Billie’s Grocery owner opening new concept in former JoCo Mexican restaurant
.jpg "Salty Iguana will soon become a Mexican-inspired restaurant from the creator of Billie’s Grocery.")
Kansas Citians likely recognize the name Robin Krause for her popular local cafe Billie’s Grocery.
After nearly six years and two locations for Billie’s, Krause is now trying her hand at something new.
Casa — a “Mexican-inspired” restaurant with Asian and Mediterranean influences — is opening in the former Salty Iguana space in Prairie Village.
Krause’s new restaurant aims to open in the spring at 8228 Mission Road.
“Expect chiles, smoke, charred vegetables, layered salsas, and sauce-forward dishes,” reads a media release from shopping center Corinth Square. “Bold, vibrant food that feels indulgent — not restrictive.”
Casa doesn’t aim to be Tex-Mex — it’s more of a health-forward fusion cuisine, according to the release. Local meats and produce and nutrient-rich ingredients are promised on the menu.
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Krause is the original owner of The Filling Station, though the coffee shop is now part of the Messenger Coffee family of brands. In 2020, she opened Billie’s at 3216 Gillham Plaza, Suite 100. It expanded to 3614 W. 95th St. in Leawood three years later.
The Salty Iguana space has been vacant since the company closed all of its KC area restaurants last March.
Salty Iguana started in Prairie Village in 1992. Last year, multiple locations were seized by the Kansas Department of Revenue for thousands of dollars in unpaid sales and liquor taxes. The restaurant announced it’d permanently close its remaining three locations shortly after.
This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 1:04 PM.