Mexican/Cuban restaurant to open in former NKC barbecue space

A new North Kansas City restaurant is turning away people as it prepares to open.

The hungry consumers are looking for Kansas City SmokeShack BBQ, which recently closed in the spot at 900 Swift Ave., less than a year after opening.

Now Paul and Ybel Davalos plan to open El Burrito Loco Mexican Cafe in the building by early April.

They are still working on the menu but it will include burritos, tacos, quesadillas, Mexican-style panini, chicken wings and tenders, seafood, and more.

It also will make use of the former barbecue’s smoker to smoke its chicken, pork and brisket to use in the dishes.

“Traditional Mexican dishes and traditional Cuban styled foods as well. Our chef is from Cuba and is well seasoned in Latino styled foods,” said Paul Davalos. “We’ll have fried green banana that to me tastes like french fries. We are thinking outside the box.”

The Big Rip Brewing Co. also is a tenant of the building and the two businesses plan some cross promotions.

This story was originally published March 8, 2014 at 11:39 AM with the headline "Mexican/Cuban restaurant to open in former NKC barbecue space."