In the Dotte dispatch: KCK staple closing after 61 years, ‘We have no choice’
Editor’s note: The following is from this week’s In the Dotte newsletter, published weekly on Tuesdays. You can sign up here to get them delivered to your inbox.
Good morning, Wyandotte County!
One local business has fed menudo, tostadas and classic margaritas to KCK residents throughout key historical moments over the last 61 years.
It served traditional Mexican bites through the inauguration of Richard Nixon, the first astronauts landing on the moon and even the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
And now, that midtown staple is shutting its doors.
I’m Sofi Zeman, your guide through all things KCK. Welcome back to In the Dotte.
¡Corre y se va!
After decades serving up warm plates to KCK residents, Jalisco’s in midtown will close at the end of the month. When the business locks up for the final time, it’ll mark the end of a legacy dating back to the 60s.
The restaurant’s owner, José Hernandez, sat down with my colleague Jenna Thompson to reflect on decades of care for the community and why saying goodbye has been so hard.
She also chatted with customers who celebrated numerous milestones within Jalisco’s walls.
“The first time you come in, you’re a customer. Second time, you’re a friend,” Hernandez said. “Third or fourth time, you’re family.”
The 85-year-old said he was content to serve burritos, tostadas, tacos and his “famous” margaritas until he physically couldn’t anymore. It’s not his choice to close up his beloved restaurant.
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And, if you have questions about Wyandotte County or a tip about what else I should look into, please email me at szeman@kcstar.com
Sofi’s selects
⚖️ The Wyandotte County deputy charged with killing an inmate last year “knelt on his back until he was breathless,” the man’s family said after seeing video of his death for the first time.
🥩 Some BBQ fans are saying they want to boycott this KCK restaurant after its owners were filmed hanging out with President Trump at the White House. Others saw it differently.
Get school’d
🔊 They weren’t going to give up a chance for their voices to be heard. See the scene at a KCK high school where teens walked out to decry Kansas’ new crackdown on student protests.
✂️ The KCKPS’ school board voted to fire its special education director — again. It marked the third time this month that members publicly discussed her contract.
Development in the Dotte
💾 Numerous high-tech, large-scale data centers are headed for all over the Kansas City metro, including two in KCK. Here’s where tech giants like Google and Nebius want to set up shop.
🚧 Having the Chiefs as your new neighbor is bound to throw a wrench in your plans. KCK’s incoming Barbie-themed amusement park is undergoing a redesign to keep up.
Thank you for reading. See ya back here next week!
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This story was originally published May 12, 2026 at 3:27 PM.
