‘Twas quite a year of eating and drinking in Johnson County.
This year, Johnson County saw lots of new additions to the food and drink scene — along with some notable departures. From pies and doughnuts to barbecue and pasta, here’s a look back at some of the Post’s most popular stories about local places to eat and drink in 2025.
Salty Iguana (closure) — Prairie Village
Closed: February 2025
Known for: Mexican cuisine
Location: 8228 Mission Road, Prairie Village
Read more: Salty Iguana in Prairie Village shut down, assets seized over $100K in unpaid taxes
Mo Pie — Leawood
Opening: Spring or summer 2026
Known for: Pies in various flavors
Location: 7956 Lee Blvd., Leawood
Website: https://www.mopieco.com/
Read more: Former mastermind at Tippin’s Pies opening bakery in northern Leawood
Double Nickel (closure) — Olathe
Closed: February 2025
Known for: Beers and bar snacks
Location: 189 S. Rogers Road, Olathe
Read more: ‘We gotta go’ — Olathe bar Double Nickel to close for good, citing coming Santa Fe overhaul
IHOP (closure) — Shawnee and Overland Park
Closed: Fall 2025
Known for: Breakfast eats
Locations: 15350 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Shawnee, and 9099 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
Read more: 2 IHOPs close their doors in Johnson County
First Watch (closure) — Overland Park
Closed: February 2025
Known for: Breakfast and brunch fare
Location: 8180 W. 135th St., Overland Park
Read more: First Watch closing a southern Overland Park location
Handel’s — Overland Park
Opened: August 2025
Known for: Homemade ice cream
Location: 11885 W. 95th St., Overland Park
Website: https://handelsicecream.com/store/oakparkmall/
Read more: ‘We were hooked’ — Local family brings beloved out-of-state ice cream shop to JoCo
J’s BBQ — Olathe
Opened: Spring 2025
Known for: Burnt ends
Location: 1375 W. Old 56 Highway
Website: https://www.jsbbqkc.com/
Read more: New locally owned barbecue joint opens in former Johnny’s BBQ spot in Olathe
Bella’s — Olathe
Opened: November 2025
Known for: Italian dishes
Location: 16110 W. 135th St., Olathe
Website: https://www.bellasolathe.com/
Read more: Locally owned Italian restaurant opens in former Applebee’s in Olathe
Mr. D’s Donuts — Overland Park
Opening: Late summer or fall 2026
Known for: Handmade doughnuts
Location: 14463 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
Website: https://www.mrdsdonuts.com/
Read more: Locally owned doughnut shop Mr. D’s on its way to Overland Park
Thai Story — Overland Park
Opening: Spring 2026
Known for: Authentic Thai dishes
Location: 14459 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
Website: https://www.eatpadthaikc.com/
Read more: Popular Thai eatery in southern Overland Park moving to bigger space nearby
Andre’s (closure) — Overland Park
Closing: End of 2025
Known for: Swiss chocolates
Location: 4929 W. 119th St., Overland Park
Read more: Swiss chocolate shop André’s Confiserie saying goodbye to Overland Park
Rulber’s Restaurant Mas Cantina — Prairie Village
Opening: Early 2026
Known for: Mexican dishes
Location: 5358 W. 95th St., Prairie Village
Read more: Mi Ranchito owner sets sights on new ‘upscale’ Mexican restaurant in Prairie Village
Paris Baguette — Overland Park
Opened: August 2025
Known for: French pastries
Location: 15895 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park
Website: https://parisbaguette.com/
Read more: French-inspired bakery Paris Baguette now open in southern Overland Park
