexican baked goods are prominent in KCK and north of the river but you’d be hard pressed to find them further south. Professional bakers and husband and wife duo Javier and Kerianne Nuñez are looking to change that with their Overland Park Mexican-inspired cafe and bakery expected to open next month.
Aurora Cafe and Bakery, located on the first floor of the BOK Financial building on College Blvd. and Metcalf (7101 College Blvd, Suite 101, OPKS), will bake Mexican breads like pan dulce, teleras and bolillo rolls from scratch daily. The couple doesn’t want to put themselves in a box, however. Their menu will also showcase foods from other cultures as well as the coffee shop classics – sandwiches crafted on house made bread, salads and grab-and-go items.
Both Javier and Kerianne attended the culinary institute of America. On a local level, Javier managed the bread department at Ibis Bakery and teaches pastry classes at Johnson County Community College (he helped develop the college’s current pastry program). Kerianne worked at North Italia Leawood making fresh pasta and desserts.
“We are excited to serve the tenants of the building, as well as the community,” say the Nuñezs. “We are also following a “no-tip” business model so tipping will not be necessary.”
Aurora will serve drip coffee and cold brew that features Esperanza Coffee Roasters from Wichita and Café Corazón.
The bakery’s name is inspired by Javier’s maternal grandmother.
“Aurora was proud to be from Michocán. She was a talented home cook who had the ability to make a stranger feel like a part of her family through her food,” says Javier.
Aurora Cafe and Bakery will be open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 2 pm. Keep updated with the opening date at the bakery’s Instagram, @auroracafeandbakery.
