Restaurants and shops closed in Johnson County this spring

Johnson County has seen several restaurants and shops close this spring, including both local favorites and big-name chains.

Longtime eateries like Johnny’s BBQ in Olathe and Salty Iguana Mexican restaurant have shut their doors after decades — although Johnny's has reopened as another barbecue spot. National chains like Jack in the Box and Sonic Drive-In have also closed area locations, leaving fewer fast-food choices near spots like Oak Park Mall.

The Old Mango, a downtown Overland Park home goods store, is winding down as well, and Forever 21 ended its run in Oak Park Mall.

The Double Jack at Jack in the Box will be coming to a menu near you in Lexington and Louisville. The burger chain is expanding into Kentucky.

NO. 1: THIS NATIONAL FAST FOOD CHAIN CLOSES MULTIPLE KANSAS CITY AREA LOCATIONS. HERE’S WHERE

Five of the chain’s restaurants remain open. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Salty Iguana offers Mexican dishes like its fajita quesadillas. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 2: KC AREA MEXICAN RESTAURANT OF 33 YEARS TO CLOSE ALL ITS LOCATIONS ‘WITH HEAVY HEARTS’

“We have loved being a part of the Kansas City & Lawrence communities!” the closing announcement reads. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

NO. 3: NATIONAL TEX-MEX CHAIN HAS CLOSED ITS LAST KANSAS CITY AREA RESTAURANT AFTER DECADES

The Johnson County location had been there for 25 years, but the brand entered KC in the mid-1990s. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

A mixed plate of barbecue at J’s BBQ in Olathe on Tuesday, Mar. 11, 2025. The location recently switched ownership after the departure of longtime favorite, Johnny’s, closed up shop. The owner, Josh Deal, claims to have “the best burnt ends in Kansas City.” By Dominick Williams

NO. 4: JOHNSON COUNTY BBQ RESTAURANT CLOSES, ANOTHER REPLACES IT. ‘THE BEST BURNT ENDS IN KC’

The KC institution is gone after almost 50 years. But don’t fear BBQ fans, something else is here. | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Forever 21 fashions are displayed on three mannequins in the window at its new, larger store at St. Clair Square shopping mall in Fairview Heights. It opened Friday. By Christine Poehling

NO. 5: MAJOR CLOTHING STORE CLOSING LAST KANSAS CITY LOCATIONS AS COMPANY SHUTS DOWN IN U.S.

Closing sales are happening now. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The Old Mango is closing in downtown Overland Park. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 6: JOHNSON COUNTY HOME GOODS STORE IS CLOSING, WITH MAJOR SALES. ‘IT’S BEEN AMAZING.’

“It will continue to be important to support local businesses in the current economic climate,” the owner said. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

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

NO. 7: 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.