Openings & Closings

5 longtime restaurants that have recently closed around Kansas City

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Several Kansas City dining establishments have permanently closed their doors this past winter and spring, citing economic pressure and declining demand.

KC Daiquiri Shop closed its downtown restaurant late last year after battling a slow economy and legal disputes. The last d’Bronx pizza shop has turned off its lights, ending decades of serving New York-style pizza.

Cafe Gratitude, the Crossroads spot that's been serving up vegan dishes for 13 years closed earlier this year alongside Charisse, a decade-old downtown restaurant.

The Bob Marley drink features three flavors of daiquiris: Hulk, mango and strawberry at KC Daiquiri Shop Bistreaux, 8725 Metcalf Ave., in Overland Park. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 1: AFTER NEARLY SIX YEARS, KC CAJUN RESTAURANT KNOWN FOR ITS FROZEN DRINKS WILL CLOSE

“Such a sad day in KC,” a fan wrote on its social media page. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

D’Bronx has closed its last location. It’s unclear whether it will reopen. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 2: LONGTIME KANSAS CITY PIZZA SHOP HAS CLOSED ITS LAST RESTAURANT. IS IT GONE FOR GOOD?

The restaurant, which has been around KC for 35 years, appears to be permanently closed. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The I Am Blessed entree at Cafe Gratitude includes marinated mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes and cashew hollandaise sauce on gluten-free bread, served with a side of breakfast potatoes. It sells for $10.50. By Christopher Smith

NO. 3: BELOVED KANSAS CITY CAFE IS CLOSING AFTER 13 ‘UNFORGETTABLE’ YEARS

“We will miss you SO MUCH! Truly a gem in our city,” a customer wrote online. | Published April 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Charisse has closed at 1006 Walnut St. By David Hudnall

NO. 4: KANSAS CITY RESTAURANT HAS CLOSED AFTER 10 YEARS: ‘AN HONOR TO SERVE YOU’

The restaurant served French fare in its early years but more recently described itself as an American restaurant. | Published April 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

The new Sonic Drive-In “Crave” burger has a special sauce. All Sonic burgers now come with fresh pickles.

NO. 5: FAST-FOOD CHAIN CLOSES JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION AFTER OVER A DECADE

The popular chain’s sign was partially removed Friday, and cones blocked the entrance. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.