KCinsiders.joyceinkc

08/22/2025

I was afraid to look. It's okay, KC tops the list. 🍖🔥https://www.eatthis.com/bbq-chains-best-burnt-ends/

These 7 BBQ chains serve smoky, tender burnt ends that barbecue lovers say are must-try.

08/22/2025

Friday Flashback. Lot of interest in the closing of Torchy’s Tacos in KC’s Ward Parkway Center and in Overland Park next week. Here’s a little background on Ward Parkway Center’s Restaurant Pavilion. A multi-level Dillard’s department store on the site converted to a clearance center in mid-2008. Then it closed in late-2009. The store and a parking garage were demolished to make way for the restaurant complex. It has six spaces (one 2-story space has never had a tenant) and a 22,235-square-foot outdoor pedestrian plaza with sunshade, fire pits, and fountains. The $16 million complex opened in October 2017.

08/21/2025

Some of your Torchy’s Tacos closing questions answered.

To recap: The Austin, Texas-based chain is closing locations in Ward Parkway Center and in Corbin Park in Overland Park on Aug. 26. The company is directing customers to its Olathe location.

Why are they closing?
A corporate spokeswoman sent this statement: “Torchy’s is evolving its approach and doubling down on strategic market expansion. Part of that included making the difficult decision to close a small number of locations that no longer align with its long-term vision. These closures will allow the brand to sharpen its focus on high-performing markets, elevate the guest experience and reinvest in the bold, damn good food and hospitality that make Torchy’s what it is.”

Are other Torchy’s closing?
There will be 5 other locations nationwide closing this month.

Some background:
Ward Parkway Center's Restaurant Pavilion has struggled to develop a strong mix.
Torchy’s was the chain’s first location in Missouri when it opened in mid-2020 in a 3,500-square-foot space that was formerly home to MidiCi the Neapolitan Pizza Co.
Hurts Donut Co. closed in a corner space (they had once used 8807 State Line as the address but then changed it to 8809 State Line even though the space was the same). Then Peter Piper Pizzeria (a Chuck E. Cheese concept (sometimes under Peter Piper Pizza) opened and later closed to make way for Chuck E. Cheese which recently became Chuck’s Arcade and Pizzeria.

Nick The Greek (which now uses the 8807 State Line address) closed temporarily for a few months as the owner dealt with family issues. But it has since reopened.

Smitty’s Garage closed in October and remains dark.

One two-story space has never had a tenant (the former Rascal Flatts-branded restaurants was in talks for the space in the early days of the Pavilion.).

Charleston’s Restaurant and locally owned Hawaiian Bros Island Grill also are tenants of the Pavilion.

Ward Parkway Center officials confirmed Torchy’s closing and said they are already working on an “exciting replacement.”

The Overland Park Torchy’s is at 6815 W. 135th St. in Corbin Park. A spokeswoman for Corbin Park said it does not own the Torchy’s building so they have no comment.

Reader question: Where can I get migas tacos now in KC?
Readers responded with KC’s Los Alamos Market y Cocina (well worth the trip if you haven’t been). Any other recommendations?

08/21/2025

See my story in StartlandNews.com

A hemisphere away from Brett Janssen’s former job at General Motors in Kansas City's Northland, the now-budding Westport coffee shop owner found a fresh batch of opportunities: his wife, business partner and a transcontinental farm-to-cup Columbian coffee operation.

08/21/2025

A little update: Arrow Dart Club in the Crossroads
More than a year ago, the cousins behind local favorite Cosmo Burger confirmed plans for a new Crossroads location and an Arrow Dart Club.
Cosmo Burger XR recently opened at 1815 Locust St. (see my story in StartlandNews.com https://www.startlandnews.com/2025/07/cosmo-burger-xr-crossroads/).
Now 916 Hospitality will open Arrow Dart Club at 1817 Locust this fall.
Here’s how they describe it: “Arrow Dart Club reimagines your classic pub experience by merging state-of-the-art throwing dart lanes, a signature bar program, shareable bites, and relaxed lounge vibes.”
That will include big screen TVs.
The cousins also own Dodson’s Bar & Commons in Waldo, and Goat & Rabbit on 39th Street’s Restaurant Row in Midtown.

08/21/2025

Shatto Milk Company is giving a shout-out to the Kansas City Royals with a new limited edition flavor.
Blue French Vanilla celebrates the 10th anniversary of the team’s 2015 World Series title. It will be in commemorative bottles with designs from previous past years - Crowne, Splash, Chillin, Thanks, Immortal and Lucky.
It will go on sale at the Shatto Country Store in Osborn, Missouri, on Saturday, Aug. 23, and at area grocery stores on Monday, Aug. 25.

