Openings
Slow Rise (11228 W. 135th St., Overland Park, KS, slowrise.co)
Back in February, we asked the question “Is Slow Rise doughnuts the most popular pop-up in KC?” The answer from social media users was a resounding yes, with many noting how hard it was to get their hands on the handcrafted filled sourdough doughnuts.
Cult followers of Slow Rise now have reason to rejoice. Owner Jessica Dunkel has signed the lease on a brick-and-mortar and we’ve got the scoop. Read here.
Clementine’s Ice Cream (6966 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS, clementinescreamery.com)
CHILL, an ice cream shop in Prairie Village, is passing the scoop to Clementine’s Ice Cream after seven years in business. CHILL will operate through May 31 and Clementine’s, a nationally recognized microcreamery known for handcrafted, small-batch flavors, will open later in the year.
Clementine’s will be popping up in Kansas City before the reopening of the Prairie Village parlor. Stop by Billie’s Grocery in Leawood on Friday, June 13 or Saturday, June 14 from noon to 8 pm to sample Clementine’s ice cream, meet the team and stock up on pints.
Stay tuned for updates by following Clementine’s Ice Cream on social media, @clementinescreamery.
30hop (8715 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Merriam, KS, 30hop.com)
Iowa-based eatery 30hop opened in Merriam Grand Station on April 30. The bar and restaurant serves craft beers and an extensive modern American food menu filled with tacos, burgers, noodle bowls and rice bowls.
Other local 30hop openings include one other in Lee’s Summit which opened in January.
Old Havana Market (6924 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO)
A Cuban market opened in Gladstone last month. Old Havana serves Cuban coffee, authentic Cuban dishes and has shelves filled with imported Cuban products.
Jerusalem Cafe, Chick-In Waffle, Virgin Rebel (131 E. 14th St.)
Owners of local restaurants Jerusalem Cafe and Chick-In Waffle are not only opening their food brands under one roof in Kansas City’s Power & Light District, but they’re also opening a mocktail bar in the same space. The 3-in-1 spot will take over the former Famous Dave’s.
According to The Star, Brothers Dennis and Adam Alazzeh are opening the family-friendly space together. Dennis owns Chick-In Waffle, while Adam owns Jerusalem Cafe.
“Alcohol sales are down, and people are a lot more health-conscious,” Dennis told The Star. “We just want to create that space where people feel totally normal and comfortable to go in and hang out at a mocktail bar, meet new people and socialize.”
Closings
Waldo Thai (8431 Wornall Rd, waldothai.com)
Waldo Thai isn’t exactly closing. But current owners, husband and wife duo and KC restauranteurs Pam and Ted Liberda announced their leave from the restaurant in an Instagram post this morning.
The Instagram post was somewhat inconspicuous. It seemed that the restaurant was closing, but Ted says that’s not entirely the case. Read more here (INSERT LINK HERE).
Other Restaurant/Food News
Off To The Races
The Kentucky Derby is taking place this Saturday, May 3. Whether you’re wanting to watch the Kentucky Derby, or just looking to participate in a Best Dressed competition, we’ve rounded up four spots offering watch parties, special Derby Day offerings and more. Read here.
Taste of AAPI food festival
KC’s fourth annual Asian-American & Pacific Islander Food and Cultural Festival is taking place this weekend in the West Bottoms (W. 14th St & Hickory St.). Taste of AAPI is an admission FREE non-profit event that features over 20 food and non-food vendors, a variety of beverage options and local AAPI merchants.
