Downtown Overland Park will be home to new American restaurant, speakeasy
Months ago, Buffalo State Pizza Co. packed up and moved its pies and hot honey drizzle across the street.
Its former digs at 7901 Santa Fe Drive in Overland Park has been vacant since. But soon, its doors will reopen and debut two new concepts: an American restaurant and a speakeasy.
The restaurant will be called Telia, named after Tyler Morrison’s two sons: Tex and Liam. In Greek, “telia” means perfect.
Morrison plans to open the spot in the fall, so he’s still playing with the menu. But expect brunch, lunch and dinner items.
It won’t be too casual, but it’s not a froufrou establishment, either.
“It’s gonna be a premium, quality restaurant but not high-end,” Morrison said.
In the basement, a speakeasy called Night Owl will feature premium cocktails. It will have a separate entrance.
Morrison — who’s opening the concept with his wife, Monica — said it’s named after the owl that’s been frequenting his backyard since his sons were born.
He’s excited to join the downtown district, which will debut a new farmers market pavilion this year. The Overland Park Farmers’ Market has been ranked one of the best in the country multiple times.
“I see a lot of growth and development, so there’s a need for a big restaurant concept to come in and do it,” Morrison said.
Morrison plans to add a rooftop bar for Telia — perfect for when the weather improves.
“It’s awesome to be able to own and operate the building,” he said. “It gives us a little more flexibility … It’ll be something that will reward our restaurant guests and ourselves.”
More details about both concepts will be forthcoming as the team irons out everything.
Morrison’s other concept, Scratch Gourmet Kitchen, operates in Prairie Village at 3939 W. 69th Terrace. Morrison recently took over the former Story restaurant space next door, with plans to expand Scratch.
Downtown Overland Park is home to several other restaurant concepts. Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop is next door, with Lemongrass Thai Cuisine just around the corner. Combination restaurant Atomic Cowboy is also in the district, along with Dragon Inn, Hummus & Pita, Kate Smith Soiree, Red Kitchen: Cien Por Ciento Mexicana and several others.