Brookside East continues to gain more tenants, and one of the newest is Can I Have A Bite, the grab and go food store that moved to 633 E 63rd St in late March from a Wornall location in Waldo. Owner Kathy Hale focuses on healthy food, prepared on site, using locally sourced and organic ingredients when possible, with a menu that changes weekly.
Cashew meatloaf, sweet potatoes with chili pepper, basil roasted Brussel sprouts and rosemary balsamic beets
For busy professionals and those with food allergies, Can I Have A Bite can be a regular stop for specialty lunches and dinners. Kathy offers frozen entrees you heat up yourself—or she will have it hot and ready if you call ahead. There is an array of salads, soups, energy bites and full meals you can choose from. With this expanded location, she’s added some new options: a “Create Your Own Entrée”—you choose an animal or vegetarian protein, two sides and a sauce or cheese topping. There is also a “Healthy Belly Bar” with balsamic, bitters and tincture ingredients to create beverages for specific digestions; and a few fresh mocktail options. Plus, Kathy has added sandwiches featuring Gabrianna Bakery breads and fresh French pastries on Saturdays. Local art, available for purchase, is showcased on the walls and there is seating if you want to dine in.
Personal service thrives here–Kathy takes so much pride and care into creating these special, tasty options for her customers. She really understands how different folks have various food limitations (or dietary preferences) and tailors to her clients. This new location also offers much easier parking options, just outside the front door.
Can I Have A Bite is located at 633 E 63rd St, next to Golden and Pine. Hours are Monday – Thursday 10am-7pm; Friday 10-5 and Saturdays 11am-5pm. Check the Facebook page for menu updates—call ahead with your order at 816 381 9101.
The 
The organizers behind 
Like so many locally owned Brookside businesses, Coco makes you feel welcome the moment you walk in. Abi Wagner, Manager, Enabler and Empowerment Queen (yes that is her official title!) –greets you with a big smile, ready to help you navigate around all the pretty and practical goodies on display. Abi is on the left in the photo, and Abby Flores is on the right.
Abi explained the store’s concept to me: “It’s minimalist but not basic. We have brands that fit all body types—from small to 3XL. And our prices are very reasonable. Most items fall in the $30-$50 price range”. Browsing the racks you’ll find tops, pants (including ‘magic denim’ Judy Blue jeans for $39), dresses, bralets, jewelry, purses and some gift items. The tag line for the store is “style, community and empowerment” and the clothes are selected so that the wearer will feel “amazing in your own skin, no matter what your body type” per Abby. To fulfill their commitment to the community, Abby and Abi host classes for women with options that include calligraphy, weaving, making your own bath bombs, and plans are in the works for a book club.
Owner Abby Flores has a masters in art history and worked in merchandising for the Target corporation. She has a keen visual eye as her shop is serene, color coordinated, comfortable and attractive. Although she opened Itsy Bitsy Buns in 2010, it was always her goal to have a women’s clothing store as well. And like the shop next door, this one is very customer focused and on trend with what buyers are looking for now.
Tomorrow is the day for the 37th Annual Brookside St Patrick’s Day Warm Up Parade! Rescheduled from last week (due to weather), the forecast for tomorrow is for a high around 60 degrees–much better!
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 