Waldo restaurant shuts down after ‘numerous difficulties’ — including COVID-19

Nearly eight years ago, Louie’s Wine Dive opened at the corner of Wornall Road and Gregory Boulevard in Waldo.

It offered “gourmet comfort food” and an extensive wine list. But Sunday, the restaurant and bar, at 7100 Wornall Road, closed its doors.

In a statement, the company said: “Louie’s Wine Dive in Waldo has had numerous difficulties the past several years ranging from persistent flooding of our premises impairing operations to the loss of sales sustained from the pandemic and we have decided to close this location. The majority of our team is being retained and will employ at Louie’s Wine Dive at 119th and Glenwood Street in Overland Park, and in the Taco Republic and BRGR brands.”

The landlord for the Romanelli Shops declined to comment.

In early 2019, Whitney VinZant, founder of Louie’s Wine Dive, formed two companies to take over two concepts by Bread & Butter Concepts: BRGR Kitchen + Bar and Taco Republic.

The Leawood BRGR Kitchen + Bar recently closed.

A Taco Republic is opening in the former Arby’s space in Corinth Square. The original Taco Republic is in Kansas City, Kansas.

Louie’s Wine Dive is the latest in several recent restaurant closings in Waldo.

Boru Ramen Bar closed in early June. Burger King closed in August after more than 35 years.

Brick + Mortar temporarily closed in late July when a health inspector discovered it was under new ownership. It has not reopened. Earlier this month the landlord filed suit seeking back rent and possession of the space.

But other operations are moving into the area, including Andy’s Frozen Custard, Jovito’s Italian Cafe and Strip’s Chicken.

This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 12:28 PM.