Local

Four noteworthy openings and closings in Johnson County

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Recent articles on Johnson County spotlight various openings and closures within the community. New opportunities and retirements reshuffle the retail and dining landscape. A new Pakistani restaurant in Lenexa opened its doors, drawing over 1,000 customers within its first week. Tandoori Grill replaces a Mediterranean spot, adding to the diversity of local cuisine. Meanwhile, the owners of Rakar Dumpling House and furniture store plan to retire this December, marking the end of a unique business venture in Leawood.

The French cafe Aixois also closed its Leawood location after a year, though its Crestwood spot remains open. Dillons grocery chain announced its re-entry into the KC market with a new store in Johnson County. Plans for this location are underway in collaboration with the city of Olathe.

Dillons once had a presence in the Kansas City metro. It soon will again.

NO. 1: THIS GROCERY CHAIN WILL RE-ENTER THE KC MARKET WITH A JOHNSON COUNTY LOCATION

Dillons — a Kansas based grocery chain that has been gone from the Kansas City area for several years — will soon open a Johnson County location. | Published October 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The Aixois Classic, eggs, potatoes and toast, is part of the French bistro’s breakfast menu. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 2: JOHNSON COUNTY FRENCH CAFE CLOSES AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR IN BUSINESS

Aixois — a French restaurant that’s been in Kansas City for nearly 25 years — has closed its Leawood location. | Published October 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Chicken biryani is one of several dishes at the new Tandoori Grill in Lenexa. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 3: NEW JOHNSON COUNTY RESTAURANT PROMISES AUTHENTIC PAKISTANI CUISINE

Since Tandoori Grill opened late last week, owner Siddiq Ashraf said he’s served more than 1,000 customers. | Published October 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Rakar Dumpling House is closing.

NO. 4: JOHNSON COUNTY RESTAURANT AND FURNITURE STORE TO CLOSE FOR OWNERS’ RETIREMENT

More than two years ago, Jim Zhang and his friend and business partner, Catherine Kot, opened a dumpling shop and furniture store in the former Winstead’s in Leawood. | Published October 27, 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.