The Kansas City Restaurant Association named Mikita Burton (@allthingsmikita) its 2025 Influencer of the Year at its annual banquet in early January. The award honors creators who celebrate the city’s restaurant community. Burton, an early “mommy blogger” who once focused on kid-friendly KC activities, has evolved her content alongside evolving platforms and now highlights date-night destinations and hidden gems. She credits Kansas City’s accessible, welcoming food scene for inspiring her work.
Fusion Fare
Robin Krause, the creator of Billie’s Grocery, is opening Casa, a Mexican-inspired restaurant with Asian and Mediterranean influences, in the former Salty Iguana space at Corinth Square (8228 Mission Road, Prairie Village). The new concept aims to blend bold flavors with health-forward, nutrient-rich ingredients, focusing on locally sourced meat and produce. “Expect chiles, smoke, charred vegetables, layered salsas and sauce-forward dishes,” reads the media release. “Bold, vibrant food that feels indulgent—not restrictive.”
Play Ball!
Sandlot Social, a baseball-themed eatertainment venue, is coming to Lenexa this spring (12120 W. 95th St., Lenexa). The roughly 15,000-square-foot space will feature 10 high-tech hitting bays offering simulated pitches and different game modes. Alongside the baseball experience will be a full bar and restaurant with classic ballpark fare.
Closings
Barrio Taqueria in Martini Corner (408 E. 31st St., KCMO) has shut its doors. The restaurant announced the closure on Instagram at the beginning of the year, sharing photos and thanking customers for support. “The memories made will always be part of our story,” the caption read, adding that the team is looking ahead to what’s next. Barrio’s sister locations in Briarcliff, Brookside and Red Bridge remain open.
La Fonda El Taquito, a longtime fixture on Southwest Boulevard (800 Southwest Blvd., KCMO), closed at the end of January after nearly 47 years. Sisters and co-owners Maria and Sandy Medina decided to retire, bringing the Mexican restaurant’s decades-long run to a close. In a Facebook announcement, Maria thanked the community for decades of support, calling the decision bittersweet.
