Two side-by-side Kansas City restaurant spaces are still empty. Here’s what’s going on

Midtown’s longtime pizza place, d’Bronx Authentic Deli and Pizzeria, will not be reopening.

Cadence Commercial Real Estate said it has the 2,500-square-foot space for lease. The owner of d’Bronx did not return calls.

D’Bronx had operated in the corner space of the two-story brick building (circa 1910) for more than three decades. In May it posted a sign on the door saying it was closed “as we consider how to best serve the Roanoke and adjoining neighborhoods in the coming months and years.”

At the time, d’Bronx owner Don Foringer said he was in discussions with his landlord about improvements to the space.

There are still d’Bronx restaurants in Mission and Overland Park.

But Justin Kaufmann, principal with Cadence, which is leasing the 39th Street space, said: “There was nothing to keep anyone from operating. There were a few little things that Don wanted us to do. We wanted him to freshen up the space. He was on a month to month lease for two years.”

Theresa “Ting” Santos-Spencer planned to open another Ting’s eatery at 1803 W. 39th St., next door to the former d’Bronx space. Blue Koi Noodles & Dumplings formerly operated in the spot.

She opened Ting’s in Parlor food hall and the City Market this year. But she said the 39th Street plans are on hold.

“The entire building is not suitable for anyone to be in the building let alone open to the public and serve them food out of it,” Spencer said.

But Kauffman disagreed, saying: “There were a few little things that Ting’s wanted us to do, which we have done, and they have a signed lease. We are happy to do anything that the landlord is responsible for, that is necessary, to get Ting’s bistro open.”

Meanwhile, 39th Street’s restaurant row will get a new pizza place when Pizza Tascio opens nearby at 1806 W. 39th St. later this month.

This story was originally published October 4, 2022 at 4:17 PM.