New Waldo Restaurant Serves Breakfast Too!

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

The title of this new Waldo restaurant says it all up front: Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish. Located at 8950 Wornall Road, this spot used to be The Cook Shack. Kelvin Powell and his wife Rischa Rayon opened the place in September 2014 and serve tasty home-style cookin’ all day long…so let’s find out more about this local Waldo business!

Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish in Waldo

I stopped by earlier this week and visited with Rischa about what’s on the menu. She emphasized that fresh, not frozen, meat and fish are served: handmade burger patties, fresh chicken wings fried in their own special batter, and real fresh potatoes are used for the hash browns and country potatoes. Fish selections include catfish, basa and tilapia. The Game Day menu also offers several food combos so you can choose what suits you: for example, wings and your choice of sides (mac & cheese, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes and fries/tots/onion rings).

One aspect of Game Day Chicken Wings, Burgers & Fish that sets it apart is the breakfast menu. I was trying to think of another Brookside/Waldo area restaurant that serves a full breakfast –and only came up with The Classic Cup. At Game Day, breakfast is a busy time and they serve it all: freshly made biscuits, cinnamon rolls, oatmeal, eggs, grits, gravy, pancakes, waffles and side meats. The prices are reasonable and the portions are large–one cinnamon roll can feed at least two persons!

Rischa Rayon

Rischa explained this restaurant is a family affair–for now, employees are relatives as they get the business established. They appreciate all of their customers, and set prices so area residents can afford to stop in often. It’s a place that has that special small neighborhood feel, where the staff will take the time to get to know you after a couple of visits. Enjoy this comfort food as you chat with Rischa at the counter, keep an eye on the TV or people watch out the large windows. In the spring, they plan to get a liquor license and have a small patio for outdoor dining during warmer weather.

During December and the cold winter months, the hours can vary a bit. In general, the restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday 8am-7pm, Friday/Saturday 8am-9pm and Sundays 8am-4pm. Visit their Facebook page or website for more information…also, the Game Day staff will cater and reserve the restaurant for private events. Stop by and try this new Waldo dining spot!

Waldo Home Sales – October 2014

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

It’s time again to report October 2014 home sales stats for Waldo. People often ask me what the boundaries of Waldo are, and I don’t have a firm answer for them! For purposes of this market update, the area I focus on is single family home sales between State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In October 2014, 42 homes sold with a median sales price of $140,000 and 49 days on market. The lowest home sale price was $37,500 and the highest was $247,500.

In October 2013, 19 homes sold with a median sales price of $133,500 and 55 days on market. The lowest home sale was $42,000 and the highest was $243,000.

You can see a big difference in the number of homes sold–twice as many this year compared to last. The average sales price was higher as well, and a few less days on market. Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – October 2014, 288 homes have sold with a median price of $145,500 and 46 days on market.

From January – October 2013, 290 homes sold with a median price of $142,000 and 49 days on market.

Overall, Waldo is on pace with last year’s sales figures, with an increase in the average price. Good news for the neighborhood!

(All information from Heartland MLS; numbers are deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Waldo Holly Jolly Shopping Crawl- Sat Nov 29, 2014

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Ready to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Waldo is ready for you! This Saturday November 29 is the Waldo Holly Jolly Shopping Crawl from 10am-2pm. Over 30 different participating merchants are offering discounts, freebies and holiday deals.

Here’s a short sample of the specials: $3 pints at 75th Street Brewery; 20% off at Garza’s Goodies; free appetizer at The Well; discount off salon products at Chop Tops Hair Company; free chair massage at The Healing Place….besides shopping for others, there are deals you can take advantage of for yourself as you cruise through the stores!

In addition, you can earn Waldo Bucks: Get a punch card at any participating store or restaurant, have the card stamped at three business for $10 in Waldo Bucks or five businesses for $10 Waldo bucks. A nice payback for supporting local Waldo merchants!

Details on all the specials are available at www.waldomo.com/holiday. Saturday is also Small Business Saturday nationwide…please support a small, locally owned business near you this weekend. Small businesses generally offer you the most eclectic selection of merchandise and the best customer service!

Welcome a New Salon in Brookside – Bona Terra

Posted on November 16, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Bona Terra Salon, 414 E 63rd St

“Gotta get a haircut.” How you feel when that time comes? Do you prefer to stop by a chop shop and get in, get out? Or do you like to take the time to enjoy the experience, relax and enjoy a head massage, discuss new style options, pamper yourself a bit?

