Openings
The Brass Monkey (307 Admiral Blvd, KCMO, brassmonkeylounge.com)
There’s a new speakeasy-style cocktail lounge in town.
The Brass Monkey, which officially opened to the public on Friday, is an immersive experience, complete with moody lighting, vintage charm and a touch of theatrics. To read more about the Victorian-era parlor serving jello-based cocktails and magic tricks, read here (INSERT LINK).
Paris Baguette (11137 W 95th Street, Overland Park, KS, parisbaguette.com)
After 16 years in the pharmacy world, longtime Overland Park resident Kari Khandelwal is trading prescriptions for pastries.
Last Friday, Khandelwal opened Kansas City’s first Paris Baguette bakery café, bringing the international brand’s croissants, fruit-filled cakes and artisan breads to the area. Inspired by a trip to New York where she first experienced Paris Baguette, Khandelwal was inspired by the similarities between baking and medicine, both requiring accuracy, care, and a people-first mindset.
As a first-generation immigrant, mother and small business owner, Khandelwal is already planning a second location in Missouri.
Handel’s Ice Cream (1014 E North Ave, Belton, MO, handelsicecream.com)
Belton is now home to Missouri’s very first Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream, with the brand celebrating its expansion in a grand opening last week. Founded in 1945, Handel’s is known for its rich, small-batch ice cream and 48 rotating flavors.
The Belton location is owned by local residents Todd and Traci Blackinton. The opening marks part of Handel’s rapid national growth, now with over 160 locations and multiple industry accolades, including spots on Entrepreneur’s Top 500 Franchises and Franchise Times’ Top 400 list.
Other News
Prime Time
I attended a VIP dinner at Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce’s new restaurant, 1587 Prime. Although I was initially skeptical of the fame-funded steakhouse, I left impressive.
To read more of my honest review, click here.
Happy News
One of KC’s most beloved breakfast spots, Happy Gillis, has been closed since July 4 while former owner Cory Stipp looked for new ownership.
Good news is on the horizon, however. The Columbus Park brunch spot is now under new local ownership (549 Gillis St., KCMO). While the names of the new owners haven’t been publicly shared, Stipp told The Star that they plans to update the space and potentially introduce a new concept. It’s unclear whether the name Happy Gillis will remain, but the goal is to preserve the restaurant’s neighborhood roots while giving it a fresh chapter.
BBQ By The River
Two Birds One Stone, the restaurant and beer garden on Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront, has launched a backyard barbecue inspired menu (1000 Riverfront Dr, KCMO).
“Guests spoke, and we listened,” said Stephen Krantz, General Manager of Two Birds One Stone. “By lowering our prices and debuting a refreshed, backyard BBQ-inspired menu, we’ve made it easier than ever for friends, families, and neighbors to gather along the riverfront and enjoy great food and drinks without the fuss.”
Menu highlights include BBQ chicken leg quarters, brisket-topped burgers, onion rings with avocado green goddess and pretzel sticks with beer cheese, alongside local beers on tap, signature cocktails like La Pina Royale and Don’t Golf Sober, and a curated wine list.
