Two rooftop restaurants coming to downtown Olathe. Here’s when they may open
Construction has begun inside a building that will become the County Square Commons in downtown Olathe — where there will be two rooftop restaurants, including a new Austin’s Bar and Grill location, and other tenants which are anticipated to open for business later this year.
Contractors are aiming for a late summer or early fall completion date on the building, which will house tenants at 114, 118, 122 and 124 Cherry Street. Restaurants would open there shortly after, according to Michael Berenbom, managing partner of developer Lane4.
“Olathe has been committed to re-energizing this downtown for years, and it’s great to see, you know… step by step, that vision becoming more and more of a reality with each completed project.” Berenbom said in a phone call Tuesday.
Permits have been obtained for just interior demolition and some facade work so far for the four-space building, according to a city spokesperson. That work began last week.
In addition to Austin’s, Fifth & Emery (formerly Yogurtini KC) will occupy space at the north end of the building. The second restaurant which will offer rooftop amenities at the County Square Commons has yet to be announced.
Berenbom said a third tenant has agreed to terms and that a lease is being developed, but that he could not yet share who it will be. It could take up to five weeks before the lease is finalized, he said.
“A fourth and final spot remains on the market that we’d love to find the perfect tenant for,” Berenbom said.
Transforming downtown Olathe
Work begins at the County Square Commons as city officials have their sights set on making downtown a place people want to spend their free time.
Plans for the development were approved by the City Council last year, which noted at the time that the County Square Commons aligns with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, said Cody Kennedy, a city spokesman.
“The City of Olathe is excited to see the work begin on what will be a historic revitalization in downtown Olathe,” Kennedy said in an email. “This generational project will see many unique and quality dining choices and have our city core be a destination.”
While not a part of the County Square Commons project, there are a number of other recent developments that align with the city’s downtown push.
Pizza 51 just opened a downtown restaurant last June at a historic gas service station at 200 S. Kansas Ave.
Third Street Social is expected to open its downtown location, 135 S. Kansas Ave, at the end of April or early May, and Char Bar, a barbecue restaurant, is planning to open a large space just northwest of the County Square Commons project.
A representative of the Olathe Chamber of Commerce said other businesses are showing interest in moving downtown.
Jason Leib, vice president of business development at the Chamber, said a credit union and a microbrewery have both inquired about a downtown spot.
“Downtown Olathe has been a government center for a long time, but people really want a more active, vibrant core,” Leib said. “With Austin’s, Fifth & Emory, and new spots like Pizza 51 and Third Street Social, we’re finally seeing the kind of retail and restaurant mix that reflects the pride our residents have in this community.”
This story was originally published February 19, 2026 at 11:05 AM.