You may have noticed a new salon in Brookside called Bona Terra (the name means ‘good earth’ in Latin), located at 414 E 63rd St (in the old Blockbuster building). I stopped in recently and talked with Kate Aguilera about her new business. She is so enthusiastic and excited about having her own shop. You definitely feel a fresh, sophisticated yet comfortable vibe when you walk in the store: this is an Aveda ‘concept’ salon, meaning only Aveda products are used and sold here. In the lobby, you’ll find shampoos, conditioners, skin care items and some very cute holiday gift packages– all organic products in recycled packages. And a very friendly staff to help you!

Kate is a K State grad who worked for many years in the advertising and communications industry. Throughout her high school and college days, she styled hair and make-up for her friends. Growing up, her mother was a great influence: she was always very conscious of how she presented herself as a woman to the world–professional and fashion conscious. When Kate and her husband decided to move back to KC from Topeka, they wanted to live in Brookside and send their daughter to St Peter’s School. Her parents bought the building and Kate opened the salon as manager.

Kate Aguilera, Salon Manager

So what makes this shop different? Kate sets a high bar for her stylists: all must attend Aveda training classes, dress well, and maintain a superior level of customer service and knowledge. Every client has a consultation before the service, and after each haircut–a complimentary make-up touch up. You won’t find loud music and gossip in this salon–Kate wants you to have a total lifestyle experience, not just a haircut. She wants each customer to leave feeling refreshed and confident about the way they look. Prices are competitive with other salons in the area. Bona Terra offers nail and make up services as well, with other body treatments coming in the near future.

Stop in and check out Bona Terra at 414 E 63rd St. Welcome Kate and her staff to Brookside. Browse the Aveda products for gift ideas–or pick up a gift certificate for holiday gift-giving. Also, mark your calendar for their Grand Opening Celebration from noon-5 on December 7. Thankfully the eyesore of that vacant Blockbuster building is gone..and we have a new business in Brookside!

Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener Nov 13, 2104

Posted on November 12, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Even though you may still be scheduling your Thanksgiving plans, it’s time for Brookside’s Holiday Season Opener–tomorrow, Nov 13, 2014 from 6-9pm at 63rd St and Brookside Blvd. It may be a bit chilly but the atmosphere will be warm and festive..plus you’ll enjoy complimentary coffee and hot chocolate from the Roasterie and Michael Forbes Grill!

Choirs from area schools will serenade shoppers and bring out the holiday spirit as you stroll through the shops, checking out special deals and admiring the special seasonal window displays. Bring any gently used winter coats or sweaters you may have and drop them off at World’s Window–they are collecting outwear for Rose Brooks Center–and you’ll get a 20% off coupon to use in the store.

For a complete list of store specials and other goodies being offered, click on this site: www.brooksidekc.org. Remember, locally owned businesses generally offer the best customer service and the most interesting, eclectic gift choices. Support Brookside merchants and start your shopping tomorrow evening. You may even find a little something for yourself!

Dinosaur Show Coming to the Sprint Center

Posted on October 21, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Is that a real dinosaur at St Elizabeth’s School??

Last week, St Elizabeth’s School in Waldo had a special visitor…from a dinosaur! OK, not a real one, but very life-like! The one pictured here is a “Baby T” replica.

The Walking with Dinosaurs show is coming to the Sprint Center next month. This multi-million dollar show features 20 life sized dinosaurs who walk and roar around the stage in a performance that takes you back to what ‘life’ was like millions of years ago. These creatures are endlessly fascinating–and to see them move like they did in the old days really sparks the imagination. Operated by master puppeteers, this is a elaborate multi-media event featuring video, large stage sets, the huge dinosaurs plus original music.

The live theatrical show originated in Australia, and has toured several cities in the US and UK to favorable reviews. The performance lasts about ninety minutes, and prices start at $19.50. This is the type of stage show our Sprint Arena was built for–it’s a visually spectacular experience. Details about dates and showtimes available at www.dinosaurlive.com. I think school age kids–and their parents–would have a great time at this event. It’s that sort of show that holds your attention while giving you a history lesson as well!

