Mexican-style restaurant opening soon in Johnson County. Take a look inside
It’s a completely different concept than local hotspot Billie’s Grocery, but Robin Krause’s new restaurant has similarities.
The modern, laidback atmosphere of Billie’s translates to its sister spot, Casa Ama. Large cacti and ceramics sit around the new white-walled space.
The old wood floors of former Mexican bar Salty Iguana at 8228 Mission Road in Prairie Village have been removed and replaced with concrete. Its posters have been torn down, and blue checkered wallpaper hangs instead. White stone walls divide booths.
Casa Ama also seeks to serve “mindful” cuisine, said marketing director Marie Effertz, meaning it leans on the healthier, cleaner side of things. Just like Billie’s.
“I’m really happy with the way it turned out,” Effertz said. “I think (Krause) wanted to transport people to another place … When I step in here, I feel like I’m on vacation.”
Casa Ama, 8228 Mission Road, is officially opening to the public Monday, but it hosted a soft opening event prior to the launch.
At the preview, servers juggled plates of shaved ribeye tacos ($13) and cast-iron fajitas, offered with a variety of proteins: artichoke chicken and jalapeño, garlic lime shrimp, soy citrus marinated carne asada, and roasted poblano with shishito pepper.
Bartenders poured agave-centric cocktails from behind a long bar. Wine, beer, and non-alcohol cocktails are offered as well.
While the restaurant largely serves Mexican-American food, Krause doesn’t stick solely to one food genre.
“She’s always been inspired by trips she’s taken, meals she’s had with different friends and people she meets along the way,” Effertz said. “She kinda wanted to bring that into the neighborhood and her community.”
Its chicken Caesar smash tacos ($13) come with romaine lettuce, cabbage Caesar, cotija and charred apple salsa on a soft flour tortilla. Starters include white bean hummus and birria ($16). The poblano double burger ($18) has a double smash patty, jack and chihuahua cheese, morita aioli, charred poblanos and fries.
On the drink side, customers can sip cocktails like the loco coco ($14): 1800 coconut tequila, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut and nutmeg. Its Michelada ($10) has corona, hot sauce, Worcestershire, lime and salt. Its signature margarita ($12) has Camarena tequila, Trois citrus, triple sec and lime.
It may seem like an unexpected venture for Krause — whose other concept offers organic brunch options, coffee and pastries — but Effertz said this is something the restaurateur has long wanted to try.
“Mexican is her favorite food,” she said. “She just wanted to bring in flavors from, obviously the Mexican culture, but inspired by different cultures.”
Casa Ama’s Laotian chef, Anouram Thomson, is bringing his own twist to the restaurant via the charred long bean salad ($14) and other dishes. Thomson founded Anousone in Overland Park’s Strang Hall.
As for Krause, she was born and raised near Casa Ama. The Corinth Square shopping center is near her old high school, Shawnee Mission East.
“This area is very important to her,” Effertz said.
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.
After Salty Iguana concluded its 33-year run at the space, Krause wanted to give the neighborhood something it could enjoy just as much.
“A lot of people miss Salty Iguana. They miss that family environment,” Effertz said. “She also wants to keep that in this neighborhood for people.”
Casa Ama is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
It’ll serve brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Happy hour is from 2 to 5 p.m.
Good news for Billie’s fans: Krause plans to expand the concept in the next year or two. Effertz said she’s planning on opening a spot farther south, but details are TBD.