It all started with the queso…
Back in 2015, sisters India Pernell and Arvelisha Woods went from being vegetarians to vegan. But they craved cheese! So the pair created their own recipe for queso and brought some of it to their hair salon in Independence. Customers loved it—and they decided to start selling their creamy comfort food. Eventually, they developed recipes for vegan nachos too and promoted their goodies at festivals and pop-ups. More success! In 2018, they bought a food truck and started catering out of a kitchen commissary, closing the hair salon to focus on their food full time. Customers wanted a restaurant—India and Arvelisha listened and now you can visit Mattie’s Foods in east Brookside, at 633 E 63rd St.
LiLike every other small business owner, India and Arvelisha had to deal with the pandemic. The lease was signed in August. “We’ve gone through so many trials and tribulations” Arvelisha explained, “that we knew how to work under pressure. We just got creative and made it work”. The restaurant has been a hit—when I visited last week after the lunch rush, there was still a steady stream of people coming in after 2pm for a meal. “We have always loved Brookside and grew up near here. Brookside has the entrepreneurial spirit and the locals support small business owners.”
So what else is on the menu? Besides nachos and the infamous queso, Mattie’s offers breakfast, including a biscuit sandwich, pancakes and the popular Mattie bon—a cinnamon roll with fruit flavor options. Popular lunch items are the brisket sandwich made with tofu, and various types of mac and cheese. There are no fried foods in this place—and, most items can be made gluten free. Mattie’s still caters for events and sells family meals, including special vegan meals with a Thanksgiving theme.
As you may have guessed, Mattie’s is named after the sisters’ beloved grandmother. They both grew up learning how to cook from Mattie, and as they created the vegan recipes, were inspired by those childhood food memories.
Mattie’s Foods is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 9am-3pm; Thursdays and Fridays, 9am-7pm. Stop in for a meal of “comfort food made smart”!
Beginning today, Aug 20, 2020 through Saturday–many shops and restaurants are offering special discounts, clearance items and some dining deals. Participating stores include COCO, LEOPOLD Gallery, LadyBye, Brookside Toy and Science, Brookside Party Warehouse, The Roasterie and Michael Forbes. Check 
Supporting our local merchants is more important than ever at this time…please considering checking out the annual Brookside Sidewalk Sale this weekend! Many shops will be offering special discounts and sales–some eateries as well–starting Thursday July 9 through Saturday July 11. A partial list of participants include 5B&Co Candlemakers, Tuesday Morning, Lady Bye, COCO Brookside and Charlie Hooper’s. 
Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”
As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 