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09/23/2025

See my story in Startland News

That glow within downtown Overland Park isn’t just coming from the freshly stocked shelves at the new Annie Austen storefront; it’s yet another product of the pandemic-pivot entrepreneur’s contagious positivity — lightening the mood just steps away from a massive farmers market overhaul.

09/23/2025

A Favorite Kansas City Cafe Just Started Serving Dinner — Here’s What’s on the Menu

Waldo has wanted this neighborhood breakfast and lunch cafe, Hemma Hemma, to offer dinner service since it opened two years ago.
Now chef and owner Ashley Bare has expanded hours and is offering these new dinner items and more:
1. Shareables include Smash “Dumpling” Tacos (four street taco tortillas filled with smashed pork dumplings, $16), and Burrata + Tomatoes ($14).
2. Handhelds include H-Ville Hot Chicken Sando (with pickle-brinned fried chicken, $16), and the Hemma-N-Out Burger (with house-made sauce on a brioche bun, $17).
3. Salads such as the Brookside Buddha (with quinoa and roasted sweet potato and broccoli, $15).
4. Mains include the Hot Honey Salmon Bowl (gluten-free, $18); Yoshoku Beef Curry ($17); vegan enchiladas ($16); and Aji Verde chicken thighs (gluten-free, $18).
5. Dessert: A citrus tart with brown butter crust ($7), and S’mores Pot de Creme ($8).
It also has a kids menu with a choice of chicken tenders, grilled cheese or buttered noodles for $7, served with fries or applesauce.

Dinner is from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays - full-service, no reservations required. But the lunch and dinner menu is offered from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hemma Hemma is at 7122 Wornall Road, longtime home to Romanelli Grill (circa 1935) and then The Gaf Bar & Grill, and District Pour House + Kitchen.
Hemma is Swedish for “at home.”


For more Kansas City area restaurant and retail news, follow reporter Joyce Smith KCinsiders.joyceinkc

09/23/2025

More new tenants for the Country Club Plaza’s ‘next chapter’

Last week the Plaza announced a new locally owned Italian restaurant for 2026. Now it has a women’s apparel pop-up opening soon, and a permanent menswear shop for a spring opening.

1. Perch, described as “fashion-forward, women’s apparel,” will soon open a pop-up at 333 W. 47th St.
Brands include Veronica Beard, Jonathan Simkhai and Isabel Marant.
It has locations in Vail, Colorado, and Naples, Florida. https://www.perchvail.com/
Parachute formerly operated in the corner spot, at the intersection of Broadway and West 47th Street.
2. J.H. & Sons, “highly curated menswear,” plans a spring opening at 314 and 316 Ward Parkway (next to The Escape Game). The Plaza has been working on the site for several weeks, combining two spaces.
J.H. & Sons said it focuses on skilled craftsmanship and high-quality fabrics. Its brands include Canali, Brioni, Kiton, Ring Jacket, Kiton, Sartorio Napoli and ISAIA Napoli.
It has nine locations: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (3); Omaha, Nebraska (2); Des Moines, Iowa (2); and St. Cloud and Edina in Minnesota.
It was founded 50 years ago in St. Cloud by Jim Halberstadt. His son, Jeff Halberstadt, is the owner. https://www.jhandsons.com/
In other Plaza news:
The Plaza previously announced the addition of Vertice Italian restaurant by locally owned Summit Hospitality Group. It is scheduled to open in the spring at 616 Ward Parkway. The menu will include handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas.

“We are honored to be part of the next chapter for the Plaza,” said Amber Carlson, president of restaurant operations for Summit Hospitality Group, in a statement.

09/18/2025

These Kansas City Restaurants Earned Top Marks in 2024 Health Inspections. Did Your Favorite Make the List?

The Kansas City Health Department has recognized 536 area food establishments with top grades for inspections in 2024.

The 2025 Food Safety Excellence Awards were given to a variety of food operations from full-service restaurants to school cafeterias and grocery stores.

It recognizes establishments that have gone above and beyond in ensuring the safety, cleanliness and education of their operations - 15% of the establishments inspected by the department in 2024.

They had to successfully pass rigorous health inspections throughout the year, meeting or surpassing the standards set by the Kansas City Food Code and other public health regulations.

"Our goal at the Kansas City Health Department is to ensure that citizens are safe from food-borne illness when enjoying Kansas City's local establishments. We are proud to award those food establishments that have gone above and beyond to show the same compassion and safety for citizens that we display daily through Public Health,” said Kansas City Health Department director Marvia Jones, in a statement.

The department does more than 10,000 inspections annually.

