Local

Six pizza openings and closures that shaped Kansas City this year

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City's pizza landscape saw noteworthy transformation this year, with new ventures, strategic expansions, and the end of a long-standing brand. Pizza 51 announced its move into a repurposed auto garage, aligning with a trend of adaptive reuse and community-focused dining. Simultaneously, emerging players like Plate Pizzeria aim to elevate standards by introducing regionally inspired offerings such as Neapolitan-style pizza.

Meanwhile, established chains faced headwinds, as illustrated by the closure of Pizza Tascio's Lawrence outpost and the final shuttering of d’Bronx, a brand once emblematic of the local pizza scene. Combined, these movements reflect a dynamic market balancing nostalgia, innovation, and the challenge of sustainability in a competitive food landscape.

Chef Christian Joseph tosses a pizza crust at Plate in Leawood. Joseph plans to open a pizzeria at Zona Rosa Shopping Center next year. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 1: KANSAS CITY FINE-DINING RESTAURATEUR WILL OPEN PIZZA PLACE IN ANOTHER PART OF TOWN

“We are excited to introduce a new culinary standard to the area,” this chef said. | Published July 3, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Gian Lombardino slides a Spicy Pepperoni pie into a Pizza Tascio oven. By Parker Anderson

NO. 2: KANSAS CITY PIZZA CHAIN KEEPS ADDING LOCATIONS. BUT THIS ONE CLOSED AFTER TWO YEARS

This restaurant, serving New York-style pizza, quickly expanded to multiple Kansas City area locations. The owner announced one has closed. | Published July 12, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

After the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, coach Andy Reid celebrated with a sausage and mushroom pizza and a salad at Pizza 51. Our writer decided to try it. By Emily Curiel

NO. 3: POPULAR KC PIZZA RESTAURANT PLANNING NEW LOCATION IN FORMER JOHNSON COUNTY AUTO SHOP

The popular KC pizza restaurant might soon have a Johnson County location. | Published October 2, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Kansas City Star reporter Jonathan Shorman chooses The Burnt Heaven Sandwich from the Char Bar in Westport as his Let’s Dish favorite.

NO. 4: 3 NEW RESTAURANTS COMING TO DOWNTOWN OLATHE: BBQ, PICKLEBALL, COMFORT FOOD & PIZZA

The revitalized area will include a barbecue spot with seven pickleball courts, as well as two other popular restaurants. | Published October 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The Z-Man sandwich at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is a brisket sandwich topped with provolone cheese, onion rings and barbecue sauce. By Emily Hood

NO. 5: JOE’S KANSAS CITY WILL SELL 2 VERSIONS OF ITS Z-MAN SANDWICH AT ROYALS GAMES THIS SEASON

Here is where the sandwiches will be sold at Kauffman Stadium and options fans will have to buy Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Pete Grathoff

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

NO. 6: 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 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.