8 Kansas City restaurant revamps, relaunches and re-openings in 2024

Kansas City Star
·2 min read

In 2024, Kansas City restaurants are going through a wave of revitalization, with new owners and concepts transforming the local dining landscape.

Long-standing favorites like Bo Lings and Avelluto’s are reopening with refreshed menus and renewed ambiance. Some eateries, like Guy’s Broadway Bodega and Urban Cafe, are undergoing significant upgrades, giving locals a chance to experience familiar flavors in new ways. And still others are under new ownership but trying to keep their legacies going, including Breit’s Stein and Deli and Vivilore.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

No. 1: This KC area corner bar got new owners but kept the vibes — and the delicious $7 Reuben

What a sandwich: Toasted rye, with thinly sliced, perfectly salty corned beef that melts in your mouth. The kraut is sour, the Thousand Island is sweet, and the Swiss seals the deal. | Published February 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Allison Dikanovic

River Bluff Brewing opened in 2022 in the River Market. Caldwell’s Burgers will soon serve food inside the brewery.
River Bluff Brewing opened in 2022 in the River Market. Caldwell’s Burgers will soon serve food inside the brewery.

No. 2: Kansas City restaurant closes, but owner is opening a burger joint with beer and BBQ

On the new menu: the Brew Burger (a patty with caramelized onions, onion strings and beer cheese sauce) and the Arthur Burger, topped with pulled pork, candied bacon, onion rings, pickles and Bryant’s sauce. | Published April 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

The Urban Cheddar Burger (Barham Family Farms ground chuck, cheddar, burger sauce, pickle, brioche) with an egg added.
The Urban Cheddar Burger (Barham Family Farms ground chuck, cheddar, burger sauce, pickle, brioche) with an egg added.

No. 3: Kansas City restaurant reopens with new name, location and now, dinner and drinks

This restaurant’s entrees include shrimp and grits and the Urban Cheddar Burger. Small plates: sticky duck wings and kung pao cauliflower. | Published April 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

The garden patio at Vivilore.
The garden patio at Vivilore.

No. 4: Kansas City area hidden gem restaurant has a new owner. Here’s how it’s changing

“It will still be lovely,” says the new owner. | Published March 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

A rendering of the new grab-and-go concept planned for the former Michael Smith restaurant space at 1900 Main.
A rendering of the new grab-and-go concept planned for the former Michael Smith restaurant space at 1900 Main.

No. 5: Acclaimed Kansas City chef will convert his former restaurant into a new concept

“As the years have worn on, it’s felt like we needed to do something different over there.” | Published May 9, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

For 38 years, Italian Delight by Avelluto served traditional Italian food and pizza at 6522 Martway St.
For 38 years, Italian Delight by Avelluto served traditional Italian food and pizza at 6522 Martway St.

No. 6: Decades-old Johnson County Italian restaurant closed. It’s coming back, just blocks away

This Italian restaurant opened in 1983 but closed during the pandemic. It’s getting a new life. | Published January 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The pork steamed dumplings at Bo Lings are hand-shaped, pinched and steamed.
The pork steamed dumplings at Bo Lings are hand-shaped, pinched and steamed.

No. 7: Longtime Kansas City restaurant on Country Club Plaza to get new name, menu, management

The plan is to change the name and add more modern offerings to the menu, alongside classic staples. But only at the Plaza location. | Published June 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Bennigan’s Monte Cristo sandwich will be available at KC Craft & Co. featuring Bennigan’s On The Fly in Overland Park.
Bennigan’s Monte Cristo sandwich will be available at KC Craft & Co. featuring Bennigan’s On The Fly in Overland Park.

No. 8: Bennigan’s left the KC area decades ago. But now, fans can taste their favorites again

“When (Bennigan’s) left, we cried,” fans said. Now it’s back. | Published August 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

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