Openings
1888 Coffee (3504 Gillham Rd.)
Kansas City’s beloved Hyde Park neighborhood is getting a new coffee shop this spring. 1888 Coffee will be a locally-owned and family-operated café. It will officially opened its doors that last day of May.
1888 Coffee is moving into the space that formerly housed Mother Earth Coffee.
“We created 1888 Coffee to be something different — not just another cafe, but a welcoming hub for our community,” says Christine Kehoe, co-owner and operator. “Every detail, from our menu to our design, reflects our deep love for Hyde Park and our belief that a coffee shop can be fun, bold and still feel like home.”
The menu at 1888 Coffee features specialty lattes, fruit-forward matcha creations, signature energy fizzes, smoothies and a selection of breakfast and lunch items designed for every age and appetite. Don’t forget to check out the cafe’s seasonal rotation of cold foam drinks and caffeine-free options.
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar (16720 City Center Dr., Lenexa, KS, tupelohoneycafe.com)
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar, a North Carolina-based restaurant chain, is preparing to open their newest location in Lenexa.
The restaurant serves a Southern menu filled with biscuits, pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes. Although there is no official opening date, a press release slates next summer for the restaurant to be officially ready for customers. Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar will join Cactus Grill, Enjoy Pure Food and Zhoug Mediterranean on the east side of Lenexa’s Restaurant Row.
Tiki Taco (14947 W 119th St., Olathe, KS, tikitaco.com)
Part taco shop, part neighborhood bar, local taco chain Tiki Taco opened its fourth location in Olathe at the end of May.
“We’re thrilled to bring Tiki Taco’s bold flavors and all the vibes to the Olathe community,” says Eric Knott, CEO of Tiki Taco. “This expansion represents our commitment to sharing our passion for great food and positive experiences with more neighborhoods across the region.”
The newest Olathe location plans to host a series of special events following its opening, including family nights. It will operate Monday through Saturday 11 am to 10 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm offering dine-in, takeout and delivery options.
Closings
South Of Summit (516 W. 75th St., southofsummit.com)
Waldo’s taqueria and tequila restaurant South of Summit is closed after five years.
“We are deeply grateful for the loyalty and support our guests have shown South of Summit,” Summit Hospitality Group said in a statement. “Although it’s difficult to close this chapter, we’re eager to introduce a new concept that will continue our tradition of culinary excellence and community engagement.
Other News
4th Fridays Is Back
Chicano Center for the Arts presents the next installment of 4th Fridays, a vibrant monthly celebration of Chicano culture, community and creativity in the West Bottoms’ Liberty Courtyard between 13th Terrace and 14th Streets under the 670 Bridge.
Fourth Fridays will feature lowriders by Royals Las Vegas Car Club & Viejitos Car Club, local music, food vendors, tarot, handcrafted goods and more.
The event also includes the return of the Moon Market, a pop-up farmers and artisan market offering Pay What You Can produce, plants, and local art.
For more information, click here.
Waldo Thai Introduces New Chef
While news of Pam and Ted Liberda leaving Waldo Thai was met with sadness (and some confusion, read more here) from KC diners, the Waldo staple remains open. Waldo Thai recently introduced a new chef, Chris Jones.
Jones worked under Chef Pam Liberda who chose Jones as her successor.
“Chef Jones comes from an experienced background of Asian and Thai cuisines, with a passion for flavor and methodology that aligns with our brand values” the press release states. “Chef Jones is dedicated to bringing the same quality and experience to Waldo Thai that our guests have come to expect and enjoy.”
In other exciting news, Waldo Thai (8431 Wornall Rd.) will be opening up for lunch service this summer.