The winners included: Andre’s Confiserie Suisse, Anton’s Butcher Shop, Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches, Bella Napoli, Black Wall Street on Prospect, Boulevard Brewing Co. beer hall, Crows Coffee Red Bridge, Governor Stumpy’s Grill House, Green Lady Lounge, Grinders West, Hien Voung Restaurant, Hot Rocks Pizza Kitchen, J’s Fish and Chicken Market, Johnny’s Donuts, Kokoro Maki House, Local Pig-Pigwich, Los Alamos Market, M&M Bakery & Deli, Martin City Pizza and Tap in Martin City, McLain’s Bakery in Waldo, Novel, Pokesan, Renegade Coffee, Sankofa Cafe & Bar, Sayachi Sushi, The Ship in the West Bottoms, Thou Mayest at the Nelson, Torn Label Brewing Co., Town Topic (2021 Broadway), Vita’s Place, Whiskers Cat Cafe & Coffeehouse, and Yoli Tortilleria, as well as many venues at Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums.

For the full list, visit: http://bit.ly/4mtkoH3

09/17/2025

‘A Heartfelt Goodbye - for Now’ in Brookside
After more than a year at 118 W. 63rd St., Hümanette “play cafe” is closing.
Owners Jamie Hickey and her cousin, Claire Tully Markus, said they are in the process of trying to find another location.
“Details to come,” Hickey said Wednesday morning. “We loved being here. We love our incredible community here. It is just dealing with the property itself and some challenges there. It turned out to not be the right fit.”
Hümanette’s last day is Sunday, Sept. 28.
The 3,600-square-foot facility combined a play area for children and a cafe open to the public that served coffee, small plates, snacks, wine, beer and mimosa. But parents and caretakers also could sign up for monthly or yearly memberships for the supervised children’s play area.
The partners blamed challenges at the current location that couldn’t be resolved after “months of back and forth and failed negotiations with the property owner.”
Officials with landlord First Washington Realty could not be reached for comment.
Hümanette gift cards can still be used through Sept. 18 for play passes, drinks, snacks, or merchandise. After that date, remaining balances will not be refundable, but they will remain on file and may be transferred or reactivated when it reopens.
The owners thanked their customers for “letting us be part of your family’s life in a truly special season. It’s been the honor of a lifetime.”
For more on Hümanette’s formation, see my Flatland story from February 2024: https://flatlandkc.org/eats-drinks/new-play-cafe-coming-to-long-vacant-brookside-shop/

09/17/2025

Did the new owners of the Country Club Plaza just sign their first restaurant tenant?
Summit Hospitality Group said it is opening a new restaurant concept, Vertice Italian (pronounced ver-tee-chay), at 616 Ward Parkway (former Parkway Social Kitchen).
A 2026 opening is scheduled.
The modern Italian eatery will offer handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. It will have a cocktail lounge and curated wine list, with selections from both classic Italian regions and modern producers worldwide.
Summit is a longtime Kansas City favorite with such brands as Summit Grill, Third Street Social, BORU Asian Eatery, Pearl Tavern, and Neighborhood Cafe.
Plaza officials couldn't be reached immediately for comment.
This is a developing story. Come back for more.
For more Kansas City area restaurant and retail news, follow reporter Joyce smith .joyceinkc

https://www.instagram.com/vertice_kc/

09/17/2025

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, a premier entertainment destination, needs more than 250 people for its new Overland Park center. 🏎️🏁
The massive 84,000-square-foot facility, at 11610 Nall Ave., will feature high-speed electric Superkarts on a multi-level track, a state-of-the-art arcade, professional racing simulators, Hologate VR, Hyperdeck VR, a two-story laser tag arena, Spark Interactive Duckpin Bowling, and a 7D Xperience Motion Theater.
It is scheduled to open on Nov.18.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring our first Kansas location to the vibrant community of Overland Park,” said Eddie Hamann, managing member of Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, in a statement. “It’s an exciting milestone, and we look forward to welcoming our new neighbors with top-tier wages, comprehensive benefits, and meaningful career opportunities.”
The starting hourly rate will be $15 for non-tipped positions. For tipped positions, the rates are $5 for servers and bartenders, and $10 for event associates. Those interested in applying can visit AndrettiCareers.com.
It also will host a job fair from Sept. 29 through Oct. 28 at Holiday Inn & Suites Overland Park West, 8787 Reeder St. Applicants are encouraged to apply in advance and bring a valid form of identification. The fair will go from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Applicants must be at least 18 years old at time of application.
The company also provides a wide range of benefits for full-time team members including health insurance, paid vacation, and a 401(k) plan, as well as discounted games and attractions for family members of part-time team members.
Andretti Karting said it places a high priority on career advancement opportunities and leadership development initiatives designed to help team members reach their full potential.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games was founded in 2001 and is based in Orlando, Florida. The company currently has 11 locations in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas.
Each location also offers a fresh, hand-crafted menu, full bar, and in-house gourmet catering with event and meeting space capable of hosting groups from 10 to 2,000.
For more information about the new Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Overland Park, please visit AndrettiKarting.com/overlandpark.