08/19/2025

Torchy’s Tacos closing in KC’s Ward Parkway Center and Overland Park’s Corbin Park. Last day of business is Aug, 26.

08/18/2025

See my story in StartlandNews.com

A hotel food hall — just up the hill from a main artery of the Country Club Plaza — is planning a restaurant rally this week; reopening its shared culinary experience with some of the Kansas City food scene’s biggest local brands and a food hall rarity: full-service. Under new management, a ne...

08/15/2025

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream’s grand opening in Bluhawk

Betty Rae’s Ice Cream will have a 3-day celebration of its grand opening in Cosentino’s Market, 8051 W. 160th St., Overland Park.
1. Tuesday, August 19, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
First 50 people in line get free ice cream (up to 2 scoops)
Free toppings and sauces all day.
Giveaways all day of Betty Rae’s shirts, hats, mugs and more.
Five chances to win free ice cream for a year – sign up for or sign in to the loyalty program for a chance to win.

2. Wednesday, August 20, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.:
First 50 in line get free ice cream (up to 2 scoops)
Free, handmade waffle cones all day.

3. Thursday, August 21, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.:
$1 off of all Big Scoops, all day.

Special edition flavors include:
Nutty Professor: Nutella base with chopped hazelnuts and coffee chocolate flakes.
Animal Cracker: Sweet cream ice cream with colorful sprinkles and animal crackers mixed in.
Non-Dairy Funky Monkey: Non-Dairy chocolate blended with frozen bananas.
Olive Oil Black Peppercorn.

Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

All Betty Rae’s ice cream is hand-made and hand-scooped. It serves 26 core flavors, including Lavender Honey, Ooey Gooey Buttercake, Cinnamon, Chocolate Brownie and S’mores.
It also has housemade waffle cones, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream flights, shakes and sundaes.

The new Bluhawk location is the ninth area shop, joining the original Waldo location, along with locations in Lee’s Summit, Merriam, Olathe, Overland Park, Prairie Village and the River Market, and Shawnee.
Two Betty Rae’s food trucks are available for events and private functions throughout the metro area.

08/13/2025

Update: 75th & Metcalf Price Chopper to start closing sale
Last week I posted a story about the closing of Price Chopper at 7000 W. 75th St. in Overland Park after more than 30 years.
Officials with Balls Food Stores confirmed the closing in a statement today (Aug. 12):
“After many years of serving the Overland Park community, we’ve made the difficult
decision to close our 75th & Metcalf Price Chopper. Our team has worked hard to provide a great shopping experience, and we’re incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our guests. We are especially grateful to the loyal customers who have supported this store through the years—and to the teammates who have made it such a welcoming place to shop.”

The company has offered the store employees positions at one of its other 24 supermarkets.
“It is very important for our teammates to know they are valued and will have a position in the company if they would like, especially as we head into the busy fall and holiday seasons. This isn’t a choice we made lightly and it represents a strategic move as we continue to invest in the long-term growth of our business.”

Starting Aug. 13th, all remaining merchandise will be 33% or more off regular price.

Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the store closes - when all remaining products are sold.

The company added, “We want to sincerely thank you for letting us be a part of your neighborhood and appreciate your many years of shopping with us.”

Balls Food Stores, Kansas City, Kansas, traces its roots to 1923. It now owns 24 area stores under the Hen House Market, Price Chopper, Sun Fresh, and Payless banners, as well as Tippin’s Pies. It recently announced a 100% Teammate Stock Ownership Program (TSOP).

Reporter note: I still have questions out to the company. I will update this post when I hear back.

08/11/2025

New stores opening in the Legends Outlets Kansas City

1. HEYDUDE, 1843 Village West Parkway, Suite C-113, plans an Aug. 15 opening.
The footwear brand offers “comfortable, ultra-light shoes for men, women, and kids.” It is taking a 2,210-square-foot space. Crocs acquired HEYDUDE for $2.5 billion in early 2022
2. Crocs, 1843 Village West Parkway, Suite C-115, plans a Sept. 5 opening next to HEYDUDE.
It will offer the brand’s colorful collection of clogs, sandals, slides, and customizable Jibbitz charms in the 2,408-square-foot space.
Legends Outlets is located in the heart of the Village West development (and the state’s top tourist destination) at Interstate 435 and State Avenue (just north of Interstate 70) in Kansas City, Kansas.