Local

Nine iconic restaurant closings mark an end of an era in Johnson County

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Several well-loved restaurants in Johnson County have recently closed, leaving communities nostalgic for familiar flavors and gathering spots. d’Bronx, known for classic pizza and Reuben sandwiches, turned off its lights after decades. Burnt End BBQ ended its Overland Park run while opening a new spot in De Soto, and Ruby Jean’s Juicery left Town Center Plaza after just two years.

Other favorites, like Coco Bolos in Prairiefire and Toni’s Italian Restaurant in Olathe, closed due to shifting business realities and city projects. These changes mark a transition as new places move in and residents remember old traditions.

The Summer Smash Burger from BurgerFi.

NO. 1: JOHNSON COUNTY BURGER RESTAURANT JUST CLOSED AFTER 10 YEARS. HERE’S WHAT’S MOVING IN

This restaurant sold prime rib burgers, cheeseburger bowls, Texas-style chili cheese dogs and more. | Published April 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Ruby Jean’s Juicery offers healthy menu items including smoothies, and performance shakes.

NO. 2: KC JUICE BUSINESS CLOSES JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION AFTER 2 YEARS: ‘IT NEVER CAUGHT ON’

The juices, smoothies, wraps and more are still sold at locations in Kansas City. But no longer at this spot. | Published May 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Burnt End BBQ’s burnt ends bowl.

NO. 3: BARBECUE RESTAURANT CLOSES JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION AFTER 10 YEARS. ALL IS NOT LOST

This restaurant is known for its brisket and burnt ends sandwich, smoked ribs and barbecue bowls. | Published July 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Coco Bolos struts its island influence with bacon-wrapped and grilled shrimp brushed with a tangy sauce. By Kimberly Winter Stern

NO. 4: ‘NOOOOO!’ POPULAR JOHNSON COUNTY GRILL AND CANTINA PERMANENTLY CLOSED AFTER 10 YEARS

“One of our most favorite happy hour spots,” one fan called the Mexican restaurant. | Published September 10, 2024 | Read Full Story by jthompson@kcstar.comJenna Thompson

The Creamy Steak Enchilada at Jose Pepper’s. The local chain has closed its location at Legends Outlets.

NO. 5: KANSAS CITY AREA MEXICAN RESTAURANT CHAIN HAS CLOSED THIS LOCATION AFTER 10 YEARS

Nine locations of the chain remain in the area. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Tacos and salsa from On the Border, which wants to open a Lexington location. The Tex-Mex chain is looking for a franchise partner and hope to bring at least three restaurants to Kentucky.

NO. 6: MAJOR TEX-MEX CHAIN CLOSED THIS KC AREA LOCATION LAST YEAR. HERE’S WHAT’S MOVING IN

The chain closed three restaurants last year. Something else is moving into this spot. | Published January 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The city of Olathe could acquire and demolish several properties, including Erv’s Vaccums, Avis, and Toni’s Italian Restaurant, to make way for a major road improvement project at Interstate 35 and Santa Fe Street. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 7: ITALIAN RESTAURANT SAYS GOODBYE TO OLATHE AS LOCAL BUSINESSES SHUTTER FOR HIGHWAY PROJECT

Toni’s Italian joins The Double Nickel, AR’s Breakfast and Brunch and several other businesses closing their doors as Olathe purchases the land to make way for the Santa Fe improvement project. | Published March 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Taylor O’Connor

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

NO. 8: 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 new Sonic Drive-In “Crave” burger has a special sauce. All Sonic burgers now come with fresh pickles.

NO. 9: FAST-FOOD CHAIN CLOSES JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION AFTER OVER A DECADE

The popular chain’s sign was partially removed Friday, and cones blocked the entrance. | Published April 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.