Saturday’s KC Marathon Shuts Down KCMO Traffic for Several Hours

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Out of all the races that run through Kansas City MO, and most of them do, this is the one that shuts traffic down for several hours. The Kansas City Marathon happens Saturday Oct 18, starting downtown, continuing through the heart of the city south through 75th St in Waldo.

It is extremely difficult and time consuming to try and navigate through the race route. Police generally will not let vehicles through, and this causes auto back up for several blocks. Street closures begin at 7:30am and last until after 1pm.

Travelling along Main St, Wornall Road, Brookside Blvd and Ward Parkway will be virtually impossible during race hours. Don’t try to go west to Kansas as you won’t be able to cross any of these major north-south routes. This race should be moved to Sunday. So many businesses, restaurants and retail outlets loose thousands of dollars due to customers not being able to reach the destination. Having the race on Sunday would eliminate some of the losses. Or–move the race outside of the Kansas City MO limits.

More details at the race website: www.waddellandreedkansascitymarathon.org

Meyer Fest Happens This Weekend in Brookside

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Our good neighbor St Peter’s Parish is hosting the first Meyer Fest this Saturday, Oct 9, 2014 on the parish grounds at 815 E Meyer Boulevard. Everyone is welcome!

On Saturday morning, enjoy a pancake breakfast from 8:30-10:30am, along with a Bike Parade and the KidSPOT carnival. Food trucks are also available from 10:30am-12:30pm. The festival then takes a break until the evening activities…

Starting at 6, there is the Indoor Wurst Party, featuring German food and a polka band. Outside, enjoy live music at the block party with The Elders, the Fritz Hutchison Band and The Zeros.

Although Meyer Fest is a fundraiser for the parish, another purpose for this event is to bring together the various and diverse residents we have in the area and build community for those not a part of the parish. So even if you are not a church member, you are welcome to join in the fun. Bring your family, neighbors and friends!

Learn more about pricing and details at MeyerFestKC. And a special thanks to The Roasterie, who is the festival’s main sponsor.

Waldo Home Sales Prices Higher in August 2014

Posted on October 6, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Fall is here, home sales are slowing down, and it’s time to look at the August 2014 single family home sales stats for the Waldo neighborhood. The area I am focusing on for this market report is State Line east to Holmes, and Gregory south to 85th St.

In August 2014, 22 homes sold with a median sales price of $169,600 and 42 days on market. The lowest home sale was $49,000 and the highest was $305,000.

In August 2013, 34 homes sold with a median sales price of $151,000 and 46 days on market. The lowest home sale was $44,150 and the highest was $292,500.

Average sales price is higher from one year ago and days on market, virtually the same. The number of units sold is down by 35%.

Here are the year-to-date figures:

From January – August 2014, 224 homes have sold with a median price of $144,000 and 46 days on market. HIghest sales price so far this year is $430,000; lowest is $23,000.

From January – August 2013, 255 homes sold with a median price of $147,000 and 49 days on market.

The average sales price is now trending a bit lower; the number of homes sold is down 12% year-to-date compared to last year at this time. Nationally, home sales are slower and in the Brookside area (zip 64113) — the trend is pretty much the same as in the Waldo area. As the holidays get closer and the weather cools down–sales are slower. There aren’t as many new listings coming on the market, so buyers have less to choose from.

Currently there are 60 homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $135,000 and 49 days on market. (All information from Heartland MLS; numbers are deemed reliable but not guaranteed).

Brookside Wine Walk Oct 2, 2014

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Mary Hutchison

Don’t want to cook Thursday night? You do like to enjoy these mellow autumn evenings? Then buy a ticket to the Brookside Wine Walk, this Thursday night, from 5-10pm starting at 63rd and Brookside.

This is a benefit for Operation Breakthrough, with half of the (very reasonable) ticket prices going toward the organization. Your ticket gets you a glass of wine for $3 at participating restaurants, plus there are food specials, a drawing for gift certificates, and some shops are open late and offering discounts on purchases.

Tickets are $5 in advance (up to 3pm on Oct 2) or $10 night of the event. Get tickets at any of these restaurants:

Avenues, Charlie Hoopers, Carmen’s Café, Jalapeno’s, Michael Forbes Grill.

Thank you for supporting Brookside..and Operation Breakthrough!

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

What's Happening In Brookside and Waldo (Kansas City, Missouri)

Category Archives: Waldo Community News