Everyone likes to try a new restaurant…especially if it’s a small, locally owned place. And, most everyone likes Italian food!  So, bring your hungry belly to Waldo’s newest Italian restaurant, Big Belly’s at 8940 Wornall!

Owner Josh Drake has teamed up with chef Ken Viereck and Jessica Gattenby to create a friendly, casual, family oriented place, focusing on scratch cooking and a variety of meal options.  Josh and Ken have a food service background: Ken learned cooking from his parents and over the years, tweaked the recipes.  Josh has a catering company that’s nominated for Caterer of the Year from WedKC.  Josh looked at several locations for the restaurant, and settled on this spot after a friend who owns Social in Waldo recommended it. There was already a  kitchen in the back, and plenty of space for tables, a bar and parking.  “I know Waldo is a community of many types of people: families, blue collar workers, young professionals, older folks—and that’s the type of community I wanted to be in” Josh says.  “When I picture myself in 20 years, I think of LC’s Barbeque.  I went there once a week, and the owner was always at a table, doing paperwork, chatting with the regulars, greeting people as they walk in.  That’s what I want this place to be. I want this place to be affordable for families and also a nice spot for date night”.

Big Belly’s has a large menu—you’ll find several types of pasta, salads, and entrees that include two sides with garlic bread!  The most popular items so far are the chicken piccata, chicken parmesan and rattlesnake pasta.  There’s also a wide selection of appetizers, mac n’ cheese, and sliders, available in 2 and 3 item portions with sides included.  If you are craving pizza, Big Belly’s has you covered with their flatbread pizzas.  Jessica makes all the desserts fresh every day; after two days they are marked down to 99 cents.  Daily specials include the popular lasagna (only available on Thursdays); kids eat free on Tuesday and a pasta discount on Wednesdays.  And if you are feeding a crowd—check out their family meals and catering menu for Chiefs games, birthday parties and other celebrations. 

Hours for Big Belly’s are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-9pm and Sundays from 11am-8pm.  Stop in and fill up!