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.

Armour Hills Home Sales Report-September 2023

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The amount that some buyers will pay over the list price of a home continues to amaze me…last month in Armour Hills, one property closed at $61K over asking price!! Yep, prices continue to rise:

september 2023september 2022
Median list price: $457,500 $449,000
Median sales price: $478,750 $449,000
No. of homes sold: 6 7
Days on market: 2 28

Compared to September 2022, home values rose 6.6%. The lowest closed price last month was $360,000 and the highest was $610,000 ($61K over list price). Here are the year-to-date numbers:

Jan-sept 2023jan-sept 2022
Median list price: $425,000 $399,000
Median sales price: $450,000 $427,000
No. of homes sold: 57 62
Days on market: 2 2

As you can see, most buyers pay over asking price; so far this year almost 6% over! Prices are up 5.3% compared to 2022. Currently there are four homes for sale in Armour Hills, with a median price of $474,500 and 18 days on the market.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Waldo Home Sales Report – September 2023

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Waldo home sales last month actually fell from a year ago–the number of units and the median sales price. However year-to-date, prices up! Let’s take a look at the details here; I’m using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St for the stats, single family homes:

september 2023september 2022
Median list price:$228,500$289,000
Median sales price:$234,000$295,000
Days on market: 3 5
No. of homes sold: 16 29

The median sales price dropped 20% from September 2022 and half as many homes closed. Still, buyers are offering over asking price. The lowest sales price was $150,000 and the highest was $430,000. Below are the year-to-date numbers:

jan-sept 2023jan-sept 2022
Median list price:$285,000$264,000
Median sales price:$290,000$278,000
Days on market: 3 3
No. of homes sold: 201 237

These numbers show us that home values are up about 4.5% this year, and home sales in Waldo are down 15%–likely due to higher interest rates and fewer homes for sale. Currently there are 18 single family homes for sale in Waldo, with a median list price of $277,500 and 20 days on the market.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Annual Race Shuts Down Roads on Sat Oct 21 !!!!

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I learned the hard way one year trying to get to an appointment near the Plaza when this race was going on…it virtually shuts down traffic for several hours!

This year the Garmin race is TOMORROW OCT 21 and it will be extremely difficult to travel from downtown KCMO through 75th St in Waldo from early morning through mid afternoon. Please note and plan accordingly!!

Brookside Home Sales Report – September 2023

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Prices going up, fewer homes are selling, that is the story for Brookside/Waldo home sales this year. Here are the stats for single family homes in Brookside last month, using sales in the main Brookside zip code of 64113:

september 2023september 2022
Median list price:$450,000$439,900
Median sales price:$471,000$437,900
Days on market: 2 19
No. of homes sold: 13 25

Just under 50% fewer homes sold last month compared to a year ago; prices up 7.5% and buyers still paying over asking price. This is the time of year when home sales typically slow down, however that’s a pretty steep drop in a year. The lowest closed sale was $360,000 and the highest was $808,000. Here are the year-to-date numbers:

jan-sept 2023jan-sept 2022
Median list price:$554,500$489,700
Median sales price:$576,000$500,000
Days on market: 3 3
No. of homes sold: 192 236

So far this year, home values up just over 15% and the number of homes sold is down 18%. Currently there are 21 active listings in Brookside, with a median price of $550,000 and 35 days on the market. The lowest price is $385K and the highest is $9.35 million.

(All stats taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

McLain’s Bakery Hosting Block Party on Sunday

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Looking for a fun, family friendly activity this weekend? McLain’s Bakery is hosting it’s 4th annual Block Party on Sunday Oct 15 from 4-7pm at 201 East Gregory.

There will be lots to keep you busy: a bounce house and games/crafts for the kids, local vendor pop ups, plenty of special food and drink too. No Chiefs game either!

So if you are looking for an excuse not to cook Sunday night…head on over and join your neighbors at McLain’s for a late afternoon block party!

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.