Here’s a quick blog to remind you about Waldo Week, starting today February 29 and running through March 5.
This is the 9th annual Waldo Week, where all are encouraged to celebrate and explore all the various services, retail spaces, restaurants and bars Waldo has to offer. Several establishments will offer special deals, including Eclectic’s, Waldo Pizza, Euston’s Hardware, Salumi Rose, Mike’s Wine and Spirits and Crow’s Coffee. The charity partner for this year is The Children’s Place.
Thank you for supporting our local small businesses in Waldo!
At a recent Waldo Area Business Association meeting, Jeremy Tinkler withEPC Real Estate Group gave us an update on the apartment complex planned for the intersection of 74th St and Broadway, where The Well once stood. The construction of the building will coincide with the planned street improvements in the 75th and Waldo area, so this intersection is going to be messy for the next two years!
There have been some changes from the initial plans. The Well will still be on the ground floor of the building, but now there will not be a “rooftop” connected with the restaurant. Instead, some of the apartments on the second floor will have “terraces” that overlook the street. Also planned for the first level are three other retail spaces, which could be services (like a spa or nail salon) or a coffee shop/small cafe, plus outdoor tables in front of The Well. The working title for the building, 74 Broadway, hasn’t been chosen as the official name but you can see this project referenced as such at the EPC website.
Since there will not be a rooftop area, a few more units were added; now there will be 283 studio, one and two bedroom apartments. Fifty seven of these will be at “affordable” prices. A five story parking garage for 374 vehicles will be attached with validation available for the building’s retail and restaurant. Tinkler says residents will have access to “top of the line” amenities: an outdoor pool, cabanas, a whiskey lounge, clubhouse and a golf simulator. Construction should take at least two years, and demolition of the former Well building is planned for March 4 if all the paperwork is completed.
74 Broadway is working with KCMO so that the construction of this project is happening at the same time as all of the street improvements and sidewalk/parking lot reconstruction happening now along Wornall. The Waldo Area Business Association has created a website to keep you updated on what’s happening here; note it is a work in progress! Please continue to support Waldo merchants and services in the 75th and Wornall area despite the construction disruption and traffic rerouting–they are here for you!
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) alongthese 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!!
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 BarSouth of Summit Taqueria
Michael Forbes Bar and GrillSummit 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!
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!
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.
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!!
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.
What makes shopping in Brookside so special is…you are going to find things here that you will not findin 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.
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 