Bibibop Asian Grill Now Open in Waldo

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

My office mates have been raving about this new restaurant in Waldo, located in the former Pizza Locale spot next door to Chipotle at 505 W 75th St. It’s a fast casual spot, set up assembly line style and based on Korean foods and flavors, named Bibibop.

I stopped by this week to take a look –I haven’t eaten there yet and I’m not a food critic anyway! I was impressed the first thing I saw was four employees, including assistant general manager Patricia Allen, conducting a food tasting for quality, taste and appearance before the lunch rush. The other impressive aspect of this place is the amount of food you get for the price–the plate is piled high with all of the fresh ingredients you choose–easily a full pound of food that could feed two, or at least enough for leftovers! The base of your food “bowl” can be rice, green salad or Japanese noodles. Proteins include two types of chicken (one is spicy), steak, and tofu. And there’s a maze of toppings: hot choices are black beans, sprouts, and potatoes, plus ten cold toppings (veggies, etc). There are six sauce options, which you can taste before you order at a station by the soft drinks–that’s so handy for those who aren’t sure which to try and for picky children! All of this food, on one plate, for under $10! Extra options include kimchi, fresh pineapple and miso soup. There are a few seats if you want to dine in.

Bibibop was started by Korean native Charley Shin in Ohio, back in 2013. There are now locations in seven states, all corporately owned. Patricia tells me two new KC locations are coming: at Oak Park Mall and Corbin Park. If you haven’t tried Bibibop yet, bring a can of food with you to get $2 off your dish through December 14 (in conjunction with Harvesters). Hours are 10:30am-9:30pm Monday through Saturday and Sunday 11am-9pm.

Welcome to Waldo, Bibibop!

bibibop food

New Salon “Moonshot Hair Co” Opens in Waldo

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Is it time to get your hair cut? Perhaps a fresh style for the holiday parties ahead or “just the usual” in a relaxed environment, surrounded by local artwork? If you’d like a new experience, check out Waldo’s new salon Moonshot Hair Company, located at 7108 Wornall.

Owner Brooke Smith on the right; Shana Lee on the left

Owner Brooke Smith has over twenty years of experience working with men and women’s hair. After working at other local salons for ten years, she decided to open her own shop. “It was a natural progression” she explained when I stopped by recently. “I wanted to run my own place, and I wanted a gender neutral shop—where everyone feels welcome. And I love my Brookside/Waldo clientele—it’s a family oriented area that supports local businesses”. Brooke is an expert working with all kinds of men’s hair, including facial hair, and is especially proud of her association with Sporting KC and the Kansas City Royals. A longtime Royals fan, she was determined to cut one of the player’s hair. She got her chance with Drew Butera in 2014—who loved her work and spread the word in the clubhouse. As her reputation grew, so did her sports clientele. She’s also a national educator for the 18.21 Man Made line of products.

Baseball and JKF inspired the name of her shop as well: “moonshot” is the term for a really high hit home run, and Kennedy’s speech with the line “we choose to go to the moon in this decade not because it will be easy, but because it will be hard” resonates with Smith. “I wanted a challenge, and am inspired to succeed”. Sharing her passion for this work is Shana Lee, who moved to Kansas City from Los Angeles a year ago—and is so dedicated to her California clients that she flies back once a month to take care of them!

Moonshot Hair Co. has it’s grand opening tomorrow, Thursday November 7 from 7-9pm –stop in! There’s a raffle benefiting the Veterans Community Project for a years’ worth of free haircuts, plus live music, food and giveaways. And if you’d like to stop by for a haircut, you can make an appointment through the website. The salon is located at 7108 Wornall, just south of Louie’s Wine Dive.

moonshot hair front

Waldo Home Sales Report – Sept 2019

Posted on October 23, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Wonderful Waldo gets it’s nickname not only from the many eclectic, locally owned shops and eateries–also for it’s wide variety of housing stock! Last month the lowest closed price was $65,000 and the highest was $403,500. Let’s look at the stats:

September 2019 September 2018

Median list price: $210,000 Median list price: $195,000

Median sales price: $207,500 Median sales price: $196,500

No. of homes sold: 22 No. of homes sold: 34

Days on market: 12 Days on market: 31

Fewer homes sold last month, in a shorter amount of time…less supply usually means higher prices. Now for year-to-date numbers:

