March 8, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

49º | 31% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:39 a.m. | Sunset 6:18 p.m.

Answered: Your favorite closed KC businesses

The red Blue Koi Noodles & Dumplings building next to the 39th Street sign.

Step into our time machine: Google Street View. | Photo via Google

We asked you for your favorite closed businesses — and as it turns out, KC’s memory lane is long. Based on 450+ reader responses (and our own picks), let’s look back on spots that left their mark on the metro.

Houston’s, formerly at 4640 Wornall Rd.
A California-based chain, Houston’s earned its place in the Plaza with thirty years of upscale American fare. (Just look at the line outside on its last day.) The nearest Houston’s is eight hours away in Memphis — but we know it wouldn’t be the same.

TikiCat, formerly at 401 Westport Rd.
The island-themed cocktail bar was located beneath HopCat — which also got some love from readers — before both businesses closed in 2020. They were replaced by Fountain Haus, which itself closed this year.

Blue Koi, formerly at 1803 W. 39th St.
A ton of you called out this sushi and noodle spot, which closed in Midtown in 2021. Lucky for those readers, the Leawood location is still going strong.

Riot Room, formerly at 4048 Broadway Blvd.
Everyone who frequented this local venue before it closed in 2021 has a story to tell. Tin Roof expanded to fill the space last spring.

Editor Dayten’s pick: Beignet, formerly in City Market
I grew up in the Northland, and my first memory of going downtown as a teenager was eating myself sick on five beignets. And I’d do it again.

Editor Maddie’s pick: Classic Cookie, formerly at 409 W. Gregory Blvd.
When my grandparents would watch me and my sisters as kids, our daily walks were always special — but even more so when they ended at Classic Cookie. I may not get to taste another amazing chocolate chip, but it’s still a pretty sweet memory.

Former Editor Bella’s pick: Julep, formerly at 4141 Pennsylvania Ave.
I miss Julep the most in KC. It was a true gem in Westport and added a cocktail bar vibe that is sort of lacking. Its themes were always fun but not kitschy, and the staff was wonderful.

Events

Friday, March 8

Flower Power Happy Hour | Friday, March 8 | 5-7 p.m. | Boulevard Tours & Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., KCMO | Try Boulevard’s Dry-Hopped Summer Saison at the Beer Hall’s small bar, benefitting the Pink Boots Society.
Open Season Sportsman’s Expo | Friday, March 8-Sunday, March 10 | Overland Park Convention Center, 6000 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS | $10-$20 | Prepare for your next adventure with new world-class gear, insider tips + educational seminars at this outdoor expo.

Saturday, March 9

Spring into Cookie Decorating Class | Saturday, March 9 | 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Northland Career Center, 1801 Branch St., Platte City, MO | $30-$50 | Get ready to unleash your creativity and indulge in the sweetest springtime activity.
6th Annual Shamrock Shuffle Bar Crawl | Saturday, March 9 | 2-9 p.m. | Historic Independence Square, 106 S. Liberty St., Independence, MO | $10 | Go green at this annual bar crawl to score drink specials and prizes, all benefiting Hope House.
Risqué Revelry Cosplay Edition | Saturday, March 9 | 7-10 p.m. | 824 E. Meyer Blvd., KCMO | $20-$30 | Give in to your curiosity at the cosplay edition of this curated burlesque + variety show.

Sunday, March 10

St. Patrick’s Parade | Sunday, March 10 | 1 p.m. | Johnson Drive, from Monrovia Street to Nieman Road, Shawnee, KS | Free | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the 40th anniversary of the Irish American Club of Johnson County’s gold and green festivities.

Sunday, March 10

Miller Lite Fan Fest Live! | Monday, March 11-Saturday, March 23 | Times vary | Kansas City Power & Light District, KCMO | Free | Experience the Womens College Basketball Tournament with big screens, live music, and plenty of food and drinks.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Seasonal

It’s almost time to set the clocks forward. Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 10. Many states (including Missouri) have made moves to address the time change, but for now enjoy the extra sunlight. (Spectrum News)

Development

A multi-year plan for a “transit-oriented” apartment complex at 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard has been rekindled with the $2.2 million purchase of a parking lot from KCATA. Renderings include a pool, parking garage, and bike repair facilities. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Biz

KC-based Kustom Entertainment acquired the Country Stampede, a three-day country music festival and one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest. Previously held in Topeka, it will move to Bonner Springs in June. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Open

The Blakk Co., billed as an “elevated membership social experience for professionals of color,” is the newest member of the Wonder Shops & Flats at 1108 E. 30th St. Its neighbors include The Combine, Solid State Pinball Supply, and BikeWalk KC. (KSHB)

Traffic

Mission Hills plans to install license plate readers at several busy intersections, including along State Line Road and Mission Drive. The project’s total cost equals ~$441,800. (Johnson County Post)

Development

The Olathe City Council approved rezoning for a 51-home Coffee Creek neighborhood. The development incorporates a stream that cuts through the area, plus planned green space and pickleball courts. (Johnson County Post)

Watch

The Academy Awards air this Sunday, March 10 at 6 p.m. Not sure how to watch? Access the broadcast with a free five-day trial of DIRECTV STREAM.*

Coming Soon

🍦 Here’s the scoop

A hand holding a cup of white ice cream reading "Betty Rae's." In the background, an ice cream counter holds jars of candy and waffle cones under a chalkboard menu.

At the Merriam location, off-the-wall flavors like “Olive Oil + Sea Salt” could be the norm. | Photo by KCtoday

You may just think of ice cream as the perfect sweet treat to cap off a stroll on a summer night. And, it is — but it’s also a science.

Betty Rae’s plans to open its newest location in Merriam this May, just across the parking lot from the Cinemark. The new store will have all of the top-notch ice cream you’re used to, plus some flavors you won’t expect.

The Merriam location will serve as Betty Rae’s Test Kitchen, workshopping new flavors that are being considered for retail sale and giving ice cream enthusiasts the chance to provide feedback early.

In addition to the Test Kitchen, the space will include a production facility to keep up with the sweet stop’s plans to expand further into local + regional grocery stores.

The Buy

Dog walks around the block just got more stylish.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

Sorry to all the night owls, but here’s your reminder that the sun sets at 7:20 p.m. on Sunday. My plan is to celebrate with a patio dinner at Gael’s.

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