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Watch Kansas City’s pizza spots change as new shops open and old ones close

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of stories highlights the changing landscape of Kansas City’s pizza scene, focusing on both established favorites and emerging spots.

Papa Keno’s closed its Overland Park location, soon to be replaced by Glory Days Pizza. Spin! Pizza ended its long run on South Plaza but directs customers to its Prairie Village spot.

Northeast Pizza opened with a community-minded approach, offering $3.25 cheese slices and an eclectic vibe with punk rock music and vintage decor. A Black-owned restaurant passport features a range of local places, including pizza among its options.

Read the stories below.

Papa Keno’s offers pizza, sandwiches and salads.

NO. 1: LAWRENCE-BASED PIZZERIA CLOSES ITS FINAL KC AREA SPOT. BUT SOMETHING ELSE IS ON THE WAY

The pizzeria once had several locations in the metro. | Published January 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

A sausage and caramelized onion pizza paired with the spinach and goat cheese salad is seen at Spin Pizza on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Kansas City.

NO. 2: KANSAS CITY PIZZA SHOP IS CLOSING AFTER 15 YEARS. ‘IT’S BEEN A PLEASURE SERVING YOU’

The restaurant said it decided not to renew its lease. | Published January 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Northeast Pizza sells full pizzas, slices and salads. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 3: NEW KANSAS CITY PIZZA SHOP SERVES SLICES FOR LITTLE DOUGH: ‘EVERYONE CAN COME THERE’

The restaurant has fine-dining ties, but this one is for all. | Published February 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Chef Justin Clark preparing a dish at Urban on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Located at Armour Road and Troost Avenue, Urban is a full service restaurant from Chef Clark, a spinoff of his first restaurant, Urban Café. By Dominick Williams

NO. 4: LOOKING FOR BLACK-OWNED KC RESTAURANTS? NEW PASSPORT GUIDES TOUR OF METRO HOT SPOTS

Want to find KC’s hottest Black-owned restaurants? Pick up your new passport to eateries at GIFT, 5008 Prospect Ave., for a tour of metro hot spots | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mará Rose Williams

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.