Jan-Sept 2019 Jan-Sept 2018

Median list price: $225,000 Median list price: $199,925

Median sales price: $220,795 Median sales price: $200,250

No. of homes sold: 269 No. of homes sold: 308

Days on market: 9 Days on market: 19

Houses are selling fast in Waldo (I’m using the boundaries of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th St) and sellers are getting very close to asking price. YTD, values are up 10% over 2018. Currently there are 33 active single family homes listed in Waldo, with a median list price of $220,000 and 27 days on market.

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

Waldo Home Sales Report-Aug 2019

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Slipping in this Waldo home sales report on the last day of September! In two weeks, it will be time to check this month’s stats! Waldo home prices continue to climb–and homes are selling fast. Here’s the info for Aug 2019, using the Waldo street borders of State Line to Holmes and Gregory to 85th:

Aug 2019 Aug 2018

Median list price: $222,400 Median list price: $198,975

Median sales price: $217,750 Median sales price: $198,500

No. of homes sold: 36 No. of homes sold: 38

Days on market: 5 Days on market: 25

About the same number of homes sold last month compared to same time last year, but in a much shorter period of time and at a higher price. Here are the YTD numbers:

Jan-Aug 2019 Jan-Aug 2018

Median list price: $225,000 Median list price: $199,450

Median sales price: $221,500 Median sales price: $200,000

No. of homes sold: 235 No. of homes sold: 270

Days on market: 8 Days on market: 17

Double digit increase YTD–10%! Currently there are 24 active listings in Waldo, with a median price of $229,500 and 41 days on market. The lowest priced home is $74,000 and the highest is $399,900.

(all information taken from Heartland MLS; deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

Littlest Bake Shop–Treats with Big Flavor

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

It’s usually those cozy, quiet little food shops that supply the best atmosphere for a short caffeine stop, a shared treat with a friend or a corner to relax and read for a bit. I’m thinking of places like Second Best Coffee, Heirloom, or the Unbakery. And now Brookside and Waldo have another option: The Littlest Bake Shop at 645 E 59th St–a vegan and gluten free bakery.

Owner Iris Green is an experienced baker–she’s published her own cookbooks on Amazon, and recently moved back to KC from Los Angeles with her toddler. She was doing pop ups to sell her cupcakes at this same space (it was Pirate’s Bone) and when that business relocated to the Crossroads, Iris decided to move in. She bakes everything on site, using local and seasonal ingredients. Flavors change depending on what inspires Iris and what is fresh–she usually always has a vanilla and chocolate cupcake and cinnamon rolls, but for something different, she’s offered rose muffins with marzipan filling; blackberry peach cobbler, or whatever Iris can dream up with the seasonal produce she finds. That’s the real treat–trying a flavor you weren’t expecting!

Besides muffins, mini pies and cupcakes, Iris has several beverages for sale: coffee drinks and egg creams. She makes all her flavored syrups from scratch, too. Iris told me she thinks of her store as “vintage concept with with a contemporary flair”. Her shop is small yet inviting: some tables and chairs, a counter with stools, and a shaded patio out the back door!

The shop has limited hours right now (Friday noon-7, Saturday and Sunday 10-3), but that’s part of the fun–drop in on a whim to see what she’s cooking up today! Iris will also take special orders. The Littlest Bake Shop is located at 645 E 59th St–just west of Chai Shai.

front

Waldo Home Sales Report-July 2019

Posted on August 29, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Reading this blog may seem like the Groundhog’s Day movie…same news about Waldo home values increasing, over and over! Let’s take a look at the numbers:

July 2019 July 2018

Median list price: $239,000 Median list price: $215,000

Median sales price: $243,000 Median sales price: $210,000

No. of homes sold: 34 No. of homes sold: 43

Days on market: 3 Days on market: 8

Most of the homes that closed last month sold at or over list price, at a substantial increase over last July. Fewer homes sold, and were available, so that pushes prices up and note–listings went under contract in an average of 3 days! Below are YTD numbers:

Jan-July 2019 Jan-July 2018

Median list price: $225,000 Median list price: $199,800

Median sales price: $225,000 Median sales price: $200,000

No. of homes sold: 198 No. of homes sold: 234

Days on market: 8 Days on market: 16

When there are fewer homes for sale, prices go up–that’s what’s been happening in Waldo. Most sellers continue to get ask or over list price for their homes. So far, Waldo home prices have risen 12.5% this year. Currently there are 29 active listings, with a median price of $235,000 and 41 days on market. Prices range from $45,000 to $399,000.

