Category Archives: Waldo Community News

75th and Wornall Street Improvements Have Begun

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Starting off with two declarations: 1) You’ll be avoiding the intersection of 75th and Wornall by car for the next several months and 2) PLEASE continue to support the merchants in that area, even if it’s less convenient!!

This project has been in the works for several years and it’s finally happening. The “75th and Wornall Improvements-Engineering Division”, as it’s listed on the KCMO website, has more intricate details on what is planned for the area. I went to the Waldo Area Business Assn monthly luncheon a couple of weeks ago for a presentation–and took notes for reference which I have summarized here. Special note: the new apartment project going up on The Well corner will also be happening at the same time. I’ll post more details about that in the next blog.

I took this graphic from the KCMO website and added a couple of landmarks for reference. The initial part of this project will remove the north parking lot (the one in front of The Well), and involves excavating the site, digging 12 feet below ground to replace some infrastructure and rebuilding the parking lot. The next step will be the south parking lot (in front of Waldo Pizza) undergoing a similar process; however the street (Broadway) along these storefronts will be eliminated. Plans are for these two lots to be finished by June. Reconstructing Wornall Road from 75th to 79th, plus some of the additional streets around this area, are planned for 2025. 

Although this project will take years, bringing detours and major inconveniences to residents, traffic and the much used vendors in the area–it should be worth it! Plans include:

*replacing the water main line on Wornall and installing new storm sewers.

*New sidewalks, curbs, streetlights; and added flower beds and benches.

*The Trolley Track Trail will have a dedicated surface along Wornall from 74th-75th.

*Adding more parking spaces in the two lots; note there will not be an entry to the south lot from 75th St, effectively eliminating the curbside food pick up from Waldo Pizza.

The Waldo Area Business Association does have a website (a work in progress) to keep you posted on developments — just know it’s going to be a large, slow moving construction project that will have an immediate and long term effect on the local small businesses in the area. Please make an effort to continue to support these restaurants and services throughout the construction–-they are here to serve you!!

Kansas City Restaurant Week Begins Friday!

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It’s that time of year…after all the holiday hoopla, it’s time to reset and get ready for Restaurant Week here in Kansas City, January 12 through the 21st.  Everyone I know dreads the daily question “what should we have for dinner?” or “let’s go out for dinner, where??”. With some advance planning, you can try some new spots in the area and support your neighborhood favorites as well. While browsing through the long list of almost 200 participants, I noticed several places I’d like to try! Here’s the catch–best to make reservations now because the popular spots fill up fast. Invite some friends…and make it a fun social evening in the middle of a normally dull and dreary month.

Because this blog is focused on Brookside and Waldo, as of this writing, these are the local restaurants participating. Note I am not linking to the individual websites; easier to go to the KC Restaurant Week website and look up the place you want in order to see the special menus they are offering.

Aixois                   Red Door Woodfired Grill

Lew’s Grill and Bar             South of Summit Taqueria

Michael Forbes Bar and Grill        Summit Grill

Pizza Tascio                Waldo Pizza

Charlie Hooper’s              Plate

Boru                    Smitty’s Garage

Lunch offerings run around $15-$20, and the three course dinner menus vary in pricing depending on the restaurant; usually between $35-$55, tipping not included. Some places offer the specials for carryout/delivery.

Kansas City Restaurant Week not only promotes so many of our locally owned restaurants but also has an annual charitable partner. This year it is Kanbe’s Markets, which works to eliminate food waste, and provide fresh fruits and vegetables to area small markets and convenience stores. A portion of the money collected is donated to this organization.

To close things out, I’ll mention a few interesting places that are new to KC Restaurant Week this year: Noka, Nine Zero One, Voo Lounge, The Spot, and Society KC if you need some inspiration!

Get out and enjoy a great meal or two during KC Restaurant week and…thank you for supporting local business!

New Listing in South Waldo! Under $250K!

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This is a good one….new listing today in south Waldo at 8024 Jefferson St. The seller has made significant improvements and it’s move in ready!

Exterior improvements include newer siding, windows, roof, gutters, garage door, driveway and storm doors.

Newer kitchen! Stainless steel appliances, all stay, including the washer dryer that is in the half bath on the first floor.

