Dear Donna
New restaurant concept from James Beard semifinalists Johnny and Helen Jo Leach opening in former Happy Gillis space. Will serve lunch menu with breakfast options from 10am-3pm initially, with items under $20. Features casual dining with specialty items like sweet potato mochi doughnuts and Dutch baby with fried chicken.
Aubrey
Fine dining restaurant planned by first-time restaurateurs Spencer Strode and Marcus Johnson in former Small Batch space in Midtown, aiming to channel intimate New York dining room atmosphere
Truck Norris Twisted Eats and Bar
Award-winning restaurant and food truck reopening brick-and-mortar location after temporary closure due to owner’s surgery. Currently hiring all positions with plans to also reopen food truck in 2027.
Spark by Hilton Kansas City Plaza Streetcar
Hilton hotel being renovated at former Seville Plaza Hotel site, taking reservations beginning June 1. Has partnerships with KC Zoo, World War I Museum, and UMKC Athletics offering 10% commission for bookings.
GuacoTaco
New hybrid fast-casual concept from UKRAFT team serving scratch-made Tex-Mex, weekend brunch, and margaritas in former Tacos 4 Life space
Olive Garden
New Olive Garden location in Festus, Missouri (34 miles south of St. Louis). 6,500 square feet restaurant costing $4.5 million. Construction begins October 1, 2026 with certificate of occupancy expected around August 1, 2027. Will employ 3-4 managers and 50-60 staff members.
Ricochet
A new 21+ bar and game spot opening in Crossroads. Features beer pong, billiards, board games, darts, shuffleboard, skeeball and more. No cover charge or cost for game play. No kitchen but allows outside food. Second location after Des Moines. Located in former Kansas City Star building.
River Market Hotel
45-room boutique hotel in Kansas City’s River Market area, set to open just weeks before World Cup matches begin. Managing member Mike Heitman mentioned timing adds pressure but also opportunity.
The Outsiders Social Club
Membership-driven co-working space and social club that functions as coffee shop by day and lounge by night, with wellness programming on Sundays. Features two floors with different atmospheres for various work styles.
The Spark by Hilton
Hilton taking over the existing Seville Plaza Hotel location on Country Club Plaza, converting it to The Spark by Hilton brand. Will be the official hotel of the National WWI Museum and Memorial with a portion of revenue donated to the museum. Located along KC Streetcar South Extension.