Hemma Hemma expands downtown in retro-inspired diner
Waldo’s beloved Hemma Hemma is opening a second location inside downtown’s Lightwell building (1100 Main St., KCMO). Described as “your cool aunt chic,” the new 4,000-square-foot spot nods to retro diner culture while keeping Hemma Hemma’s fresh, modern feel.
Hemma Hemma Dinnette’s menu will feature an In-N-Out-inspired burger, pastrami breakfast burrito, breakfast Reuben and familiar favorites like the herby chicken salad and BEC sandwich. Guests can also expect chilaquiles, masa pancakes, milkshakes, cocktails and house-made pastries. The location opens in February 2026 and will operate daily from 8 am–4 pm.
Paris Baguette comes to KC
After 16 years in the pharmacy world, longtime Overland Park resident Kari Khandelwal is trading prescriptions for pastries.
Khandelwal recently opened Kansas City’s first Paris Baguette bakery cafe (11137 W. 95th St., Overland Park), 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.
Khandelwal, a first-generation immigrant, mother and small-business owner, is already planning a second location in Missouri.
Plaza Provisions provides
Plaza Provisions, a food hall focused on local restaurants, opened last week inside the Country Club Plaza’s Cascade Hotel (4600 Wornall Road, KCMO). The food hall replaces the former Strang Chef Collective that closed late last year.
Current vendors include Guy’s Deli & Pizza, J. Rieger & Co., Lula Southern Provisions and Hawg Jaw Brew & Cue.
Goodbye, Bar Medici. Hello, Jade Jaguar.
The bougie Bar Medici officially closed its doors only to reopen as Jade Jaguar (1800 Walnut St., KCMO). The reinvented restaurant is a vibrant Mexico City-inspired cocktail bar.
The new bar is a partnership between Manny Gomez, Seth Goldwasser and Exit Strategy, a local hospitality group that operates The Mercury Room and Verdigris and, previously, Monarch Bar. Jade Jaguar will mark the group’s fourth concept. Gomez, who has been steadily dominating KC’s craft cocktail scene, has been running Jade Jaguar as a pop-up for the past year alongside Goldwasser, formerly the bar manager at The Town Co.
While Bar Medici’s dining room evoked a sleek, high-end atmosphere, Jade Jaguar will be bright and colorful, meant to emulate Mexico City’s vibrant culture.
With 28 seats and additional standing room, the vibe will be social and flexible. Movable tables will make it easy to clear space for DJs, live music and dancing, turning the bar into a late-night destination.
