City Market restaurant can’t survive on delivery orders, closes with a ‘heavy heart’

Kansas City’s locally-owned, New Orleans-inspired bistro, Beignet, has shut down in the City Market after seven years.

On Sunday, the restaurant posted a message on its Facebook page: “Today we close our doors with a heavy heart and tremendous gratitude for everyone that made Beignet successful! Happy trails to you until we meet again. Much love to everyone!!!!”

Its Twitter account also has been suspended.

In a statement, City Market officials said, “We’re refraining from comment until we verify with the owner whether Beignet’s closure is permanent or temporary during the State of Emergency.”

Beignet’s chef and owner Bryan Merker couldn’t be reached for comment.

Merker opened Beignet, at 307 Main St., in May 2013. The location offered savory and sweet beignets, along with such items as jambalaya, red beans and rice, gumbo, Cajun meatballs, po’boy sandwiches and crepe wraps.

But in mid-March, area restaurants had to close their dining rooms to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. During the shutdown, some businesses have temporarily closed; others are offering carry-out, curbside and delivery. Some, such as Nick and Jake’s in the south Plaza area, said they will not reopen.

In an April 9 Facebook post, Beignet said it couldn’t continue to operate by partnering with delivery services as its primary source of income: “They serve as a wonderful convenience for the consumer but the cost is substantial for the business.”

It encouraged customers to call in for carry-out.

Then on Sunday, it posted the closing, generating more than 330 comments: “I had a love for your shop. Will you do a food truck? Please don’t leave us. You had the best beignets. Amazing food and hospitality.” And: “Was so scared this would happen. We love this place. The owners were so nice. Being from Lake Charles, LA this was such a huge taste of home. My husband and I have been coming here for years.”

Beignet also had locations on 39th Street’s restaurant row and in the Westport area for a short time. Merker also owned Nica’s in Overland Park and on Southwest Boulevard.