Also on the first floor, a large living room with wood burning fireplace and a flex rom–perfect for home office or play.

Upstairs, two bedrooms plus a full bath. And don’t miss the spacious screened in porch that overlooks the firepit in the fenced yard!

More pictures online! Or contact me for extra information. Offered at $239,000. Listed by Mary Hutchison, Better Homes and Gardens-Kansas City Homes.

Waldo Small Crawl Happening This Week

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Time to walk off the extra calories you may have indulged in over the weekend!! The annual Waldo Small Crawl is going on now through Friday December 1st.

Many Waldo businesses are participating–when you shop this week in Waldo, check for special discounts and gifts from various shops and restaurants, including Hiles Two, Hemma Hemma, Front Range Cafe and many more.

The best and most personal gifts are found at our locally owned small businesses–and usually they have the best customer service too! Thank you for supporting our neighborhood!

Meddy’s Recently Opened in Brookside

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You probably noticed the facelift going on this summer at the SW corner of 63rd and Brookside Plaza, last occupied by Panera. The trucks clustered at that intersection for weeks as the interior and exterior was transformed to the latest location of Meddy’s, a Mediterranean food spot.

I was unable to connect with the manager of Meddy’s to get some additional information for the blog; however, I decided to write about this new place anyway because it seems to be a big hit with the neighborhood–it’s quite busy every time I walk by! And I can understand why: Meddy’s offers a different menu of flavors with a wide variety of options and prices, plus gluten free, vegan and vegetarian food choices.

Founder Alex Harb is from Lebanon and attended college in Wichita. After a successful career in IT and computer sales, he decided to start a fast casual restaurant with recipes based on his childhood. There are several locations in Wichita and the chain recently expanded to the KC area, opening in Prairie Village earlier this year.

Meddy’s boasts they make everything they serve “daily from scratch”; there are many shawarmas on the menu, along with grill focused platters featuring meat, potatoes, tabbouleh, hummus and eggplant. Soups and salads are also available and and several dessert options! Meddy’s has a full bar with happy hour (20% off bar items) Monday through Friday 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday. And as a nice perk for parents, kids can order “mini Meddy’s” from the menu. Catering is also a big part of their business.

So, Brookside welcomes another food option for the neighborhood…we have Italian, burgers and bar food, Mexican, sushi, a couple of breakfast spots, fast food sandwiches and now the authentic Mediterranean flavors of Meddy’s. Stop by and check it out for yourself; Meddy’s is open seven days a week.

Brookside Shops Ready for Holiday Shoppers!

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What a lovely Fall weekend we have for the annual Brookside Holiday Season Opener!! Temps right around 60 during the day; not too cold at night; perfect for strolling along 63rd St and getting in the holiday spirit!

Festivities begin tonight (Thurs Nov 9) with live music from the Holiday Trombones playing from 5:30-6:30; the tree lighting is at 6:00pm, plus an appearance from Santa–all happening at the Bank Midwest Plaza ( on 63rd St next to Starbucks). The shops will be open late and many are offering specials and giveaways; don’t forget the nearby restaurants for refueling! This is the perfect weekend to leisurely browse and get inspired for a few perfect gifts or stocking stuffers–and pick up a few special deals.

The Brookside Holiday Season Opener runs through Sunday afternoon–please join in and thank you for supporting our locally owned small businesses!!

Salumi Rose – Now Open in Waldo

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As we get closer to the festive holiday season, the new Waldo shop Salumi Rose  (7443 Broadway, just south of Waldo Pizza)  is a place you should know about!  Salumi Rose describes itself as a “charcuterie experience”…and in more ways than one.

Salumi Rose, 7443 Broadway

Yes, you can pre order charcuterie boards for a party or holiday gathering; however at Salumi Rose you can also learn to make your own board in one of their workshops;  or pick up all the fixings to create your own board  at home.  You have options!