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

Waldo Welcomes a New Restaurant-Brick+Mortar

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

You may have heard that a new restaurant opened in the former Tanner’s location in Waldo…it’s called Brick+Mortar. I stopped by last week to check out the space and was quite surprised…the food on this menu is not your usual bar and grill fare, which is what I was expecting. Read on for details!

Brick tables and bar

First, a bit of background: This is the second location for a Brick+Mortar, following the first in Santa Monica and a third planned for Pittsburgh. The two owners, Travis Lester and Justin Schafer, started a restaurant company called BRG, with seven other concepts and restaurants. They chose to expand into Kansas City, bringing a west coast vibe to the midwest. Surrounded by neighborhoods and other local business, Waldo seemed like a great location to settle into.

Walking into Brick+Mortar, you’ll find two large garage door windows opening to the street; several TVs, two bars and a small outdoor patio. There’s a large mural dominating one wall, featuring the skyline of Kansas City. General Manager Brandi Wilmes says “Our atmosphere is for everyone, with a female driven environment. With our elevated bar food menu, we think it’s a place everyone will find welcoming. We have a full scratch kitchen, everything is made fresh in house including our hand cut pastas and the chitarra has become one of my favorite menu items. Our mixologist worked at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas and has created a more sophisticated bar menu including our most popular drink- the Flower Bomb”. That’s a tequila based cocktail with citrus and in house made ginger syrup. The “bomb” aspect of the drink comes from the flower garnish that is the “buzz button” : a szechuan flower that creates a strong tingling, numbing and mouth-watering sensation, fully opening your tastebuds to the unique flavor. Popular food menu items include the ahi tuna poke, the in-house rotisserie chicken with mashed potatoes and grilled fish tacos. There’s also hamachi crudo, octopus, amazing burgers and several small plates. Brisket is ground in house—served with fresh cut fries. Brandi also mentioned the atmosphere is “energetic and new, with entertainment 5 days a week”, which could be a live band or DJ.

Brick+Mortar has some great food specials on Monday ($1 burger) and Tuesday ($2 tacos) 6pm-close with the purchase of a drink. Wednesday’s special is “boards and bottles”- ½ priced bottles of wine and ½ priced cheese, charcuterie and brie boards. They are open seven days a week, with happy hour Monday-Friday from 3-6:30, a late night kitchen menu from 11pm-2:30am, and brunch 10am-4pm every Saturday and Sunday.

Brick+Mortar is located at 7425 Broadway, just south of The Well. Chances are their menu has something that will catch your eye the next time you are looking for a new place to eat!

Brick front

Waldo Farmers Market Opens Wed 6/5/19!

Posted on June 3, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

Where’s Waldo…Farmers Market? The neighborhood missed you last year!
Fortunately the Waldo Farmers Market is back for the 2019 season in a new location, opening this Wednesday June 5, 2019 at 3pm.
I recently talked with Tom Richardson, the new Market Manager (a volunteer position, thank you Tom!) about what to expect this year. Tom reports many vendors will be returning this season (Pink Pony Farms, GF+1, Seven Swans Creperie among others) and hopes to have new products and food offerings join the market. What you see at Waldo Farmers Market is grown within 100-150 miles of our city and meets KCMO health department requirements. All vendors complete an application (still time to apply for space!); food trucks are also welcome. For opening night, a few special events are planned: the first 15 people will get a reusable Waldo Market bag and Waldo resident Erin Eades will provide musical entertainment.
The new location, at 7850 Holmes in the parking lot of the South Broadland
Presbyterian Church, will provide more space for farmers and shoppers with a
larger parking area—plus regular visitors from parents and caregivers picking up
their children from the popular summer camp program at the church. Hours are
3-7, and the market will be open every Wednesday through September 25.
Please support our Waldo Farmers Market! Just about every week there is
something different to buy –you’ll be inspired by all of the fresh produce, baked
goods and other surprise finds! Bring the kids, bags for your goodies and
chat up the vendors—they love talking about what’s out on the tables.
Tom is working on a website for the market; in the meantime, find them on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/waldofarmersmarket. You can message Tom
through their FB page as well for an application or more information.