09/17/2025

Big news for KCK: Legends Outlets gets a new owner

Tanger, a leading owner and operator of outlet and open-air retail shopping centers, has acquired Legends Outlets Kansas City for $130 million.

The 690,000-square-foot open-air outlet center - at Interstate 70 and Interstate 435 in Kansas City, Kansas - will be known as Tanger Kansas City at Legends.

Legends customers will have access to even more deals and rewards through Tanger’s national loyalty program, TangerClub, as well as community programming and events, including Tanger’s national charitable initiatives such as TangerKids and TangerPink.

Tanger said it also will bring its best-in-class operations for wellness, security, and sustainability to the center and work with local leadership to foster continued economic growth and vitality in the Kansas City community.
“Legends in Kansas City aligns perfectly with our strategy to acquire well-located, open-air centers supported by strong residential and economic market fundamentals,” said Stephen Yalof, president and CEO of Tanger, in a statement. “Anchoring the state’s premier entertainment district, Legends offers a holistic shopping experience, with the brands, dining, and entertainment options today’s shoppers want, surrounded by numerous traffic-driving attractions. We look forward to enhancing the center’s productivity through Tanger’s proven leasing, operating, and marketing platforms.”

Legends Outlets serves as the retail anchor of Village West, the state’s top tourist destination. Premier attractions at this 1,500-acre master-planned community include the NASCAR-owned Kansas Speedway, Hollywood Casino, Azura Amphitheatre, Great Wolf Lodge, Margaritaville Hotel, the National Agriculture Center and Hall of Fame, and the HomeField KCK youth sports complex.

The state’s first Buc-ee’s in the works nearby (for more, see my May 3, 2024 story in Flatland: “Buc-ee’s Picks Kansas City Location for Gargantuan Gas Station” http://bit.ly/4nqw6DP).

Legends is 93% occupied and features more than 100 stores, including newly opened Duluth Trading Company. Duluth Trading Company, a workwear and lifestyle brand for men and women, will have a grand opening celebration on Sept. 20. The 16,000-square-foot store is in the former F21 space.

Tanger Inc. has more than 44 years of expertise in the retail and outlet shopping industries. Its portfolio of 38 outlet centers and three open-air lifestyle centers comprises more than 16 million square feet in tourist destinations and other vibrant markets in 22 U.S. states and Canada.

Tanger said it acquired Legends for about $130 million (using available liquidity and the assumption of a $115 million CMBS loan that matures in November 2027. In conjunction with closing the acquisition, Tanger settled approximately $70 million of previously issued forward equity).
The company estimates the center will deliver an eight percent return during the first year, with potential for additional investment and growth over time. is the fourth outlet center of seven total open-air shopping centers to join Tanger’s portfolio since 2022.

Photo credit: Alex Arnett

09/16/2025

Nice to see KC make national news.

Palm Tree Crew touches down in Kansas City for its first Midwest Palm Tree Club

09/15/2025

Leawood’s new ‘destination Mexican restaurant’ sets opening 🍸

Brothers Adam and Jason Tilford revamped their Leawood Session Taco for LaPez Mod Mex - a more entree-driven concept.
“It has been a passion project that we have been planning for 15 years,” said Jason Tilford. “We are super excited to launch this concept.”
When: LaPez plans to open at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Where: 11563 Ash St. in Park Place.
The Entrees. Including Chile-braised short ribs with roasted poblano polenta; Chile Relleno; grilled salmon wrapped in banana leaf with achiote mezcal butter; chicken mole; shrimp and grits; and wood-fired arrachera steak with roasted poblano cream, a shrimp and crab enchilada and chipotle sherry sauce.
Other menu items: Enchiladas, duck sopes, blue crab tostaditas, lobster tacos, tortilla soup, Yucatecan salad (with grilled pineapple, mango, palm hearts and crispy plantain).
Drinks include sangritas, mocktails, wine, and cocktails including The Charred Pineapple with mezcal, and Rieger’s Old Fashioned.
Background. The Tilfords founded Mission Taco Joint in St. Louis. They came to Kansas
City in 2016??? with a Crossroads location and then opened in Park Place in mid-2023. The name later changed to Session Taco.
But the Leawood restaurant was underperforming and it closed in mid-March. But the Tilfords quickly announced the new concept.
Happy hour: 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays.
Dinner service: 5 p.m. to close Wednesdays through Sundays.

For more, see my May story -“Brothers behind Session Taco launching ‘destination Mexican spot’ in upscale JoCo dining district - in StartlandNews.com:
https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/05/session-taco-lapez-mod-mex/
Photo: LaPez's grilled salmon

For more Kansas City area restaurant and retail news, follow reporter Joyce Smith KCinsiders.joyceinkc