Kris Beckman

I stopped in recently to chat with Kris Beckman about the shop; she’s the face of the business running the day to day operations of the storefront, and her good friend Alice Arrendondo helps with the website and the vision of Salumi Rose. Kris described the origins of Salumi Rose: while on vacation, the pair took a charcuterie and wood burning class at a resort.  They had a blast and knew the concept, with a few tweaks, would be a hit in Kansas City.  After hosting events at a few venues, including Marco Polo Selections (a wine shop/tasting room at  336 W 75th St ), Kris and Alice got in touch with Diane Botwin of Botwin Family Partners—who own several buildings in Waldo, including Marco Polo’s space.  They had an instant connection with Diane and knew this open spot would work well as a combination retail and workshop area.  Kris explained: “People want experiences and useful gifts; we feel what we offer gives our guests not only a new skill but a fun experience.” They are also starting a monthly book club and will host small events like team building, bridal shower, client appreciation, etc. personalizing each to best fit the client.

Char Cutie box of goodies

Inside this location, guests can pick up the stylish and tasty pre-ordered boards, and have a cozy place to gather, shop and create. There are grab and go “Char-Cutie” boxes for just $10, featuring a selection of meat, cheeses and other tasty fresh bites.  If you want the ingredients to create your own board at home, Salumi Rose has a cooler stocked with meats and cheeses (vendors include Underground Meats, Alma Creamery and Milton Creamery), plus shelves full of crackers, spreads, cute napkins, glasses, wood boards and other items for your inspiration.

Stop in Salumi Rose Wednesday through Saturday to take a look around.  Hours are posted on their Facebook and Instagram (@salumirose) pages; you can also reach them via email at contact@salumirose.com.

Another New Locally Owned Shop Opens in Brookside

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What makes shopping in Brookside so special is…you are going to find things here that you will not find in a generic chain store.  Everyone likes to have something unique and personal!  And now Brookside has a new store that is a step beyond that—a shop that features local Kansas City area makers, Shop Local KC. Inside you’ll find a large, stylish selection of handmade goods showing off the many creative talents in the metro area.

Owner Katie Mabry van Dieren earned a degree in journalism from Kansas State University and was planning on being a lawyer.  She discovered this would be a boring path for her—she wanted to nourish her creative streak.  So, Katie started making jewelry and participating in the Strawberry Swing Craft Fair.  Eventually she took it over and when COVID forced changes to the event, she decided to showcase local craft makers online and started Shop Local KC.  Katy quickly expanded to a storefront on Main St in midtown (now closed to open the Brookside space) and two other locations:  Crown Center and at 95th and Mission Road inside NBKC in the Ranchmart Shopping Center.    And she still runs the annual Strawberry Swing event!  This is the 13th year for Holiday Swing, which creates a holiday shopping village in the Crown Center Square next to the Ice Terrace.

Katie Mabry van Dieren, left and Jenny Kane

At Shop Local KC’s Brookside location, Jenny Kane is the shop manager—she is Katie’s longtime friend and photographer.  You can browse on your own or ask Jenny for help finding gifts and personal presents:   browse the jewelry, pottery, seasonal towels and décor, apparel, notebooks and candles.  Best sellers include Messner Bee Farms honey, lotions and lip balm and graphic tee shirts. Shop Local KC represents over 300 local artisans and all of their items can be ordered online for delivery as well.   There is also a floral section with flowers from local growers including a nearby Amish farm. Stop in for a grab and go bouquet, or order an arrangement for delivery.  Actually all of their items can be ordered online for delivery as well! 

Katie is a long time Brookside resident and lives nearby with her husband and two children.  She wanted to open a Brookside spot  because through the years, “Brookside has kept its historic original architecture and sense of a close, local  neighborhood community.  And that is what our shop is all about:  promoting the creativity of local makers.”

Shop KC Local is open seven days a week at 6245 Brookside Plaza, on the same block as Foos and SKINKC.  Visit them online at www.shoplocalkc.com for browsing and delivery options.

Pizza Tascio Now Open in Waldo

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Everyone seems to have their favorite type of pizza: some prefer a very thin crust with light toppings; some want deep dish; others crave a thicker, chewy crust heavy with cheese, meat and veggies.

And then there is New York style pizza, which is what you will find at Waldo’s newest pizza place, Pizza Tascio at 409 W Gregory.  What defines New York style?  According to owner Erik Borger, who grew up in New York City, a NY style pizza  features a “thin crust, definitely foldable,  with light toppings and a crispy, flavor filled crust.” Are you craving a slice yet???