McLain’s Bakery-A Waldo Classic, Updated for Today’s Tastes

Posted on May 28, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

One of the features of the Brookside/Waldo area neighbors appreciate so much are the locally owned, ‘mom and pop’ shops and eateries. McLain’s Bakery is that type of place: it’s been serving up delicious baked treats since 1945! And although the Hirlemans are just the third owners, Mollie Lothman and her brother Jeff Hirleman remember going to McLain’s as kids for their moms favorite cookie. As adults, Mollie wanted to open a bakery; Jeff wanted to open a coffee shop—so the family decided to buy the place when it came on the market back in 2014.

A photo from the original McLain’s Bakery

If you grew up going to McLain’s (the original location was on Wornall, just north of 75^th St), know that the original butter roll dough recipe is still used for the pastries (cinnamon roll, Danish, twist, etc.) However, the siblings wanted to update and expand the bakery’s offerings for today’s customers. They added new cookies (including a gluten free double chocolate chip flavor), muffins, and more coffee options. Moving to the current spot at 201 E Gregory also gave them more space to add seating, hot breakfast sandwiches and light lunch options. They make all items fresh every day—including bread for the sandwiches and even the salad dressings! And just like the original McLain’s, custom cakes are a big seller—about 70-100 are created every weekend.

McLain’s Bakery as it looks today, with the signage from the original store

McLain’s is one of those places where the employees are sincerely friendly and service oriented. Mollie says “We promote our employees from within when we can. Our two head bakers didn’t even know how to bake when they started working here! Tips are shared with everyone. We have over 100 employees now with our three locations.” (McLain’s Market is now open in Lawrence and Overland Park.) Like the original owners from way back when, Mollie and her staff love seeing people of all ages coming into the shop and watching the kids get older, knowing they are providing special treats for a regular Saturday morning visit or special occasions. McLain’s is here to “make life’s moments sweeter”, which is part of their mission statement.

So…are you craving a treat from McLain’s after reading this blog?!? Stop in soon to the Waldo location at 201 E Gregory. They are open seven days a week!

Happy Bottoms Moves To Waldo

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Mary Hutchison

You may have noticed a new occupant in the former Habitat ReStore space at 303 W 79th St. It’s not a business that is open to the public, however it does provide an important community service. Happy Bottoms is a diaper bank, getting families in need diapers through several social service agencies in the six county area.

Stacks of diapers at Happy Bottoms, and their van

Current Executive Director Jill Gaikowski is the founder of Happy Bottoms. In the fall of 2009, a friend alerted her to the urgent need for donated diapers to help families in the area. Jill started a diaper drive and eventually collected 16,636 diapers, stacking up in her basement! Having found her calling, she opened a non profit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing diapers to those in need. The original warehouse location was in Lenexa; Happy Bottoms recently moved to the Waldo location for more space. Currently they are renting the building but hope to purchase it at some point.

Business and Communications Manager Beth Canipe

Business & Communications Manager Beth Canipe explained how the non profit works: the diapers are acquired through purchases (at reduced rates) and donations. The diapers are distributed through 37 area social service agencies (government programs such as WIC and SNAP do not allow diapers to be purchased under federal programs). Those families who qualify can get 50 diapers per month. Happy Bottoms also provides potty training education for parents and potty training kits.

As with most non profit programs, volunteers are always welcome! You can volunteer to help as an individual or through a “corporate engagement” program—Happy Bottoms will come to your office and set up wrapping stations to bundle up the diapers for distribution. Monetary donations are always needed. I especially like the suggestion of donating to Happy Bottoms in honor of Mother’s Day coming up this weekend!

Find out more information on Happy Bottoms and how to donate or volunteer at their website.

Diaper Bundle Stations at Happy Bottoms

Inside Brookside (And Waldo)

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

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