This Johnson County roast beef restaurant just closed. A Taco Bell could replace it
It’s been a month since St. Louis-based fast-food chain Lion’s Choice closed all but one location in the Kansas City area.
Now, Taco Bell has filed for a city permit to move into one of those spots, at 14189 W. 135th St. in Olathe. Taco Bell’s request is under review, according to the city’s permitting system.
It’s unclear when the restaurant might open. Taco Bell did not respond to The Star’s request for comment Monday.
On June 29, Lion’s Choice, known for its roast beef sandwiches and custard, announced it would close four locations. Its others were at 10313 Metcalf Ave. in Overland Park, 440 N.W. Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit and 4049 S. Little Blue Parkway.
The Olathe location sat near a Patrick Mahomes-owned Whataburger, which opened in November. (Mahomes’ franchise group, KMO Burger, has several locations in the Kansas City metro.)
Lion’s Choice’s Liberty location, 129 S. Stewart Road, is the only one left in the Kansas City area.
Meanwhile, Taco Bell has more than a dozen locations in the metro, including its Taco Bell Cantina in Westport, which features a full bar.
The California-based chain is known for its chicken quesadillas, crunchwrap supremes (flour tortilla stuffed with beef, nacho cheese, lettuce, and a crispy tostada shell), and its Mountain Dew Baja Blast soda drink.
“Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudekis said last year that a Taco Bell in his hometown, Overland Park, is far superior than the other locations he’s visited.
“I don’t know why, how they do it different. The soft shells are always soft,” he said in a TikTok uploaded by Harper’s Bazaar.
There are currently two in Overland Park: 10107 W. 75th St. and 9690 Metcalf Ave.