Erik’s “obsession” (yes he used that word) with perfecting his type of pizza started years ago.  He was caring for his father who was battling cancer.  Dad and son were craving the pizza tastes of their younger days growing up in NYC, so Erik decided to make his own.   At one point he had six commercial ovens in the garage at his St Joseph home, trying to figure out the perfect temperatures and flavors.  When he finally  got the recipe right, he opened the first Pizza Tascio there in 2021.  In 2022 he opened a second location on Burlington in North KC and the Waldo location is…#7 in the metro area!  I asked Erik if he was a bit exhausted and overwhelmed with the fast growth.  “This location has been much busier than I expected. It’s far exceeded my expectations and we haven’t been open that long.  However, I have a really good team and they keep everything running smoothly”. 

There are a few unique things about this pizza to note.  First, he offers one size of pie-18”.  Most “large” size pizzas are smaller than that, so even though the cost is a little higher, you are getting more of a high quality product.  These large pies are divided 8 ways for slices, and at Pizza Tascio you will get a large slice for as little as $5!  The superior ingredients Erik uses make a big difference that you can taste:  meats are sourced from Paradise Meats in Trimble MO; organic Napoli tomatoes from California, and he uses only 100% whole milk mozzarella.  I asked Erik about the phrase “no BS added” to the cheese he uses as stated on the website. He explained that most cheese has a fungicide added to prevent mold; he only uses cheese without any chemicals added.  It took a while but he found a source for his chemical free cheese…that is his strict dedication to perfection.   The menu focuses on various pizza combos of course, including an “upside down” pizza;  there’s a salad option, a dessert pizza and cheesy breadsticks.  You can dine in or pick up curbside.

Pizza Tascio is located in the former Classic Cookie spot at 409 W Gregory. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11am-9pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-10pm. 

Big Plans for Wornall Road and 75th St–New Apartment Building and Streetscape

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The Waldo Area Business Assn has a new District Manager, Sean Anderson. He’s in charge of the Waldo CID (Community Improvement District) and will monitor two large, connected projects slated to start next month centered around the busy intersection of 75th  St and Wornall Rd. Read on for details about these plans, which will affect transit and pedestrian traffic at this location for the next several months.

The Waldo Road Improvements work has been planned for years. From 74th to 79th St along Wornall, you’ll eventually see much needed changes: a better streetscape and more landscaping; new LED streetlights, new and wider sidewalks, new traffic signals and a reconstructed Wornall Road in this area to improve traffic flow.  Water main lines will also be replaced from 75th-77th St.    According to the KCMO Engineering Division web page, work should begin later this year. (It was supposed to start in 2016—we all know how slowly government tackles projects!)

Sean Anderson

And around the same time….the entire block The Well sits on will be torn down and demolished to make way for a large apartment complex.

The EPC Real Estate Group is building 278 units at this corner; the complex is currently referred to as Waldo 74 Broadway.  This same company built the apartments called 51 Main, on top of the Whole Foods.  Yes, this project is tax abated and 20% of the units will be “affordable housing”. There will be studios, one and two bedroom apartments.  Plans also include a 364 slot parking garage, a courtyard in the middle of the apartments and The Well will be rebuilt at the base  with a covered rooftop. At the same time, the parking area/bus transit station directly in front of The Well will be enhanced, with a better defined Trolley Track Trail route and a “transit shack” for bus drivers to relax and take a break.  Sean tells me demolition for this project is scheduled for early next month.  Once these projects get going, he hopes to have a landing page on the WABA website for public updates.

Sean left a job in Wyandotte County to work for Waldo; he was developing programs for homeless persons with mental health and substance abuse changes.   He lives in Waldo, plays several instruments, has two bands (The Road Show Drifters and Rumble Ghost) and recently got engaged. Originally from Denver, he loves living in Waldo and is looking forward to meeting more area business owners and residents.   

Once demolition and construction begins at 75th and Wornall—this area will be even more of a mess to drive (and walk!) through.  Be patient and plan new routes accordingly!