Kansas City restaurant named one of the ‘hottest’ in US. Next stop: Johnson County
After months of drudging through renovations, the Tiki Taco team will soon enjoy the (jack)fruits of its labor.
Tiki Taco’s newest location in downtown Overland Park, 7514 W. 80th St., will open Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. It will serve the same items available at its two Kansas City locations: sweet chili shrimp tacos, jackfruit tacos, nachos, surf ‘n turf burritos and more.
Tiki Taco just landed on QSR Magazine’s “hottest start-up fast casuals” list for 2024, the only Kansas City brand on the list. QSR Magazine is dedicated to reporting on the fast-casual restaurant industry.
The Overland Park location will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
While this is Tiki Taco’s third spot — its others are at 1710 W. 39th St. and 5400 Troost Ave. — owner Lyndon Wade said the brand is far from a “no-soul, rubber-stamped chain.”
“Ours have a lot of uniqueness and creativity that are put into them,” Wade said, adding that each location feels like a “neighborhood taco shop.”
The Overland Park location will have a walk-up window and patio, as well as a bar serving margaritas, pina coladas and other cocktails.
The first Tiki Taco opened on 39th Street in 2017, quickly gaining popularity in the area.
Wade and his brother, Lindsey Wade, purchased the business in 2020 with their mother, Judy Rush. They gave the space a makeover and brought on partners Rich Wiles, former owner of Westport Cafe, and Jason Kinslow.
Tiki Taco’s food truck began catering events last year. It’s available for booking at tikitaco.com.
The group is now looking for even more spots across the metro. Announcements forthcoming.
“We have lofty goals for this. We don’t think we’ll stop at these three,” Lyndon Wade said.
Also coming to downtown Overland Park soon, Mexican restaurant Cien Por Ciento Mexicana: Red Kitchen KC at 7926 Santa Fe Drive.
Marketing manager Meilene Robinette said Cien Por Ciento does not have an opening date yet, but it’s currently serving customers a few hours at a time during trial runs. Time slots are announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page.