We start 2026 with an update on Kansas City area restaurant closings, openings, and related news. Kansas City lost some long running favorite restaurants in 2026, while the metro enjoyed new restaurants and grocery stores. Long running restaurants that closed in 2026 included Brio Italian Grille, Tortilla Flats, Salty Iguana, Hereford House, d’Bronx, Westport Coffeehouse, and one of our vegan favorites, Cafe Gratitude. Kansas City’s culinary scene continue to become more international in scope, while deepening favorite formats like barbecue. We will be exploring some of the growing cuisine trends in 2026, including obvious ones like Indian and surprises like Hawaiian.
We update our restaurant news monthly or bi-monthly, so if you are a restauranteur with news about your business, please contact us at thebrazengourmets {at} gmail.com.
- La Fonda El Taquito is closing after 47 years in business. They will be open through the end of January.
- Desi Chowrastha – Indian Eatery recently opened in the Corbin Park shopping center in south Overland Park. It is a national chain featuring an expansive menu and large dining hall.
- The award winning Corvino Supper Club and Tasting Room wrapped up its run at the close of the year.
- One of our favorite chocolatiers, Annedores, is moving their State Line Road location this week to a new space a few doors away.
- Hemma Hemma Dinette is planning a February opening at 1100 Main St. in KCMO.
- Pokéloha is an “Asian fusion” concept that recently opened on the northeast corner of 119th and Metcalf Avenue. Located next to the IHOP and around the corner from KC Craft Ramen. It also has locations in Lawrence, Kansas and in KCMO near the Ward Parkway center.
- Umami Revolving Sushi is now open at 135th and Hemlock in Overland Park.
- Saladworks has opened a new location in the Bluhawk center in southern Overland Park (7745 W 159th St.) The national chain features custom salad bowls along with set signature salads.
- Barrio Taqueria, formerly Sol Cantina, has closed its location in Martini Corner (on 31st Street in KCMO).
- Mother Clucker closed their location at Park Place in Leawood. Their locations in Shawnee (on Nieman Road) and downtown KCMO remain open. The local chain features Nashville style fried chicken.
- Rakar Dumpling in south Leawood closed in December. Owner Jim Zhang has decided to retire.
- AiOe – All In One Eatery Overland Park is opening soon in the former Applebee’s space at College Blvd. and Metcalf. The Asian fusion concept has a current location in north Kansas City. It features all-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi.
- Dear Donna is opening this year in the former Happy Gillis spot in Columbus Park.
- The Merc Co+op, an independent grocery store, closed its Kansas City, Kansas location at the end of 2025. The departure of the Lawrence based co-op results in a more dire food desert in that part of KCK.
- Zhoug Mediterranean recently opened in the Lenexa City Center development.
- West Plaza Bodega is opening soon at 1702 W. 45th St. in KCMO. A new concept from Blackhole Bakery owner, Jason Provo.
- The Nebraska-based pizzeria, Valentino’s, is opening soon in southern Overland Park.
- The award-winning Waldo Thai closed in 2025 and its future is unclear at this point.
