Shawnee expands with several new eateries

A little section of Shawnee is seeing more than a handful of new food options coming in.

Johnny’s Tavern and PepperJax Grill recently opened in Shawnee Parkway Plaza, and two other restaurants will soon join them.

Johnny’s had operated in another shopping center across Shawnee Mission Parkway for 18 years. But the owners liked the shiny new Parkway Plaza and its easy access and greater visibility along the parkway.

So they relocated to a 7,300-square-foot spot at 13131 Shawnee Mission Parkway, putting in outdoor decks on two levels with garage doors on the first level and soon an outdoor fire pit. They also put in 60 TVs (including one at every table).

There are nine Johnny’s Tavern operations and more are planned.

“We offer good food at a reasonable price and we appeal to the blue-collar worker and the white-collar worker and everyone in between,” said Sean Haydock, a partner in Johnny’s.

PepperJax Grill, a fast-casual chain based in Omaha, took a spot at 13107 Shawnee Mission Parkway. It it is known for its phillies, gourmet rice bowls, big burritos, loaded nachos and fresh salads.

Kolache Factory, which offers kolaches and other baked goods, is scheduled to open by early August at 13103 Shawnee Mission Parkway near PepperJax Grill.

Burger King is scheduled to open by the end of the year in a new freestanding building.

Meanwhile, Twisters Grill & Bar plans to take Johnny’s former spot at 13410 Shawnee Mission Parkway. Twisters is known for its tacos but also offers burgers and hot dogs, sandwiches like the ranch wrap and the tenderloin, fried pickles and more.

“Johnny’s did very well there for quite some time,” said Mike McComb, co-owner with Christie Chancey.

They plan to remodel the new Shawnee location for a scheduled fall opening. The first Twisters opened in Bonner Springs a decade ago.

Just to the east on Shawnee Mission Parkway, 10 Quivira Plaza also is adding more food options.

Thai Homeplace, a Thai restaurant, is scheduled to open Friday at 12220 Shawnee Mission Parkway. The owner did not return phone calls.

Smoothie King plans to open at 12106 B Shawnee Mission Parkway by early August.

Panda Express and Starbucks are under construction in a new 4,500-square-foot multi-tenant building that is scheduled to open in late October or early November.

Scott Lipovac, leasing representative with Tri-Land Properties Inc., developers of 10 Quivira Plaza, said Shawnee’s strong demographics and the high traffic count on Shawnee Mission Parkway have spurred redevelopment in the area.

“There are a lot of calories coming to Shawnee Mission Parkway,” Lipovac said. “Shawnee Mission is the major corridor for people in Shawnee, going to the Plaza or downtown, and there’s a lot of pent-up demand.”

This story was originally published July 15, 2014 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Shawnee expands with several new eateries."